Uterotrophic bioassay of Carica papaya and Garcinia kola (bi-herbal) aqueous extract

Purpose: To investigate the estrogenic effect of Carica papaya, Garcinia kola, bi-herbal (BH) using the uterotrophic assay. Methods: Twenty-five (25) immature female Wister rats (18 days old) were assigned to 5 groups (A – E). Groups A (control group) and E were treated with 10 mL/kg of distilled water and 10 mg/kg estradiol, respectively, while groups B, C and D were given 10, 100 and 1000 mg/kg BH, respectively by oral gavage for 3 consecutive days. The body weight of the animals and the quantity of feed consumed were determined daily. On the 4th day, the rats were anesthetized and blood was collected for estradiol assay using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The uteri, ovaries and cervix were dissected and weighed. The organs were fixed in Bouins fluid and processed histologically. Results: The result showed an increase in body weight which corresponded with the quantity of feed consumed. There was a non-significant (p > 0.05), dose-dependent increase in blood estradiol levels in all BH extract-treated groups and a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the estradiol group. Photomicrographs of the uterus, cervix and ovary of all treated groups revealed normal cellular and structural appearance. Conclusion: The aqueous bi-herbal root extract is non-estrogenic at experimental doses. Therefore, it alleviates concerns about infertility and estrogen-induced cancers associated with high estrogen levels with the use of this bi-herbal extract.