j40re44

An aqueous extract from the leaves of Hibiscus macar-anthus. Hochst ex A.Rich, when given daily to 22-day-old female rats for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days, have shown a decrease in the growth rate of animals. The ovarian and uterine weights were high during the pubertal period (36–41 days). During the same period, the ovarian and uterine protein, ovarian cholesterol, and serum cholesterol levels showed significant differences in treated rats when compared with controls. The ovarian and uterine protein levels as well as the serum cholesterol level were high in animals treated with 49 mg/kg per day of plant extract. A decrease in ovarian cholesterol level was observed in the same group thereby suggesting the presence of an estrogenic compound in plant extract (Telefo et al., 1998).