Lime Juice Induces Ovarian Follicle Degeneration and Reduces Serum Gonadotrophin Level in Rats Model

Background: Lime juice possesses antimicrobial and anti-proliferative property and caused reduced sperm motility in animals. This study aimed at investigating the anti-proliferative effect of lime juice on the ovarian cortex of adult Wistar rats.

Methods: Twenty (20) adult Female Wistar rats weighing between 160 - 190 g were divided into 4 groups (n= 5). Group 1, 2 and 3 received 1 ml/kg, 1.5 ml/kg and 2.23 ml/kg body weight of undiluted lime juice respectively; Group 4 received 0.5 ml of distilled water for period of ten (10) days. Administration was done by gavages oro-gastrically daily using metal oral canula. Animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation 24 hours after the last administration of lime juice; ovary was dissected out following abdominal incision, fixed in 10% formo-saline for histological observation using H/E stains and blood sample was collected for hormonal (reproductive hormones) assay.

Results: Plasma concentration of FSH and LH significantly (p < 0.05) lowered in the lime –treated rats compared with control rats, histological observation revealed degeneration in the follicular cells, stroma hyperplasia and immature follicles in the animals treated with the undiluted lime juice compared with the control group; that revealed follicular cells at different stages of development.

Conclusion: Low plasma concentration of FSH and LH observed with consequent degeneration of follicular cells expressed in the ovarian cortex demonstrate anti fertility potential of lime juice.