Effect of certain indigenous medicinal plants on ovarian hormone profile and reproductive performance in anestrus cattle

Abstract

Considering the limitations of hormones, the plant remedies mentioned in ancient and mediaeval texts/traditional
practice need to be explored scientifically to evolve suitable alternatives in correcting reproductive dysfunction. In such an attempt
the effects of medicinal plants viz. Murraya koenigii (Curry leaf plant) and Urtica dioica (Bichchu grass) were observed on serum
estrogen progesterone concentrations and induction of estrus and conception in anestrus cattle. Twenty crossbred anestrus cattle
were divided in three groups of 7 (Mu"aya), 7 (Urtica) and 6 (control). Animals in two treatment groups were assigned with oral
administration of plant powder for nine days (day 0-8) based on extrapolated doses from rats. Serum sampling was carried out on day
-8, -4, 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16, and estrogen, progesterone concentrations were determined using ELISA. Onset of estrus and pregnancy
establishment was recorded. Results dipicted significantly rising estrogen levels in Mu"aya treated group without altering progesterone
concentrations and appreciable induction of fertility, in the same group.