Toxicological impacts of crude oil-contaminated and uncontaminated Mangifera indica stem bark aqueous extracts on hormonal and lipid metabolism in female wistar rats

Abstract

This study investigated the biochemical effects of aqueous extracts from crude oil-contaminated (C) and uncontaminated (F) Mangifera indica stem bark on female Wistar albino rats. Stem barks were collected from oil-polluted agricultural land in Umuechem, Rivers State (C), and an uncontaminated site at the University of Benin, Edo State (F). Aqueous extracts were prepared by soaking 100 g of powdered bark in 1000 ml distilled water for 72 hours, followed by filtration, concentration via rotary evaporator, and freeze-drying. Eighty rats were divided into five groups: a control group received distilled water, while four treatment groups were administered 250 mg/kg or 3500 mg/kg body weight of C or F extracts orally via gavage for 90 days. Progesterone levels significantly decreased (p