Effect of Curcuma longa maceration treatment on ovarian follicular development, serum oestradiol, uterine growth and vascularisation in female albino rats

Curcuma longa is a well-known medicinal plant with various health benefits. This study was designed to evaluate the administration of Indonesian C. longa maceration for its effect on promoting growth and development of the ovary and uterus before mating in female albino rats. A total of 15 female Sprague Dawley rats in their dioestrous phase were assigned into three different groups: the Control group (mineral water); the Cur-Low group (mineral water with 1% C. longa maceration) and the Cur-High group (mineral water with 5% C. longa maceration). The treatments were given for 20 days. Serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone, oestradiol and progesterone were determined. After the sacrifice of the rats, ovary and uterine relative weight, uterine cornua diameter and length, uterine gland diameter (by histology), the number of primary, secondary, tertiary, and Graafian follicles, the number of corpora lutea and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in the ovary were measured. Uterine vascularisation was also evaluated. Administration of C. longa maceration significantly improved the relative weights of the uterus and ovary; uterine cornua diameter, length and vascularisation; uterine gland diameter; and expression of VEGF in the ovary. It also increased the number of tertiary follicles and corpora lutea, albeit not significantly. Follicle-stimulating hormone serum concentrations were lower in the administered rats. Oestradiol and progesterone levels rose with C. longa maceration treatment. The maceration improved the reproductive organs of unmated rats and had potential to optimise the uterine environment for supporting pregnancy in order to produce high-quality offspring.