Cyperus Esculentus L. (Tigernut) Increases Estrogen Levelin

Female Albino Wistar Rats

AGBAI E.O¹. AND NWANEGWO C.O¹.

¹Department of Human Physiology, Madonna University Elele, Rivers State Nigeria.

²Department of Human Physiology, Imo State University, Owerri Nigeria.

 E-mail: madonna3k5@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The effect of methanolic extract of Cyperus esculentus L. on follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin and estrogen in twenty four albino wistar rats and in four control rats. After six weeks administration of extract of Cyperus esculentus L., results showed no statistically significant difference in LH levels at P > 0.05 between Group A (5.23 ± 0.92) compared with experimental Group B (5.55 ± 0.29), Group C (5.33 ± 0.74) and Group D (6.10 ± 0.15). FSH levels showed statistically significant difference at P < 0.05 between Group A (12.20 ± 0.94) compared to Group B (11.30 ± 1.93) and Group C (12.18 ± 1.24). There was no statistically significant difference at P > 0.05 between Group A (12.20 ± 0.94) compared with Group D (14.18 ± 2.00). Prolactin levels showed no statistically significant differences at P > 0.05 between Group A (1.83 ± 0.38) compared with Group B (2.03 ± 0.05), Group C (1.88 ± 0.11) and Group D (2.25 ± 0.21). The estrogen levels showed statistically significant differences at P < 0.05 between Group A (16.83 ± 1.48) compared to Group B (19.85 ± 2.17). There was also statistically significant difference in estrogen levels at P < 0.05 between Group A (16.83 ± 1.48) compared to Group C (24.03 ± 4.31). There was a statistically significant difference at P < 0.05 between Group A (16.83 ± 1.48) compared to Group D (31.40 ± 4.19). Our finding revealed that methanolic extract of Cyperus esculentus significantly increased serum estrogen level as the dose concentration of extract increased, but did not statistically increase follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and prolactin levels.