Chemical Impact of Pleukenetia conophora Seed Oil on Progesterone Levels in Cadmium-Acetate-Exposed Female Wistar Rats

Chibuike, Okorochi Enoch and Oluwafeyitimi, Fakunle, Vincent and Mary, Okorochi, Chinenye and Samson, Akinyo Adeyinka and Olakunle, Jegede Olushola and Osogu, Edegbe Felix (2025) 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, 23 (2). pp. 330-336. ISSN 2582-5542

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.