Antisteroidogenic Activity of Ethanol Extract of Andrographis paniculata in Female Rats

Abstract

In the present study, the antisteroidogenic activity of the ethanolic extract of Andrographis paniculata leaf was investigated in female albino rats. The ethanolic extract-treated rats showed an alteration in the estrous cycle pattern when administered orally with the drug for 15 days. They exhibited a prolonged length of estrous cycle with significant increase in the proestrous and destroys stages compared with control rats. Weight, thickness, and diameter of reproductive organ were higher (p<0.01) in extract-treated rats than control rats. The cholesterol and ascorbic acid content in ovaries and uterus were increased until the protein level was decreased in ethanol extract-treated rats, when compared with control rats. Principle hormones involved in estrous cycle regulation such as Leutinizing hormone (LH), Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, and steroid hormones (Progesterone, β-estrodiol) of extract-treated rats showed significant changes in their level, when compared with control rats. Therefore, from the present investigation the ethanolic extract of Andrographis paniculata possess an antisteroidogenic activity in female rats.