Protective Effects of Graded Doses of Aqueous Seed Extract of Dennettia tripetala on Ovarian Biochemical, Hormonal, and Microbiological Alterations in Bisphenol A-Induced Oxidative Stress in Female Wistar Rats
Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical associated with oxidative stress and ovarian dysfunction. Dennettia tripetala is a medicinal plant with reported antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Aim: This study evaluated the protective effects of graded doses of aqueous seed extract of Dennettia tripetala on ovarian biochemical, hormonal, and microbiological alterations in bisphenol A-induced oxidative stress in female Wistar Rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five (35) adult female Wistar rats were randomly assigned into seven groups (n = 5). Group I served as the normal control, Group II received BPA only, Group III received BPA and Vitamin C, while Groups IV–VII received BPA and aqueous seed extract of D. tripetala at 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 28 days. Phytochemical, biochemical, hormonal, microbiological, and histopathological analyses were performed using standard methods. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, glycosides, and steroids, with flavonoids and phenolic compounds being the most abundant. BPA exposure significantly increased ovarian malondialdehyde levels and microbial burden while reducing antioxidant parameters and reproductive hormone concentrations. Histopathological examination also revealed marked ovarian damage. Treatment with aqueous seed extract of D. tripetala significantly and dose-dependently reduced oxidative stress, restored estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone concentrations, decreased microbial counts and isolates, and improved ovarian histoarchitecture. The 800 mg/kg dose produced effects comparable to Vitamin C. Conclusion: Aqueous seed extract of D. tripetala demonstrated significant ovarian protective activity against BPA-induced toxicity, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for oxidative stress-related reproductive disorders.