Oluwasola, A.Ayinde, T.O.Olayaki, L.A.2024-05-032024-05-032019Cannabis-sativa, Gonadotoxicity, Melatonin, Oxidative stress0189-4757/96https://uilspace.unilorin.edu.ng/handle/123456789/13277Cannabis sativa (CS) is one of the commonly abused substances by women of childbearing age. About 3.2% females are cannabis smokers in Nigeria, with varied consequences of congenital abnormalities due to interplay between oxidants, oxidants and antioxidants. This study investigated the effects of melatonin and cannabis on oxidative stress in female rats. Twenty female rats were assigned into four groups of five animals each. Groups I, II, III and IV received orally 1ml distilled water, 2mg/kg body weight (bw) of ethanolic extract of C. sativa (EECS), 2mg/kg bw of EECS plus 4mg/kg bw of melatonin and 4mg/kg bw of melatonin, respectively. Serum level of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lactate dehydrogenase and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were assayed using standard methods. CS significantly (p<0.05) decreased catalase, SOD, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and TAC levels. But it significantly (p<0.05) increased lactate dehydrogenase and MDA levels. All these effects were ameliorated to the level comparable to the control when the extract was administered in combination with melatonin. CS showed alterations of biochemical parameters which was probably mediated by oxidative stress. However, these effects were ameliorated by melatonin. Since the consumption of CS is increasing globally because of its medical uses, thus, consumption of melatonin as supplement may be recommended.enArticle