Mormodica balsamina is use traditionally for abortions, birth control, increasing milk flow, menstrual disorders, vaginal discharge, constipation, diabetes, hyperglycemia, and fever (malaria). This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Momordica balsamina on the histology of the ovary and female reproductive hormones. A total of twenty five (25) Wistar albino rats weighing between 96-120g were used for the study. The rats were divided into five groups of 5 rats each. Group I served as the control group and was given normal feed and water. While groups II, III and IV were administered with 100, 200, and 500mg/kg of the extract respectively for 28 days. Group V was administered with 500mg/kg and was allowed for 14 days recovering period. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture and serum were used to determine the levels of estrogen, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone, and leutinizing hormones. Tissue sample were collected for routine histological analysis. Plasma serum concentration of estrogen, progesterone, FSH, LH, significantly reduced in high dose group (p<0.05). Histological section in high dose group showed mild reduction in graffian follicles. The result of the present study suggest that Mormodica balsamina poses anti-estrogenic properties which was attributed to the mild reduction in granulose cells.
 

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