Justicia flava Leaves Exert Mild Estrogenic Activity in Mouse Models of Uterotrophic and Reproductive Cycle Investigations

This study aimed to assess and determine the estrogenic activity of the leaf extract of Justicia flava (JF) in mice, which may interfere with its therapeutic use in female reproduction. The uterotrophic assay (UTA) utilizing 20 days old female mice and the reproductive cycle assay (RCA) utilizing adult female mice were used in this study. All administrations were performed orally. Reproductive organ and blood samples were collected the day after last administration of JF for histology and hormone analysis. Other parameters such as organ weight, temperature, body weight, and reproductive cycles were analyzed. Our study showed that for UTA, JF increased uterine weights slightly, which were nonsignificant but more pronounced at the highest dose of 1000 mg/kg. JF did not induce vaginal opening, which is a sign of puberty onset. JF also had minimal effect on organ morphology and caused a slight increase in serum estrogen. For RCA, JF did not significantly alter body weight and temperature although an upward trend in temperature was observed. JF did not disrupt cycling significantly (P > .005) compared with estrogen (the positive control drug used). JF also did not significantly alter uterus morphology except at 1000 mg/kg where some increase in the number of glands and cell activity were observed. JF has mild estrogenic activity and will not interfere with reproductive functions at lower doses (10-100 mg/kg) during therapy, but high doses (up to 1000 mg/kg and above) may cause some alterations. Our data, therefore, suggest that JF is a useful candidate in the management of female reproductive health issues at lower doses.