EVALUATION OF THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF Cucurbita pepo L. LEAF AND SEED METHANOLIC EXTRACTS ON INDUCED INFERTILITY IN FEMALE ALBINO RATS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1007-4812Keywords:
Cucurbita pepo, AlCl3, Infertility, AntioxidantsAbstract
Infertility is now one of the major health challenges among all ages especially female. Excessive production of ROS (oxidative stress) and inflammation is believed to be one of the main etiology. This study aimed to determine the therapeutic effects of Cucurbita pepo L. leaf and seed methanolic extracts on induced infertility in female albino rats. Thirty albino rats were grouped into six groups of five rats each. Group 1 and 2 were control, while group 3,4, 5 and 6 were administered 20mg/kg of AlCl3 and treated with 200mg/kg seed, 200mg/kg leaf, 400mg/kg seed extracts and standard drugs for 8weeks respectively. The phytochemical and Biochemical evaluation were carried out using spectrophotometric methods and ELISA techniques. The results of phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, to be 37.15 ± 0.30, 28.42 ± 1.17, 23.62 ± 0.57, 25.79 ± 0.62, 17.99 ± 1.47, mg/g respectively. Both the extracts of Cucurbita pepo. L showed a significant antioxidant and pro-inflammatory activity. This significantly (p<0.05) increase the serum concentration of superoxide dismutase and glutathioneperoxidase with significant decrease in the serum level of Malondialdehyde in all the treatment. The result also exhibited an excellent potency against inflammation due to the significant decrease (p<0.05) in the serum level of interleukin 6 cytokines in all the treatment group compared to group 2 with the concentration of 226.89 ± 3.45. The result also revealed remarkable effects on some female reproductive hormones compared to group 1 and 2. This showed the protective effect of the extracts.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Khadijat Musa Muhammad, Muhammad bawa Yusuf, Ann Ukamaka Ijeomah, Titilayo .O. Bamidele; Yusuf labaran, Awwal Dikko Hassan, Yahya Abubakar, Rahima Yunusa
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