ABSTRACT:
This study investigated the effects of aqueous extract of Xylopia aethiopica on the reproductive hormone (prolactin) of female Wistar albino rats. Fifteen (15) female Wistar albino rats weighing 125g -150g were randomly divided into three (3) groups of five (5) rats per group. The first group (group 1) served as control (untreated group) and received distilled water while the other two groups were administered (oral) with hot aqueous extract of Xylopia aethiopica 20 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg body weight respectively for 6 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, the blood samples were collected to determine the reproductive hormone (prolactin) level. Results showed that there was significant increase (p<0.05) in the prolactin level of group 2 (20.00±15.00) ng/ml and group 3 (22.50±17.50) ng/ml of the treated rats when compared to the normal control group (6.00±1.00). These results confirm the traditional believe that the plant Xylopia aethiopica stimulates lactogenesis (milk production after giving birth). It therefore suggests that the prolactin level induced by this plant can suppress the ovulatory cycle and contribute to many factors inhibiting pregnancy at early stage of birth.