1 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State, Nigeria.
2 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.
3 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Postgraduate Studies, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State. Nigeria.
4 Department of Anatomical Pathology, Federal Medical Center, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 23(02), 330–336
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjbphs.2025.23.2.0757
Received on 10 July 2025; revised on 17 August 2025; accepted on 19 August 2025
Objective: This study investigated the effects of Pleukenetia conophora(African walnut) seed oil on progesterone levels in female Wistar rats exposed to cadmium acetate, a known reproductive toxin. The aim was to determine if the walnut extract's antioxidant properties could mitigate hormonal disruptions caused by cadmium.
Methods: Thirty adult female Wistar rats (179–225g) were randomly assigned to five groups (n=6 each). Group A received normal saline, Group B was fed standard rat feed and water, Group C was administered 3.5 mg/kg of cadmium acetate, Group D received cadmium acetate and 4 ml/kg of P. conophora seed oil, and Group E was treated with 4 ml/kg of P. conophora seed oil only. Blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture, and serum progesterone levels were measured using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).
Results: A significant reduction in progesterone levels was observed in Group C (4.433 ± 1.266) compared to Group B (12.567 ± 2.850, P<0.05). No significant differences were found between Group B and the other treatment groups (Group A: 8.500 ± 2.1284, Group D: 8.500 ± 0.9849, Group E: 8.100 ± 0.5196; P>0.05).
Conclusion: Pleukenetia conophora seed oil shows potential protective effects on progesterone levels in female Wistar rats exposed to cadmium acetate. This suggests its therapeutic potential as a natural remedy for reproductive toxicity associated with cadmium exposure, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms and applications in reproductive health.
Pleukenetia conophora; Cadmium acetate; Progesterone; Wistar Rats
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Okorochi Enoch Chibuike, Fakunle, Vincent Oluwafeyitimi, Okorochi, Chinenye Mary, Akinyo Adeyinka Samson, Jegede Olushola Olakunle and Edegbe Felix Osogu. Chemical Impact of Pleukenetia conophora Seed Oil on Progesterone Levels in Cadmium-Acetate-Exposed Female Wistar Rats.World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 23(02), 330-336. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjbphs.2025.23.2.0757.