Effects of Melatonin on Estrous Cycle Changes Induced by Ethanolic Extract of Cannabis-sativa in Female Wistar Rats

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of melatonin and ethanolic extract of Cannabis-sativa (EECS) on oestrus cycle and reproductive hormones in reproduction of female rats. Twenty female rats were assigned into four groups of five animals each, such that the rats in groups I, II, III and IV received orally 1mL distilled water, 2mg/kg body weight (BW) of EECS, 2mg/kg BW of EECS plus 4mg/kg BW of melatonin and 4mg/kg BW of melatonin, respectively. Vaginal smear was taken daily to determine the Stages of oestrus cycle using light microscope (x400) between 8am-9am. Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E), progesterone and prolactin were also determined using standard methods. EECS significantly (p<0.05) lengthened the metestrus and diestrus phases of oestrus cycle. However, it significantly (p<0.05) shortened the proestrus and estrus phases. CS significantly (p<0.05) decreased GnRH, FSH, LH, E, progesterone and prolactin levels respectively. All these effects were ameliorated when combined with melatonin to the level comparable to the control. This study showed the gonadotoxic effects of EECS which could be mediated by endocrine disruption. However, these effects could be ameliorated by melatonin. Since the consumption of CS is increasing globally because of its medical uses leading to its legalization, therefore, consumption of melatonin as supplement is recommended for its users to prevent its gonadotoxic effects.
Keywords: Cannabis-sativa, Melatonin, Oestrus cycle, Sexual behaviour, Reproductive hormones