SAFETY PROFILE, HPLC ANALYSIS, AND EFFECT OF VERNONIA AMYGDALINADELILE (ASTERACEAE) LEAVES ON STEROIDAL HORMONES ASSOCIATEDWITH UTERINE FIBROID

Abstract

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that commonly develop during the reproductive years in
women. The role of estrogen and progesterone in fibroid development has been well established, prompting research
into potential herbal interventions to regulate these steroidal hormones. This study aimed to evaluate the safety
profile and effects of ethanol extract of Vernonia amygdalina Delile (Asteraceae) leaves on serum estradiol and
progesterone levels in female Wistar rats, as well as identify the bioactive compounds present in the extract. The
leaves of V. amygdalina were extracted with ethanol using a Soxhlet apparatus. Wistar rats were administered the
plant extract in graded doses (100 and 200 mg/kg) for 28 days after which blood samples and organs were collected
for toxicity studies and hormonal assay. Additionally, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was
employed to identify bioactive compounds in the extract. The extract did not adversely alter any of the tested safety
biochemical and hematological parameters. It boosted the immune system, induced bronchiolar dilation and
improved blood flow within the vessels of the heart. The hormonal assay revealed that the extract at 100 and 200
mg/kg did not decrease serum estradiol levels. However, a significant lowering of serum progesterone was observed
(p<0.05). HPLC analysis identified several bioactive compounds including benzophenone, garcinoic acid,
vernodalin, luteolin, and andrographoside. These findings suggest that V. amygdalina is safe, and possesses
significant potential in reducing progesterone levels, possibly due to its diverse bioactive constituents, which may
contribute to its hormone-modulatory activity.