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

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.