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AN ANALYSIS ON THE EFFECT OF HIPPOCRATEA AFRICANA ROOT BACK EXTRACT ON ESTRADIOL CONCENTRATION IN FEMALE ALBINO WISTAR RATS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Hippocratea africana, a traditional medicinal plant, has been used for centuries in various African cultures to treat numerous health conditions. The root bark extract of Hippocratea africana is particularly noted for its potential therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hormonal regulation effects. Estradiol, a crucial estrogen hormone, plays a vital role in female reproductive health, influencing the menstrual cycle, fertility, and secondary sexual characteristics. Understanding the impact of natural plant extracts like Hippocratea africana on estradiol levels could provide significant insights into alternative treatments for hormonal imbalances and associated disorders.

Malaria is one of the most important killer diseases in Africa causing more than one million deaths every year. In Nigeria, the infection rate has been described as holoedenic with more than 75% of children ages 2-9 years infected (Saloko et al., 1994). Persistence of malaria symptoms after treatment with over the counter available antimalarial drugs have resulted in a gradual loss of faith in orthodox drugs (Moody, 2007).

There is also increased dependence on herbal remedies due to the high cost of the world health organization (WHO) recommended artesunute (Acts) for the treatment of malaria by the peasant and low income earners  who are the most affected by the disease (Ndem et al., 2013). Available evidence shown that herbal remedies have been used in the treatment of ailment and have continued to play significant roles in the general provision of good health to people over the world (Farombia, 2003). Leaves, bark, root and even the latex of plant are used medicinally by traditional medicine practitioners for the treatment of various body ailments such as malaria, typhoid, fever, cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension etc (Farombia, 2003).

Most medicinal plant used for the treatment of ailment are by far less concentrated, less toxic and are used in much lower does than orthodox medicine which in concentrated drugs formulations are designed to target and reverse specific pathologies in the minimum time, one of such plant is Hippocratea africana (Moody, 2007). In the case of malaria, several herbal remedies have been decumented to have antiplasmodial activity such as Azadirachta indica, magnifera indica, cymbogon citratus and citrus auranferal. Hippocratea africana have been  reported to possess invivo antiplasmodial activity with lethal dosage (LD50) of 2.5mg/kg body loeight in mice (Okokon et al., 2006) Hippocratea africana also possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties which are probably mediated through inhibition of various antacoid formation and releases (perez et al., 1995) Hippocratea africana have been reported to have non effect on albumin and protein concentration in female albino wistar rats (Ndem et al.,2013).

Studied carried act in mice shows that, ethanolic root extract of Hippocratea africana possess promising blood schizotocidal activity, both in early and establish, infection at oral doses of 200 to 600mg/kg/day (Okokon et al., 2006).      

The chemosuppresive effect of Hippocretea africana at 400 to 600mg/kg were 81.8% and 90.6% respectively while that of chloroquine at 5mg/kg was 92.5%. Taking chloroquine during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal and neonatal death, miscarriage and still birth (Michaelides et al, 2011). Pyrimethamine has been reported to cause spermatogemic arrest and male infertility in a dose dependent manner (Cosentino et al., 1990). The infertility effect of amodiaquine hydrocholoride has been reported to disrupt the oestrus cycle and ovulation and reduces the number of ova release (Gbotowrun et al., 2011). Artesunate has been reported to cause significant embryo-fetal toxicity causing embryo deaths and malformation (Ruth et al., 2010). Maternal alcohol consumption may prevent proper implantation of the fertilized egg, usually terminating pregnancy (Nathanson, 2007).

Most of the research on antimalarial herb recorded are on their antiplasmodial properties. There is no literature on the effect of Hippocratea africana, for example on its effect on hormone concentration. This study is therefore designed to investrgate the effect of Hippocratea africana root bark extract on estradiol concentration of female albino wistar rats.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the traditional use of Hippocratea africana root bark extract in herbal medicine, there is limited scientific evidence on its effects on estradiol concentration in female albino Wistar rats. This gap in knowledge necessitates a thorough investigation to validate its efficacy and safety, which could lead to the development of new therapeutic options for managing estrogen-related conditions.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to determine the effect of Hippocratea africana root bark extract on estradiol concentration in female albino Wistar rats. Specific objectives include:

i. To evaluate the impact of Hippocratea africana root bark extract on the estrous cycle of female albino Wistar rats.

ii. To determine the changes in estradiol levels in response to varying doses of Hippocratea africana root bark extract.

iii. To find out the potential side effects of Hippocratea africana root bark extract on the overall health of female albino Wistar rats.

1.4 Research Questions

i. What is the impact of Hippocratea africana root bark extract on the estrous cycle of female albino Wistar rats?

ii. What are the changes in estradiol levels in response to varying doses of Hippocratea africana root bark extract?

iii. How does Hippocratea africana root bark extract affect the overall health of female albino Wistar rats?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Hypothesis I

H0: There is no significant impact of Hippocratea africana root bark extract on the estrous cycle of female albino Wistar rats.

H1: There is a significant impact of Hippocratea africana root bark extract on the estrous cycle of female albino Wistar rats.

Hypothesis II

H0: There is no significant change in estradiol levels in response to varying doses of Hippocratea africana root bark extract.

H2: There is a significant change in estradiol levels in response to varying doses of Hippocratea africana root bark extract.

Hypothesis III

H0: There is no significant effect of Hippocratea africana root bark extract on the overall health of female albino Wistar rats.

H3: There is a significant effect of Hippocratea africana root bark extract on the overall health of female albino Wistar rats.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant as it aims to scientifically validate the traditional use of Hippocratea africana root bark extract in regulating hormonal levels. The findings could provide a foundation for developing new natural treatments for hormonal imbalances and enhance our understanding of alternative medicine. Additionally, this research could contribute to the broader field of endocrinology by offering new insights into plant-based hormonal regulation.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study is confined to evaluating the effects of Hippocratea africana root bark extract on estradiol concentration in female albino Wistar rats. The study will include controlled laboratory experiments to measure estradiol levels, monitor the estrous cycle, and assess the general health of the rats. Different doses of the extract will be tested to determine dose-dependent effects.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

Potential limitations of the study include the variability in individual responses to the extract, potential side effects that may not be observed within the study duration, and the challenge of extrapolating animal model findings to humans. Additionally, the quality and composition of the plant extract might vary, which could influence the results.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Hippocratea africana: A medicinal plant traditionally used in African herbal medicine.

Estradiol: A form of estrogen, a hormone critical for female reproductive health.

Albino Wistar Rats: A common laboratory rat strain used for biological and medical research.

Estrous Cycle: The reproductive cycle in female rats, analogous to the menstrual cycle in humans.

Hormonal Imbalance: A state where there is too much or too little of a hormone in the bloodstream, affecting body functions.

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