Ameliorative Effect of Acanthus montanus on Fertility of Female Mice Exposed to Levonorgestrel

Aim: This study aimed at determining the potential role of Acanthus montanus extract on the fertility of female mice exposed to Levonorgestrel.

Study Design: The study was a completely randomized design employing relevant statistical tools for analysis and interpretation.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University. The experiment lasted for 35 days between April and June 2023.

Methodology: A total of 24 Female mice and 12 males were divided into six groups (A-F) in ratio 1male: 2females. Group A served as the control. B was administered 0.75mg/kg/bw of levonorgestrel only, C was administered 0.375mg of levonorgestrel. D was administered 0.75mg/kg/bw of levonorgestrel+500mg/kg/bw of Acanthus montanus, E was administered 0.375mg/kg/bw of levonorgestrel+500mg/kg/bw of Acanthus montanus, F was administered 500mg/kg/bw of Acanthus montanus only for 30days. Fertility indices such as gestation length, sex ratio, litter size, and pups weight were assessed.

Results: show a significant (p=0.05) decrease in survival rate of pups in group B and C compared to group A and other treatment groups. Litter size of pups also significantly (p=0.05) increased in group A, D and E (coadministered levonorgestrel and Acanthus montanus) and group F compared to group B and C. Moreover, as the gestation length increased, the mean weight and survival rate decreased.

Conclusion: The results of this study has proven that despite the effect of levonorgestrel on fertility indices of female mice, especially in group B and C, Acanthus montanus is not fetotoxic but provided an ameliorative effect against levonorgestrel with significant improvement on the female fertility and fecundity.