Pharmacological activities of Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott and Corchorus olitorius L. extracts in uterine leiomyoma: evidence from in vitro and in vivo approaches

Abstract

Introduction Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are benign uterine tumors common in reproductive years. Metabolic syndrome—marked by obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia—has been associated with increased fibroid risk. Two Nigerian plants, Xanthosoma sagittifolium (cocoyam) and Corchorus olitorius (jute mallow), are traditionally used to support women’s reproductive health, though their antifibrotic potential remains underexplored. This study investigated their protective properties against fibroid development using in vitro and in vivo models. Methods Fresh corms of X. sagittifolium and leaves of C. olitorius were collected, authenticated, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted with 70% ethanol. Antioxidant activities were assessed using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, nitric oxide scavenging, and Fe 2+ chelation assays. Enzyme inhibitory activities were tested against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and acetylcholinesterase. Uterine leiomyoma was induced in female albino rats via oral monosodium glutamate (MSG). Animals were grouped into control, MSG-induced, standard drug-treated, and extract-treated sets. Blood samples were analyzed for hormones, while ovaries and the cervix were examined histologically. Phytochemical profiling was performed using HPLC. Results and Discussion C. olitorius leaf extract showed the strongest antioxidant activity, with a DPPH IC 50 of 0.132 ± 0.005 μg/mL. ABTS values ranged from 37.50 to 42.80 mmol TEAC/100 g, while FRAP values were 0.0700–0.1500 mg AAE/g. Fe 2+ chelation IC 50 values ranged from 0.143 to 0.188 μg/mL, with notable nitric oxide scavenging. Enzyme assays revealed significant α-amylase inhibition by C. olitorius (IC 50 0.143 μg/mL), while α-glucosidase inhibition was strongest in X. sagittifolium corm extract. Acetylcholinesterase inhibition was highest in C. olitorius (IC 50 3.567 μg/mL). HPLC profiling showed distinct phytochemical compositions across extracts. In vivo , MSG disrupted reproductive hormones and tissue architecture, while plant extracts restored hormonal balance and improved histology, comparable to the standard drug. These findings support antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, and endocrine-modulating properties but have not yet established therapeutic efficacy against uterine leiomyoma in humans. Therefore, further studies on direct uterine tissue evaluation and fibrosis-specific biomarker analysis are hereby recommended.