PROTECTIVE PROPERTIES OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF PERSIA AMERICANA SEED ON THE OVARY OF POTASSIUM ALUMINIUM SULPHATE INDUCED TOXICITY IN FEMALE WISTAR RATS

Nweke Elizabeth O., Opara Julia K.*, Nweke Tochukwu M.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Potassium aluminium sulphate is a toxic chemical commonly used in the purification of water. This is an old method of water purification but it is still common in some parts of West Africa. This study evaluates the protective effect of persea americana on potassium aluminium sulphate induced toxicity on the ovary of female wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty (30) female wistar rat weighing between (150-200) were divided into six(6) groups, with five (5) animals in each group, The groups were designated as A, B, C, D, E and F. Group A served as the control, Group B received potassium aluminium sulphate only (2.3ml), Group C received Persea americana only (0.8ml), Group D and E, received potassium aluminium sulphate at same dose for one week (2.3ml) and were treated with 0.2ml and 0.8ml of P. americana respectively for three weeks while Group F recieved 2.3ml of potassium aluminium sulphate and 0.8ml of Persea americana extract concurrently for four weeks. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed, their ovaries were harvested and their morphological differences were observed under light microscope. Results: Group A and C showed normal ovarian features, Group B showed ovarian cortex with ovarian cysts, focal area of haemorrhage within the theca interna and oocyte, Group D showed mild healing with ovarian cysts and clearing of follicular fluid. Group E showed mild healing with focal area of haemorrhage and Group F showed moderate healing with ovarian cyst and mild area of haemorrhage. Conclusion: The extract of P. americana seed has a protective effect against toxicity in the ovary.

Keywords: Persia americana, Ovary, wistar rats, weight.