Annona muricata Linn Stem Bark Protects against Uterine Proliferative Disorder Induced by Estradiol Benzoate in Female Rat

Abstract

Aim: The opening of mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) pore is an important event in the execution of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. Some bioactive compounds elicit their chemotherapeutic effects against tumor/cancer cells via the induction of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. Annona muricata, a medicinal plant, is folklorically used in the treatment of tumors and cancers. This study therefore aimed at investigating the effect of methanol stem bark extract of Annona muricata (MEAM) on apoptosis via mPT pore and estradiol benzoate (EB)-induced proliferative disorder using female Wistar rats.
 Methodology: Mitochondria were isolated using differential centrifugation. The mPT pore opening, cytochrome c release and mitochondrial ATPase activity were determined spectrophotometrically. The levels of estrogen (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH), were determined using ELISA technique. Histological and histochemical assessments of the uterine sections were carried out using standard methods. Phytochemical constituents of MEAM were determined using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS).
 Results: The in vitro results showed a significant induction of mPT pore opening, release of cytochrome c and enhancement of mitochondrial ATPase (mATPase) activity in a concentration-dependent manner. However, oral administration of MEAM did not induce rat uterine mPT pore opening, neither any significant release of cytochrome c nor enhancement of mATPase activity at the dosages used. Interestingly, MEAM reversed the EB-induced increase in E2, LH and FSH. The MEAM also improved the antioxidant milleu by reducing MDA level and increasing the SOD and GSH-Px activities in the treatment groups. Administration of EB induced endometrial hyperplasia in the model group which was mitigated by MEAM in the treatment group. The GC-MS analysis of MEAM revealed the presence of some important phytochemicals that are pharmacological relevant in cancer treatment.
 Conclusions: This study suggests that the methanol stem bark extract of Annona muricata contains bioactive compounds that protect against EB-induced uterine proliferative disorder in female Wistar rats.

The impact of Annona muricata and metformin on semen quality and hormonal profile in Arsenic trioxide-induced testicular dysfunction in male Wistar rat

“…Furthermore, ELAM significantly increased the FSH levels in the ameliorative and protective phase, which has its physiology linked to combating ROS formation attached to the flavonoids and saponins. Onyegeme-Okerenta et al(126) and Olowofolahan et al(127) reported a significant decline in FSH level following Annona muricata in reproductive dysfunction, which disagree with the study outcome. The study corroborates the findings of Abd El-Monem and Elwakeel(128) and El-Sawi et al(129), revealing a significantly higher level of FSH following Annona muricata extract against testicular toxicity.…”

The impact of administration of Annona muricata leaf on estrogen and progesterone functions following mercury-induced toxicity in adult female Wistar rats

“…It contains bioactive chemical properties such as alkaloids, acetogenins, flavonoids, terpenes, and essential oils (Zubaidi et al, 2023); these properties contribute to its potential therapeutic uses in various diseases and disorders. Olowofolahan et al (2022) reported an improved levels of estrogen, LH, and FSH, following ingestion of Annona muricata stem bark in estradiol benzoate toxicity. Despite, reports on mercury toxicity on ovarian functions demonstrating different ovarian etiologies such as polycystic ovarian function, hormonal imbalance; there are limited pieces of literatures on the impact of ethanolic leaf extract of Annona muricata on mercury toxicity in progesterone and estrogen function, which this study investigates.…”