Histological and endocrine modulatory effects of white cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) extract on the thyroid gland in rat

White cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata) is being widely studied for its use in animal feed because it's easy to find and affordable while also being nutritious. However, the presence of glucosinolates in cabbage is a concern as they breakdown into thiocyanates suggestive of possible negative impacts, on the thyroid function of animals when they lack sufficient iodine. This study investigates the effects of ethanolic extract of white cabbage on thyroid gland histology, thyroid hormone profile, and TSH in adult male rats. Twenty-one adult male albino rats were randomly divided into three equal groups (n=7) over a four-months period. Group of control, G2 received 100 mg/kg of cabbage extract three times weekly, and G3 received the same dose daily. T3, T4, and TSH levels were measured using ELISA. Thyroid tissue sections were stained with H&E, PAS, and Masson's trichrome to assess morphology by measuring follicular diameter, thyrocyte height, and epithelial cell number per follicle. The current study concludes that persistent consumption of white cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) extract produces noticeable modifications thyroid morphology and operation.