Restorative effect of Withania somnifera on histology of chlorpyrifos induced ovary of Swiss albino mice

Pesticides are widely used in agriculture for protection of crop from pests. Chlorpyrifos is a pesticide of organophosphate group which is used for both agricultural and non-agricultural purpose. Chlorpyrifos elicits a number of adverse effects including hepatic and reproductive dysfunctions. Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, possesses anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antistress, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hemopoetic, and rejuvenating properties. It also appears to benefit the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, and central nervous systems. The study is designed to evaluate the bioremedial effect of Withania somnifera on ovary of chlorpyrifos exposed mice. The control group received distilled water as drinking water. The ‘treatment’ groups received Chlorpyrifos 6 mg/kg b.w daily by Gavage method for four and eight weeks followed by two and four weeks administration of alcoholic extract of root of Withania somnifera (50 mg/kg/b.w/day). Animals were sacrificed after the scheduled treatment. Chlorpyrifos administered group showed degenerated corpus leuteum. Ova were also degenerated with degeneration of granulosa cells of mature Graffian follicle. These changes finally may lead to infertility in female mice. Withania somnifera causes remarked restoration in ovarian follicle with restored germinal epithelium. Mature Graffian follicles were also observed. Thus the study indicates that Withania somnifera plays a vital role against chlorpyrifos toxicity on ovary and may restores normal fertility in female mice.