Anxiolytic, estrogenic and non-toxic effects of sub-acute treatment with Khaya anthotheca (Welw.) C.DC (Meliaceae) decoction in ovariectomized Wistar rats

Zemo Gamo Franklin^1*, Djiogue Sefirin¹, Tchoupang Nana Edwige², Awounfack Charline Florence¹, Djikem Tadah Rudig Nikanor¹, Ndjengue Mindang Elisabeth Louise¹ and NJAMEN Dieudonne¹.

Page No.39-55

In Cameroon, Khaya anthotheca (Welw.) C.DC (Meliaceae) is traditionally used to manage central nervous system diseases. Then, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the anxiolytic, estrogenic and toxic effects of sub-chronic treatment with Khaya anthotheca (K. Anthotheca) extract using ovariectomized Wistar rats. For this to be done, 36 rats were ovariectomized and the 6 others were used as SHAM rats. 14 days after ovariectomy, animals were distributed into six groups of 6 animal each. They were treated for 28 consecutive days with distilled water, K. Anthotheca extract (at the doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg BW), estradiol valerate or diazepam. The anxiolytic activity was investigated through the elevated plus-maze (EPM) test; the estrogen-like effects of the extract were determinate on primary estrogens targets and his toxicity was evaluate. As results, in the EPM test, sub-acute treatment with K. Anthotheca extract increased rearing (p < 0.01), decrease the weight of fecal boli (p < 0.01; p < 0.05) and number of grooming (p < 0.01). The extract increased (p < 0.01; p < 0.001) the vaginal epithelia height and stimulated the eosinophil secretion on lumen of alveoli of the mammary gland. In the acute toxicity and sub-acute treatment, the extract showed neither mortality nor exterior toxicity signs (LD50 > 5000mg/kg). The sub-acute treatment with the extract at the doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg BW did not present any histological modification of liver, kidneys and lungs. These results suggest that K. anthotheca is endowed with anxiolytic and estrogenic properties. Moreover, these results indicate a broad safety margin for K. anthotheca decoction. 
Keywords: Khaya anthotheca, ovariectomy, estrogenic properties, anxiolytic effects, toxicological profile.