The potency of citrus hystrix DC in increasing fertility: The effect on ovarian follicle in rattus norvegicus

Abstract

Based on the substance content, kaffir lime leaves (Citrus hystrix DC) are indicated to have efficacy in increasing female reproductive fertility. This study aimed to examine the effect of kaffir lime leaf extract on the number of ovarian follicles of female white rats (Rattus norvegicus). This true-experimental research used three levels of extract concentration, i.e. 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 750 mg/kg of body weight. Data from the study were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and continued with the DMRT test. As a result, the administration of kaffir lime leaf extract had a significant effect on the number of ovarian follicles in white rats (p < 0.001). Treatment with a dose of 500 mg/kg and 750 mg/kg did not have a significant difference in the number of primary, tertiary, and de Graff follicles, while the secondary follicles in the treatment of 750 mg/kg had a significantly higher number than other treatments. Therefore, kaffir lime leaf extract has the potential as an herbal medicine for women's reproductive health.