Effect of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) hydroalcoholic extract on the uterus, oviduct tissues and pituitary- gonadal axis hormones in NMRI mice

Artemisia absinthium (known as wormwood) is used as a menstruation and abortive drug in the traditional medicine. Therefore, we have evaluated the effects of A. absinthium hydroalcoholic extract on the uterus, oviduct tissues and pituitary_gonadal axis hormones in adult female NMRI mice. In this experimental study, intraperitoneally injections were performed over 30 days on 50 female NMRI mice with 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg.bw doses of the extract of Artemisia stem and flower. Sham group received distilled water and control group was kept without any injection. After 30 days of injections, animals were dissected and blood samples were collected by heart aspiration. The levels of LH, FSH, estrogen and progesterone serum were measured. Sections of oviduct and uterus were prepared and stained by H&E method. Our findings in all experimental groups indicated a significant reduction in the body weight comparing with sham and control groups. In parameters such as uterus tissue thickness (Endometer, Miometer and Perimeter), and uterus glands, a significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in the groups receiving 100 and 150 mg/kg doses of the extract (p<0.05). In all experimental groups, no significant changes were observed at the levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH and LH showed a significant decrease in the groups receiving 100 and 150 mg/kg doses of the extract (p<0.05). It can be concluded that Artemisia absinthium hydroalcoholic extract in high doses has damaging effects on the reproductive system and uterine tissue, which may be due to α and β Thujoun, Alkaloid and Saponin constituents in this plant.