Effect of an alpha – glucosidase inhibitor from the seeds of adenanthera pavonina on gonadal weight and function in mice

The compound responsible for the alpha – glucosidase inhibitory activity of seeds of Adenanthera pavonina L. was isolated from ethanolic extract (70% v/v), purified by ion exchange chromatography and partially characterized by UV, ¹ H NMR, and ¹³ C NMR to be an unresolved nitrogenous five- membered lactone structure, that is possibly pavonin. In vivo treatment of mice with isolate at sub acute levels (10–100mg/kg body weight) for 28 days decreased significantly the relative weight (expressed as percentage of body weight) of the testes and ovaries of male and female rats respectively at p<0.05. The glutathione-S-transferase activities of both organs also decreased significantly (p<0.05) with time when compared with the control, suggesting reduced gonadal function. Histopathological studies on these organs revealed mild to moderate reduction of spermatogenesis in the testes, while in the ovaries there were mild reductions in follicular activities. However, resorption of foetus was observed in pregnant mice in the course of the experiment. Conclusively, the isolate may interfere with gonadal function by affecting spermatogenesis, oogenesis and possibly the production of sex hormones in both sexes.

Keywords: Adenanthera pavonina, five membered lactone, gonadal weight, function

Acknowledgement: Dr A.I. Gray, Department of Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, for spectral elucidation of isolate

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