In recent times, different plant extracts have been reported to exert fertility enhancing effects. Carica papaya fruit is known for its use in preparation of herbal remedies. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Carica papaya on the reproductive system of female Wistar rats. Sixteen (16) female Wistar rats with regular oestrous cycle were used for this study. Animals were grouped into four (4) groups (control, low dose, middle dose, and high dose) of 4 animals each. Carica papaya fruit extract was administered for 14 days while monitoring the oestrous cycle. Twenty hours after the last administration, animals were sacrificed, and blood samples taken. Blood samples were collected for hormonal assay. Data obtained was expressed as Mean ± standard deviation, values were considered statistically significant when P ≤ 0.05. Phytochemical analysis of premature Carica papaya fruit revealed the presence of alkaloids, terpenes, sterols and terpenoids were heavily present. Estrous cycle was not altered. Serum FSH and LH increased. The extract is likely to possess fertility enhancing properties.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), one of the most widely used food-additives in commercial foods gives a special aroma (umami) to processed foods. It’s vital to brain metabolism and function. Adverse effects of MSG have been widely reported. However, there is scarcity of literature on the action of MSG on spatial memory and cognition. Hence, there is need to assess the effect of MSG ingestion on spatial memory and cognitive behavior in Wistar rats. 25 Wistar rats were randomly selected into five groups and treated for three weeks thus: Group 1 (control), Group 2 (0.7 mL MSG), Group 3 (1 mL MSG), Group 4 (1.5 mL MSG) Group 5 (0.1 mL Epinephrine). Neurobehavioral (Barnes, navigation, and handgrip) activities exhibited by the various groups were recorded and analyzed using ANOVA. In the Barnes maze test, there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in escape time in group 4 when compared to the control for weeks 1 and 3. In week 1 of the Navigation maze test, group 4 animals spent less time (p<0.05) to navigate the maze when compared to the control. In week 1 and 3 of the handgrip test, animals in groups 2, 3 and 5 had a significant decline (p<0.05) in grip strength when compared to the control group; However, in week 2, only the animals in group 5 had a decline in grip strength (p<0.05) when compared to control. MSG did not cause any form of neurotoxicity, cognitive or motor decline in rats.