The stem bark decoction of Myrianthus arboreus P. Beauv. (Cecropiaceae) shows anti-uterine leiomyoma effects in Wistar rat

Abstract

Over the past 30 years, the number of new cases of uterine leiomyomas (UL) in women of reproductive age has increased by 67.14% worldwide. The limitations of the current therapeutic options have led to the search for alternatives. Myrianthus arboreus P. Beauv., used for infertility and tumors, has never been tested for UL. In the present study, the decoction of its stem bark was evaluated in a model of UL induced in female Wistar rats. Animals were treated once daily by gavage for 30 days. Normal control and model groups received distilled water, positive groups received mifepristone (5.2 mg/kg) and the remaining three groups were treated with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg M. arboreus extract, respectively. Compared to the model group, the extract at 50 and 100 mg/kg reduced the E2B- and progesterone-induced uterine horn asymmetry and thickening, and the relative uterine weight and diameter; myometrial thickness; and collagen density (at 100 and 200 mg/kg). Regarding cytokines, the extract decreased the uterine levels of TGF-β1 and VEGF (at 100 and 200 mg/kg) and TNF-α (at all doses tested). It also decreased the serum levels of estradiol (at 100 and 200 mg/kg). Despite positive trend in reducing oxidative damage (decreased MDA at 50 mg/kg, increased catalase activity at all tested doses, and increased GSH at 100 mg/kg), the level of oxidative stress is still elevated. By attenuating key cellular events involved in the growth and development of UL, such as inflammation, fibrosis and angiogenesis, Myrianthus arboreus may be a promising option for UL treatment and management.

Keywords

• uterine leiomyomas
• myrianthus arboreus p. beauv.
• stem bark
• wistar rat
• anti-tumoral properties