Effect of Aqueous Extract of Mangrove Leaves (Avicennia marina) on the Hormones of Pituitary- Gonadal Axis and Ovarian Follicle Numbers in Diabetic Rats

Reproductive disorders is one of the major issues in diabetics which various chemical and herbal medicines have been used for its treatment from ancient times. Due to the antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties of Avicennia marina, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of aqueous extract of mangrove leaves on serum levels of LH and FSH, estrogen, progesterone, prolactin and ovarian follicle numbers in diabetic rats.
In the present experimental study 32 female Wistar rats were allocated into equal groups of control, non-treated diabetic and treated diabetic groups with aqueous extract of mangrove leaves with concentrations of 100 and 200 mg/kg. The diabetes in non-treated diabetic and treated diabetic groups with mangrove extract was induced using an intraperitoneal (ip) injection of alloxan. Aqueous extract of mangrove leaves injected into treated diabetic groups, alternate days for one month. Saline solution was injected to the animals of control and non-treated diabetic groups. At the end of treatment, serum levels of LH, FSH, estrogen, progesterone and prolactin were measured by ELISA. 5 µm sections of ovarian tissue were prepared and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E). Then, ovarian follicle numbers were examined by light microscope. Data obtained were analyzed by using one-way ANOVA and Post Hoc Tukey statistical tests.
Dose-dependent administration of aqueous extract of mangrove leaves with concentrations of 100 and 200 mg/kg was significantly increased serum levels of LH, FSH, estrogen, progesterone and prolactin, compared to the non-treated diabetic group (p The results indicate significant and dose-dependent effect of extract of mangrove leaves on increase serum levels of gonadotropins, estrogen, progesterone and prolactin in diabetic rats. Also it has protective effect on ovarian tissue. Therefore, consumption of Avicennia marina could be effective in improving hormonal disorders and ovarian tissue damage in patients with diabetes.