title: The effect of extracts of Cynomorium coccineum and Withania somnifera on gonadotrophins and ovarian follicles of immature Wistar rats.
abstract: The effects of water extracts of Cynomorium coccineum and Withania somnifera on ovarian follicular development and serum levels of FSH and LH were studied in immature 17-day-old and 25-day-old-Wistar rats. Water extracts of the plants were given to the animals per os in a dose of 47 mg/100 g body weight for 6 days. Serum levels of FSH and LH were measured by ELISA. Folliculogenesis was studied with a light microscope. In 25-day-old rats, extracts of both plants elicited significant changes in gonadotrophin levels coupled with a significant increase in ovarian weight and profound folliculogenesis. Numerous primary, secondary, tertiary and antral follicles were present. A distinct zona pellucida was not seen and the oocyte was often detached. In 17-day-old animals there was a significant increase-in body weight but without significant changes in the ovarian weight and folliculogenesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine, King Saud University, P.O. Box 1482, Buraidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Al-Qarawi
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Abdel-Rahman
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: El-Badry
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Harraz
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Razig
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Abdel-Magied
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000187:drug effects*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone