Alteration in oestrus cycle and implantation in Mus musculus administered aqueous wood ash extract of Azadirachta indica (neem)

The study was designed to investigate the alterations in oestrus cycle and implantation in Mus musculus administered aqueous wood ash extract of Azadirachta indica. Mice were randomly grouped into four groups (5/group) where 0, 5, 50 and 100 mg/kg doses of the extract were orally administered for 20 d and microscopy of vaginal smear carried out daily to determine anti-ovulatory activity. Oestrus cycle, including metestrus, diestrus and oestrus phases and histopathology of uterus were examined. To assess abortifacient activity, pregnant mice were also administered extracts for 7 d and laparotomised on the 10th day of pregnancy to observe implantation in the horns of the uterus. Duration of metestrus and diestrus phases varied significantly, while the frequency at which the oestrus phase occurred was lowest at 100 mg/kg, (2.8 ± 0.2) and (1.2 ± 0.4) d, with degeneration of epithelial cells of glands in the uterus. Failure of implantation (0% implantation) was recorded in mice exposed to 50 and 100 mg/kg of the extract. Aqueous wood ash extract of A. indica altered the duration of metestrus, diestrus and oestrus phases of the oestrus cycle and compromised implantation in female mice.