Effects of Celosia argentea L. leaf on Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)-Induced Uterine Leiomyoma In Wistar Rats: Experimental and Computational Perspectives

Abstract

Uterine leiomyomas, commonly known as fibroids, affect nearly 30% of women of reproductive age and are linked to infertility, type II diabetes, and psychological stress. Recent studies highlight somatic mutations and cytogenetic abnormalities, including transcriptional dysregulation of DUSP6, as potential biomarkers for early detection and intervention. Celosia argentea, a leafy edible plant long valued in traditional medicine, was investigated in this study for its antioxidant, antidiabetic, and protective effects against monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced uterine leiomyoma in Wistar rats, with mechanisms explored through in silico analysis. Female rats were administered MSG for 30 days to induce fibroids, followed by daily treatment with 100 mg/kg of C. argentea aqueous leaf extract for 30 days. Biochemical assays measured lipid peroxidation, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), monoamine oxidase (MAO), and reproductive hormones, while histopathology examined uterine tissues. In vitro tests assessed antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibition (MAO and AChE), and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) identified chlorogenic acid and rutin, which were docked against DUSP6 computationally. Antioxidant assays revealed modest radical scavenging and iron-chelating activity, alongside concentration-dependent inhibition of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and acetylcholinesterase. The extract also inhibited monoamine oxidase (MAO) with an IC₅₀ of 0.098 ± 0.005 µg/mL, comparable to donepezil. Hormonal assays showed significant correction of elevated testosterone and estradiol levels. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding affinities of rutin and chlorogenic acid to DUSP6, which supported the antifibrotic potential of C. argentea. Overall, C. argentea demonstrated the ability to modulate multiple pathways, suggesting therapeutic promise in restoring hormonal balance and uterine health in fibrotic conditions.