EFFECTS OF THE AQUEOUS STEM BARK EXTRACT OF VOACANGA AFRICANA STAPF (APOCYNACEAE) ON NIPPLE LENGTH AND MAMMARY GLAND HISTOLOGY IN FEMALE RATS AFTER TOPICAL APPLICATION

Insufficient milk production can limit exclusive breastfeeding. In Côte d’Ivoire, the stem bark of Voacanga africana Stapf (Apocynaceae) is traditionally applied topically to the breasts to promote lactation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an aqueous extract of V. africana stem bark on nipple length and mammary gland histology in rats. The stem bark was harvested in Bin-Houyé (Tonkpi region, Côte d’Ivoire). The aqueous extract was prepared from 50 g of powder in 1 L of distilled water, filtered, and then dried in an oven. A qualitative phytochemical screening was performed. Acute dermal toxicity was assessed according to the principles of OECD Guideline 402. In the pharmacological study, fifteen Wistar rats were divided into three groups of five (untreated control; 100 mg/kg; 300 mg/kg). The extract was applied daily to the mammary glands for 14 days. Nipple length was measured, and the mammary glands were examined histologically. Sterols, polyterpenes, alkaloids, and saponins were detected. A single topical application at a dose of 2,000 mg/kg resulted in no mortality, no clinical signs of toxicity, no skin reactions, and no macroscopic abnormalities over a 14-day period. Nipple length was significantly greater than that of the controls, by 57.64% at the 100 mg/kg dose and by 59.77% at the 300 mg/kg dose (P < 0.01). Histological examination suggested increased development of the ductal and glandular compartments in the treated animals.