Effect of Vitex agnus-castus extract on progesterone levels in the presence of toluene in female mice

Introduction: Toluene or methylbenzene is an organic solvent widely used in many industrial activities. Toluene can suppress the function of ovary and alter the levels of progesterone hormone. Vitex agnus‑castus belongs to the family Verbenaceae. The fruit has been recommended as a hormone‑like and antioxidant remedy for alleviating menstrual disorders, sedative, relieving menstrual pain and for treating digestive disorders. In this study we investigate the protective effect of vitex extract in presence of toluene on ovarian function.Method & material: Fifty adult mice were divided into ۴ groups: sham group received saline and corn oil, toluene group received ۱۰۰ mg/kg toluene, vitex group received the extract of vitex at a dose of ۱۰۰ mg/kg and a group received ۱۰۰ mg/kg toluene in presence of ۱۰۰ mg/kg dose of vitex extract. treatment were done intraperitoneally for ۱۴ days. after ۱۴ days mice were sacrificed and Blood samples were collected for hormonal analysis.Discussion: Our findings indicated treatment with Vitex extract for two weeks can protect ovary against toluene toxicity and improve the function of ovary in mice.Result: Our results showed toluene administration significantly decreased progesterone level compared to sham group (p<۰.۰۵). Vitex extract significantly increased the level of progesterone comparison in sham group (p<۰.۰۵). Also, treatment with vitex extract in presence of toluene significantly increased progesterone hormone compared to toluene group (p<۰.۰۱).

Keywords:

Toluene , Vitex agnus‑castus , mice , ovary , progesterone