Abstract
The pituitary gland plays a central role in regulating endocrine functions, including growth, reproduction, lactation, and metabolic balance. Objective: Study of the effect of Lepidium sativum plant extract on the histological structure of the pituitary gland. Materials and methods: A total of 20 sexually mature female domestic rabbits were randomly allocated into 4 categories, each one consisting of 5 pets, and were selected based on 2.5 to 3 kg weights, divided into two main groups. Group 1: Non-pregnant, non-lactating rabbits, and included Section A1 (control): were given sterile water. Section B1 was treated with L. sativum extract powder at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight. Group 2: Lactating rabbits, Section A2 (control), were treated with sterile water. Section B2 was treated with L. sativum extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight. The experiment lasted for three weeks. a histological examination of the pituitary gland. Histological results showed that administration of Lepidium sativum extract resulted in significant changes in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. The treated groups, particularly during lactation, exhibited hypertrophy and hyperplasia of lactotroph cells, with prominent nuclei and cytoplasmic activity, indicating a stimulatory effect of the extract on prolactin-secreting cells compared to the normal control group.