Steroidogenic Effects and Phytochemical Profile of Aqueous Extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum (Mull. Arg.) & Hutch Kernels in Male Rats

Herman Akassa^1,2*, Bonaventure Max Lazare Peneme^1,2, Constantin Moukouma^3,4, Dieu-Merci Bevel Gallo Mongo^3,4, Rachie Osandze^1,2,3, Arnaud Wilfrid Etou Ossibi^1,3, Ange Antoine Abena^1,5

¹Laboratory of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
²Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
³Departement of Pharmacopeia and Traditional Medicine, National Institute for Research in Health Sciences (IRSSA), Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
⁴Chemistry Unit of the Plant and Life, Faculty of the Sciences and Techniques, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
⁵Faculty of Applied Sciences, Denis Sassou Nguesso University, Kintelé, Republic of the Congo.

DOI: 10.4236/jbm.2023.1110015                

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the steroidogenic effects and phytochemical profile of aqueous extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum in male rats. Assays of biochemical reproductive parameters (total cholesterol, serum testosterone, FSH and LH) were carried out using Cypress and ELISA kits respectively. The chemical screening of the extract was conducted through tube reactions, the principle of which involves adding a reagent to a quantity of the extract, and subsequently observing the resulting reactions such as precipitation and color change. The results obtained showed that oral administration of the aqueous extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum (250 and 500 mg/kg) produced a significant increase (p < 0.05; p < 0.01) in testicular weight compared with the control lot. The aqueous extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum kernels at the doses studied produced a very significant decrease in total cholesterol levels (p < 0.001) and a significant increase (p < 0.05; p < 0.01) in serum testosterone and FSH levels. However, no variation was observed in LH levels. Phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, triterpenes, sugars, anthraquinones and saponosides. These results suggest that the aqueous extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum kernels could have hypocholesterolemic and steroidogenic potential. A study of the aqueous extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum on semen quality and oxidative stress parameters deserves to be conducted.

Keywords

Tetracarpidium conophorum, Steroidogenic, Chemical Screaming

Table 1. Effect of aqueous extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum kernels on androgen-dependent sex organs weight.

Table 2. Chemical screening results.

1. 1. Tortora, G.J. and Grabowski, S.R. (2001) Principes d’anatomie et de physiologie. éditions du Renouveau Pédagogique Inc., Québec, 1121 p.


2. 2. Europa (2007) Endocrine Disrupters. In Europa. Environment.


3. 3. Carani, C., Bancroft, J., Granata, A., Del Rio, G. and Marama, P. (1992) Testosterone and Erectile Function, Nocturnal Penile Tumescence and Rigidity, and Erectile Response to Visual Erotic Stimuli in Hypogonadal and Eugonadal Men. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 17, 647-654. https://doi.org/10.1016/0306-4530(92)90023-Z


4. 4. Ntsoumou, V.M., Adzona, P.P., Bati, J.B., Kengue, T., Mabanza-Mbanza, B.B., Saboukoulou, A.J., Ndinga, A.F., Guembo, J.R. and Banga-Mboko, H. (2021) Evaluation of the Substitution of Glycine Meal Max (L.) Merr. (Soja) by the Tetracarpidium conophorum (Mull. Arg.) & Dalz) on the Performance of Laying Hens. International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 15, 2526-2542. https://doi.org/10.4314/ijbcs.v15i6.22


5. 5. Ossoko, J.P.L., Dzondo, G.M., Mvoula, T.D., et al. (2021) Assessment of the Nutrtional Potential of the Kernels of the Seeds of Tetracarpidium conophorum Collected in Lékana in the Départementof Plateaux in the Republic of Congo. Journal of Bio Innovation, 10, 1102-1110. https://doi.org/10.46344/JBINO.2021.v10i04.17


6. 6. Akomolafe, S.F., Oboh, G., Oyeleye, S.I., Tosin, A. and Olasehinde, T.A. (2017) Toxicological Effects of Aqueous Extract from African Walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum) Leaves in Rats. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 22, 919-925. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587217718979


7. 7. Akassa, H., Peneme, B.M.L., Morabandza, C.J., Etou Ossibi, A.W. and Abena, A.A. (2022) Evaluation of the Androgenic Potentialities of the Hydro-Ethanolic Extract of the Trunk Barks of Strychnos camptoneura (Longaniaceae) in the Wistar. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 11, 145-156.


8. 8. Akassa, H., Peneme, B.M.L., Ondélé, R., Etou Ossebi, A.W., Tamboura, H.H. and Abena, A.A. (2019) Androgenic Activity of the Aqueous Extract of the Stem Barks of Pausinystalia yohimbe kschum (Rubiaceae) in Wistar Rats. European Journal of Biotechnology and Bioscience, 7, 83-87.


9. 9. Talla, C., Fogang, V.J.C., Nnanga, N.N.J. and Mpondo, M.E. (2021) Evaluation of the Androgenic Properties of the Aqueous Extract of the Trunk Bark of Spathodea campanulata P. Beauv. (Bignoniaceae) in Male Rats. Health Sciences and Diseases, 22, 60-68.


10. 10. Adjanohoun, E.J., Ahyi, M.R.A., Akeassi, L., et al. (1988) Médecine traditionnelle et pharmacopée: Contribution aux études éthnobotaniques et floristiques en République Populaire du Congo. Rapport. A.C.C., 331 p.


11. 11. Dohou, N., et al. (2004) Etudes de polyphénols des feuilles d’une endémique ibéro marocaine, Thymeleae lythroides. Acta Botanica Malacitana, 29, 233-239. https://doi.org/10.24310/abm.v29i0.7221


12. 12. Akassa, H., Peneme, B.M.L., Morabandza, C.J., Etou Ossibi, A.W. and Abena, A.A. (2023) Androgenic and Antioxidant Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Strychnos camptoneura (Longaniaceae) Trunk Bark in Male Wistar Rats. American Journal of Pharmacological Sciences, 11, 8-14. https://doi.org/10.12691/ajps-11-1-2


13. 13. Obianime, A.W. and Uche, F.I. (2010) The Effects of Extracts Aqueous of Tetracarpidium conophorum Seeds of the Hormonal Parameters of Male Guinea Pigs. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 3, 21-24. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1995-7645(10)60024-7


14. 14. Ngandjui, A., Ngaha, N.M., Kenmogne, H., Koloko, B.L. and Massoma, L.D. (2017) Evaluation of the Fertility Activity of the Aqueous Leaves Extract of Zanthoxylum macrophylla (Rutaceae) on Male Rats. The Journal of Phytopharmacology, 6, 277-281. https://doi.org/10.31254/phyto.2017.6504


15. 15. Analike, R.A., Ahaneku, J.E. and Njoku, M.C. (2017) Effects of Tetracarpidium conophorum-“Nigerian Walnuts” on Blood Lipids, Lipoproteins and Glucose Values in Adult Nigerians. International Journal of Innovative Research and Advanced Studies, 4, 67-71.


16. 16. Obianime, A.W. and Uche, F.I. (2008) The Effects of Vitamin E on Vanadium Pentoxide Toxicity of the Biochemical Parameters of the Male Guinea Pigs. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 12, 101-105.


17. 17. Obianime, A.W., Uche, F.I. and Gogo, A.M. (2008) Effects of Vanadium Pentoxide on the Histological Ant Sperm Parameters of the Male Guinea Pigs. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 12, 107-115.


18. 18. Vander, A.J., Sherman, J. and Luciano, D. (2001) Human Physiology: The Mechanism of Body Function. 8th Edition, McGraw-Hill Higher Education, New York, 641-647.


19. 19. OKwu, D.E. and Josiah, C. (2006) Evaluation of the Chemical Composition of Two Nigerians Medicinal Plants. African Journal of Biotechnology, 5, 357-361.


20. 20. Akassa, H., Ondele, R., Peneme, B.M.L., Etou Ossibi, A.W., Morabandza, C.J., Tamboura, H.H. and Abena, A.A. (2019) Activité aphrodisiaque et étude du mécanisme d’action de l’extrait aqueux des écorces de tronc de Pausinystalia yohimbe Kschum (Rubiaceae) chez le rat wistar. Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 39, 6372-6383.


21. 21. Gauthaman, K. and Adaikan (2008) The Hormonal Effects of Tribulus terrestris and Its Role in the Management of Male Erectile Dysfunction: An Evaluation Using Primates, Rabbit and Rat. Phytomedicine, 15, 44-54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2007.11.011


22. 22. Saleem, A., Ahotupa, M. and Pihlaja, K. (2001) Total Phenolics Concentration and Antioxidant Properties of Extracts of Medicinal Plants of Pakistan. Zeitschrift Naturforschung, 56, 973-978. https://doi.org/10.1515/znc-2001-11-1211

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

References

[1]	Tortora, G.J. and Grabowski, S.R. (2001) Principes d’anatomie et de physiologie. éditions du Renouveau Pédagogique Inc., Québec, 1121 p.
[2]	Europa (2007) Endocrine Disrupters. In Europa. Environment.
[3]	Carani, C., Bancroft, J., Granata, A., Del Rio, G. and Marama, P. (1992) Testosterone and Erectile Function, Nocturnal Penile Tumescence and Rigidity, and Erectile Response to Visual Erotic Stimuli in Hypogonadal and Eugonadal Men. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 17, 647-654. https://doi.org/10.1016/0306-4530(92)90023-Z
[4]	Ntsoumou, V.M., Adzona, P.P., Bati, J.B., Kengue, T., Mabanza-Mbanza, B.B., Saboukoulou, A.J., Ndinga, A.F., Guembo, J.R. and Banga-Mboko, H. (2021) Evaluation of the Substitution of Glycine Meal Max (L.) Merr. (Soja) by the Tetracarpidium conophorum (Mull. Arg.) & Dalz) on the Performance of Laying Hens. International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 15, 2526-2542. https://doi.org/10.4314/ijbcs.v15i6.22
[5]	Ossoko, J.P.L., Dzondo, G.M., Mvoula, T.D., et al. (2021) Assessment of the Nutrtional Potential of the Kernels of the Seeds of Tetracarpidium conophorum Collected in Lékana in the Départementof Plateaux in the Republic of Congo. Journal of Bio Innovation, 10, 1102-1110. https://doi.org/10.46344/JBINO.2021.v10i04.17
[6]	Akomolafe, S.F., Oboh, G., Oyeleye, S.I., Tosin, A. and Olasehinde, T.A. (2017) Toxicological Effects of Aqueous Extract from African Walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum) Leaves in Rats. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 22, 919-925. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587217718979
[7]	Akassa, H., Peneme, B.M.L., Morabandza, C.J., Etou Ossibi, A.W. and Abena, A.A. (2022) Evaluation of the Androgenic Potentialities of the Hydro-Ethanolic Extract of the Trunk Barks of Strychnos camptoneura (Longaniaceae) in the Wistar. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 11, 145-156.
[8]	Akassa, H., Peneme, B.M.L., Ondélé, R., Etou Ossebi, A.W., Tamboura, H.H. and Abena, A.A. (2019) Androgenic Activity of the Aqueous Extract of the Stem Barks of Pausinystalia yohimbe kschum (Rubiaceae) in Wistar Rats. European Journal of Biotechnology and Bioscience, 7, 83-87.
[9]	Talla, C., Fogang, V.J.C., Nnanga, N.N.J. and Mpondo, M.E. (2021) Evaluation of the Androgenic Properties of the Aqueous Extract of the Trunk Bark of Spathodea campanulata P. Beauv. (Bignoniaceae) in Male Rats. Health Sciences and Diseases, 22, 60-68.
[10]	Adjanohoun, E.J., Ahyi, M.R.A., Akeassi, L., et al. (1988) Médecine traditionnelle et pharmacopée: Contribution aux études éthnobotaniques et floristiques en République Populaire du Congo. Rapport. A.C.C., 331 p.
[11]	Dohou, N., et al. (2004) Etudes de polyphénols des feuilles d’une endémique ibéro marocaine, Thymeleae lythroides. Acta Botanica Malacitana, 29, 233-239. https://doi.org/10.24310/abm.v29i0.7221
[12]	Akassa, H., Peneme, B.M.L., Morabandza, C.J., Etou Ossibi, A.W. and Abena, A.A. (2023) Androgenic and Antioxidant Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Strychnos camptoneura (Longaniaceae) Trunk Bark in Male Wistar Rats. American Journal of Pharmacological Sciences, 11, 8-14. https://doi.org/10.12691/ajps-11-1-2
[13]	Obianime, A.W. and Uche, F.I. (2010) The Effects of Extracts Aqueous of Tetracarpidium conophorum Seeds of the Hormonal Parameters of Male Guinea Pigs. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 3, 21-24. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1995-7645(10)60024-7
[14]	Ngandjui, A., Ngaha, N.M., Kenmogne, H., Koloko, B.L. and Massoma, L.D. (2017) Evaluation of the Fertility Activity of the Aqueous Leaves Extract of Zanthoxylum macrophylla (Rutaceae) on Male Rats. The Journal of Phytopharmacology, 6, 277-281. https://doi.org/10.31254/phyto.2017.6504
[15]	Analike, R.A., Ahaneku, J.E. and Njoku, M.C. (2017) Effects of Tetracarpidium conophorum-“Nigerian Walnuts” on Blood Lipids, Lipoproteins and Glucose Values in Adult Nigerians. International Journal of Innovative Research and Advanced Studies, 4, 67-71.
[16]	Obianime, A.W. and Uche, F.I. (2008) The Effects of Vitamin E on Vanadium Pentoxide Toxicity of the Biochemical Parameters of the Male Guinea Pigs. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 12, 101-105.
[17]	Obianime, A.W., Uche, F.I. and Gogo, A.M. (2008) Effects of Vanadium Pentoxide on the Histological Ant Sperm Parameters of the Male Guinea Pigs. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 12, 107-115.
[18]	Vander, A.J., Sherman, J. and Luciano, D. (2001) Human Physiology: The Mechanism of Body Function. 8th Edition, McGraw-Hill Higher Education, New York, 641-647.
[19]	OKwu, D.E. and Josiah, C. (2006) Evaluation of the Chemical Composition of Two Nigerians Medicinal Plants. African Journal of Biotechnology, 5, 357-361.
[20]	Akassa, H., Ondele, R., Peneme, B.M.L., Etou Ossibi, A.W., Morabandza, C.J., Tamboura, H.H. and Abena, A.A. (2019) Activité aphrodisiaque et étude du mécanisme d’action de l’extrait aqueux des écorces de tronc de Pausinystalia yohimbe Kschum (Rubiaceae) chez le rat wistar. Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 39, 6372-6383.
[21]	Gauthaman, K. and Adaikan (2008) The Hormonal Effects of Tribulus terrestris and Its Role in the Management of Male Erectile Dysfunction: An Evaluation Using Primates, Rabbit and Rat. Phytomedicine, 15, 44-54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2007.11.011
[22]	Saleem, A., Ahotupa, M. and Pihlaja, K. (2001) Total Phenolics Concentration and Antioxidant Properties of Extracts of Medicinal Plants of Pakistan. Zeitschrift Naturforschung, 56, 973-978. https://doi.org/10.1515/znc-2001-11-1211