DOSE DEPENDENT INHIBITORY EFFECT OF LAGENARIA SICERARIA FRUIT POWDER ON FSH AND LH HORMONES IN MALE WISTAR RATS

Male Wistar rats were received 300, 500 and 1000 mgkg-1 body weight of the LSFP for 08 weeks for estimating the dose dependent effect on FSH and LH hormones. Material and methods: male Wistar rats [190–220 g] were divided into four groups as control, low dose [300 mgkg-1 ], medium dose [500 mgkg-1 ] higher dose [1000 mgkg-1 ]. Such doses of LSFP suspended in gum acacia [2%] were orally administered. 24 h after the last day dosing blood samples were withdrawn by retro orbital method for estimation of serum FSH and LH hormone level. Gonadal morphology of testis was estimated by testicular index for any changes. Control group findings were compared with higher dose treatment groups. Results: Serum FSH and LH level was significantly reduced in 1000 mgkg-1 LSFP dose as compared with control group male rats, which was evidenced in testicular index morphology. Conclusion: significant decrease in serum FSH and LH level and testicular index were observed at the dose 1000 mgkg-1 of LSFP, while no changes were observed at the doses 300 mgkg-1 and 500 mgkg-1 when compared to male control group rats. The phytochemical analysis depicted major chemical constituents as 5-alpha-reductase enzyme inhibitors [oleic acid, linoleic acid, steric acid and palmitic acid] phytosterols [β-sitosterol, campesterol, fucosterol], flavonoids, alkaloids. The observed results may due to the presence of 5-alpha-reductase enzyme inhibitors or phytosterols. Key Words: FSH; LH; testicular index; hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis; gonadotropin-releasing hormone