European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

THE EFFECT OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF ZINGIBER OFFICINALE ROSCOE (ZINGIBERACEAE) RHIZOMES ON OVULATION AND ESTRUS CYCLE OF VIRGIN FEMALE WISTAR RATS

*Essien Grace Emmanuel, Tologbonse Adedayo Adedoyin and Okoli Ebere Angela

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the effects of the methanol extract of the rhizome of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on the estrous cycle and ovulation of sexually mature virgin female wistar rats. The effect on the estrous cycle was studied using sixteen (16) sexually matured virgin female Wister rats (140 -160g). The extract was further investigated on the effect on ovulation using sixteen (16) sexually mature virgin female rats, using standard procedures. Data obtained from the study were presented on bar chart and pie chart. The results of this study revealed that the extract caused irregularity on the estrous cycle and significantly interfered with ovulation (p<0.05)..It could be inferred from the results obtained that methanol extract of Zinigiber offincinale would interfere with the reproductive process in female wistar rats. Consequently, excessive consumption of Zingiber officinale could affect fertility in females. These effects could be as a result of the secondary metabolites present in the plant.

Keywords: Zingiber officinale, oestrous cycle, ovulation, cyclicity, Wistar rats.