Effects of Passiflora foetida Linn. on genital tract, serum estradiol, pituitary gonadotropin and prolactin level in female adult and immature ovariectomized rats

The effects of the extracts of Passiflora foetida on the genital tract, serum estradiol, pituitary gonadotropin (LH and FSH) and prolactin were studied in female adult (120-140 g) and immature ovariectomized (30-40 g) rats. Results showed that the aqueous extract increased significantly both the ovary and uterus weight whereas the hexane extract increased the weight of the ovary only and the methanol extract increased the weight of uterus only. Histological examination of these organs indicated that P. foetida treated rats were in estrous or proestrous phases of the estrous cycle. The hormone analysis showed that the serum LH was significantly increased by 17P estradiol and by the three extracts dose dependently in immature ovariectomized rats. Moreover, the aqueous extract increased significantly serum estradiol and pituitary gonadotropins and prolactin in adult non ovariectomized rats. Keywords: Passiflorafoetida, ovary, uterus, estradiol, gonadotropins, prolactin