Authors : Ebenezer Adeola Ashamu; Ayomide Mary Akinyanju; Jacob Adewale Siyanbade; Adeniyi Noah Olalere

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/28nvht9d

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4h5nuzzk

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar298

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Abstract : Background: Chronic ethanol consumption is a known risk factor for female reproductive toxicity, primarily mediated through oxidative stress. Ficus exasperata (Fe), a medicinal plant, possesses documented antioxidant properties, but its protective role against ovarian damage is underexplored.  Objective: This study evaluated the protective effects of an alcohol extract of Ficus exasperata leaves (AEFE) against ethanol-induced ovarian damage.  Methods: Twenty adult female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=5): Control (distilled water), Fe-only (500 mg/kg AEFE), Ethanol-only (10.14 ml/kg of 40% ethanol), and Fe+Ethanol (co-administration). Treatments were administered orally for two weeks. Body and ovarian weights were recorded. Oxidative stress was assessed via serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Ovarian histoarchitecture was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining.  Results: The Ethanol-only group exhibited significant histological damage, including severe follicular atresia and distorted ovarian architecture, alongside a marked elevation in serum MDA levels (25.58 ± 0.27 nmol/ml) compared to control (17.23 ± 0.67 nmol/ml, p<0.05). Co-administration with AEFE (Fe+Ethanol group) resulted in notable ovarian recovery, evidenced by active follicular growth and restored histoarchitecture. This group also showed a significant reduction in MDA levels (19.45 ± 1.82 nmol/ml) compared to the Ethanol-only group. The Fe-only group displayed normal ovarian histology and the lowest MDA levels. No statistically significant changes were observed in body or absolute ovarian weights across groups.  Conclusion: The alcohol extract of Ficus exasperata leaves demonstrated significant protective and restorative effects against ethanolinduced ovarian toxicity in rats, potentially mediated through the attenuation of oxidative stress. These findings suggest AEFE as a promising candidate for mitigating alcohol-related ovarian damage.

Keywords : Alcohol, Ficus exasperata, Malondialdehyde, Ovarian Toxicity, Oxidative Stress, Wistar Rats.

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