摘要
The rapid increase in consumption of herbal remedies worldwide has been stimulated by several factors, including the notion that all herbal products are safe and effective. Hyperprolactinemia is a major cause of infertility, and herbal remedies have been employed locally for treatment. This study was designed to investigate the effects of hydroethanolic extract of Solenostemon monostachyus on the reproductive hormones and metabolic parameters of haloperidol-induced hyperprolactinemic rats. Thirty six female albino rats were divided into 6 groups of 6 in each group. Groups A, B, C, D and E were given increasing doses （2, 3 and 4 mg/kg body weight in five-daily increments） of haloperidol by intramuscular injection for 15 days after which they were treated for another 15 days with either 2.5mg/kg body weight ofbromocriptine （group D only） or 75, 112.5 or 225mg/kg body weight of the extract （groups A, B and C, respectively）. Group F was given distilled water only. After treatment, the animals were sacrificed and blood was taken from each group for plasma analysis of the reproductive hormones and metabolic parameters. The total protein and the lipid profile （total cholesterol and HDL （high-density lipoprotein） and triglycerides were also determined. Phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of saponins, phenols, alkaloids, fiavonoids, and tannins. The result of endocrine investigation showed a dose-dependent, statistically significant reduction in prolactin and testosterone （P 〈 0.05） level by the extract with statistical significant increase （P 〈 0.05） in the levels of the follicle stimulating hormone, LH （luteinizing hormone） and estrogen. There was also a decrease in the levels of the triglycerides and total cholesterol while HDL was increased （P 〉 0.05）. It can be concluded from this study, that hydroethanolic extract has a prolactin reducing activity compared with Bromocriptine and exhibited a corresponding statistical significant difference in other reproductive hormones, with no detectable alteration on metabolic parameters such as＂ albumin, total cholesterol, and high density lipoprotein.
