ESTROGENIC EFFECTS OF RICINODENDRON HEUDOLOTII (EUPHORBIACEAE) SEEDS IN FEMALE RATS

Disorders related to female hormonal imbalance can profoundly and permanently affect quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the estrogenic effects of an aqueous extract of Ricinodendron heudelotii almonds in ovariectomized rats. The seeds, harvested in Andé (Ivory Coast), were dried, ground, and then extracted with distilled water. A phytochemical screening was conducted to identify the main groups of secondary metabolites present in the extract. Acute toxicity was evaluated in six Swiss mice in accordance with OECD Guideline 423. Estrogenic activity was studied in ovariectomized Wistar rats using the OECD 440 uterine trophism bioassay. The animals were divided into four groups: control, ethinyl estradiol (0.02 mg/kg), 100 mg/kg of extract, and 300 mg/kg of extract. The treatments were administered orally daily for seven days. Body weight, as well as the relative weights of the uterus, cervix, and adrenal glands, were assessed. Vaginal smears were also collected to analyze cytological changes in the vaginal epithelium. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of sterols, polyterpenes, and alkaloids. No deaths or obvious signs of toxicity were observed at a dose of 2,000 mg/kg. The 100 mg/kg extract significantly reduced body weight gain and increased the weight of the uterine horns and cervix, with a high presence of eosinophils. These results suggest that R. heudelotii possesses estrogenic activity, particularly at a dose of 100 mg/kg, and may serve as a source of compounds with phytoestrogenic potential.