Authors :
F. Shinku; M. A. Wazhi; V. E. Odey; P. Nyango; M. B. Mohammed; C. N. Edeh; N. Z. Nden; S. S. Gotom; J. S. Kumbet; S. A. Adamu; N. J. Chuwang; Y. M. Usman; M. O. Omolara; R. J. Kutshik; R.T. Mcneil
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 7 - July
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/fhermywd
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/mw7b3xcn
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jul999
Note : A published paper may take 4-5
working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and
ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Serum hormonal profiling via Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) demonstrated
that while CC elevated gonadotropin output via central receptor blockade, high-dose RC and exogenous estrogen generated
conflicting biochemical feedback loops that significantly suppressed Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing
Hormone (LH) surges, blocking the pre-ovulatory stimulus. Histological analysis via Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining
showed that exogenous estrogen induced significant Estrogen Receptor Alpha (ERα)-mediated hyperproliferation in the
uterine lumen and glandular epithelium, whereas CC caused anti-estrogenic endometrial thinning and glandular atrophy.
Conversely, RC extract limited uterine hyperproliferation while maintaining structural boundaries. Ovarian morphometry
revealed that RC extract induced marked follicular atresia and a significant reduction in active corpora lutea, establishing
a clear anti-fertility footprint. Immunohistochemical (IHC) mapping via semi-quantitative scoring confirmed that RC
extract altered the crucial ERα to Estrogen Receptor Beta (ERβ) expression within both endometrial and ovarian granulosa
compartments, operating similarly to a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM). These results provide a robust,
evidence-based toxicological link validating the traditional empirical use of Ricinus communis as a primitive contraceptive
agent.
Keywords :
Ricinus communis, Estrogen Receptors (ERα/ERβ), Immunohistochemistry, Uterus, Ovary, Wistar Rats, Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM).
References :
- Ayodeji, O. A., & Roland, N. V. (2020). Neuroendocrine coordination of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in rodent models. Journal of Anatomical Sciences, 11(2), 145–152.
- Bancroft, J. D., & Gamble, M. (2008). Theory and practice of histological techniques (6th ed.). Edinburgh, Scotland: Churchill Livingstone.
- Brahmi, F. (2024). Ethnopharmacological systems and botanical family planning alternatives in traditional medicine. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 312, 116–128.
- Brahmi, F., Madani, K., & Lanez, T. (2025). Phytochemical indices and female reproductive bioactivities of Ricinus communis Linnaeus: A matrix review. Phytomedicine, 124, 104–118.
- Couse, J. F., Yates, M. M., Walker, V. R., & Korach, K. S. (2005). Characterization of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in estrogen receptor (ER) Null Mice: Essential roles for ERalpha and ERbeta in folliculogenesis and ovulation. Molecular Endocrinology, 19(12), 3084–3096.
- Dupont, S., Krust, A., Gansmuller, A., Dierich, A., Chambon, P., & Mark, M. (2000). Effect of single and compound knockouts of estrogen receptors alpha (ERalpha) and beta (ERbeta) on the mouse reproductive tract. Development, 127(19), 4277–4291.
- Farzaneh, S., & Zarghi, A. (2016). Estrogen receptor ligands: A review on recent developments of nuclear estrogen receptor alpha and beta modulators. Scientia Pharmaceutica, 84(3), 409–427.
- Faustino-Rocha, A. I., da Silva, A., & Oliveira, P. A. (2023). Molecular fragmentation of botanical interaction with systemic nuclear receptor signaling. Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology, 75(2), 112–124.
- Hamilton, K. J., Hewitt, S. C., Arao, Y., & Korach, K. S. (2017). Estrogen receptors alpha and beta: Structural insights, tissue distribution, and clinical significance. Endocrine Reviews, 38(5), 440–463.
- Kaipia, A., & Hsueh, A. J. (1997). Regulation of ovarian follicle atresia by apoptosis. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, 18(2), 137–158.
- Kamath, M. S., & George, K. (2011). Letrozole or clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction in unexplained infertility: A central neuroendocrine review. Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences, 4(3), 115–121.
- Kevin, P. R., Thomas, S., & Amber, L. (2024). Hormonal surges during the pre-ovulatory proestrus phase in Rattus norvegicus. Endocrinology Research, 169(3), 212–224.
- Kowalczyk, J., Landowski, P., & Smith, R. (2022). Quantitative phytochemical screening and ovarian toxicity profiles of crude Ricinus communis seed extracts. Toxicological Sciences, 186(1), 54–67.
- Kuiper, G. G., Lemmen, J. G., Carlsson, B., Corton, J. C., Safe, S. H., van der Saag, P. T., ... & Gustafsson, J. Å. (1998). Interaction of estrogenic chemicals and phytoestrogens with estrogen receptor beta. Endocrinology, 139(10), 4252–4263.
- Mbi Feh, M., Patterson, D., & Roberts, J. E. (2024). Comparative tissue hyperproliferation induced by synthetic oestrogens and selective estrogen receptor modulators. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology, 42(4), 310–321.
- McCarty, K. S., Miller, L. S., Cox, E. B., Konrath, J., & McCarty, K. S. (1985). Estrogen receptor analyses: Correlation of biochemical and immunohistochemical methods using monoclonal antireceptor antibodies. Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, 109(8), 716–721.
- McGee, E. A., & Hsueh, A. J. (2000). Initial and cyclic recruitment of ovarian follicles. Endocrine Reviews, 21(2), 200–214.
- Nakagawa, K., Takahashi, C., & Sugiyama, R. (2014). Clinical paradox of clomiphene citrate: Evaluation of ovulation induction versus endometrial receptivity failure. Reproductive Medicine and Biology, 13(2), 65–72.
- Nephew, K. P., Long, X., Osbourn, R. E., & Young, P. C. (2000). Macro-level organ analysis versus visual cellular morphometry in tracking endocrine disruptions. Microscopy and Microanalysis, 6(3), 204–215.
- Patisaul, H. B., & Jefferson, W. (2010). The pros and cons of phytoestrogens. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, 31(4), 400–419.
- Pelletier, G., El-Alfy, M., & Labrie, F. (2000). Cellular localization of estrogen receptors alpha and beta in the female rat reproductive tract as determined by immunohistochemistry. Journal of Histochemistry & Cytochemistry, 48(4), 481–493.
- Rebar, R. W. (2018). Evaluation of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) in anovulatory infertility management. Fertility and Sterility, 109(5), 752–760.
- Salami, S. A., & Raji, Y. (2015). Evaluation of anti-fertility and estrogenic configurations of Ricinus communis seed extracts in cyclic female rats. Nigerian Journal of Physiological Sciences, 30(1), 23–31.
- Taylor, C. R., & Rudbeck, L. (2013). Immunohistochemical staining methods (6th ed.). California, CA: Dako/Agilent Technologies.
- Wada, I., Hsu, C. C., & Gadir, A. A. (2004). Endometrial thinning and implantation failure associated with prolonged clomiphene citrate therapy. Human Reproduction, 19(4), 812–819.
- Xiaodi, W., Zhang, L., & Müller, M. (2024). Characterization of structural and cytological markers across the cyclic phases of the female mammalian estrous cycle. Biology of Reproduction, 110(1), 78–89.
- Yoest, K. E., Cummings, J. A., & Becker, J. B. (2019). Estrus cycle regulation of neuroendocrine and behavioral receptivity in female rodents. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, 53, 100–112.
Serum hormonal profiling via Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) demonstrated
that while CC elevated gonadotropin output via central receptor blockade, high-dose RC and exogenous estrogen generated
conflicting biochemical feedback loops that significantly suppressed Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing
Hormone (LH) surges, blocking the pre-ovulatory stimulus. Histological analysis via Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining
showed that exogenous estrogen induced significant Estrogen Receptor Alpha (ERα)-mediated hyperproliferation in the
uterine lumen and glandular epithelium, whereas CC caused anti-estrogenic endometrial thinning and glandular atrophy.
Conversely, RC extract limited uterine hyperproliferation while maintaining structural boundaries. Ovarian morphometry
revealed that RC extract induced marked follicular atresia and a significant reduction in active corpora lutea, establishing
a clear anti-fertility footprint. Immunohistochemical (IHC) mapping via semi-quantitative scoring confirmed that RC
extract altered the crucial ERα to Estrogen Receptor Beta (ERβ) expression within both endometrial and ovarian granulosa
compartments, operating similarly to a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM). These results provide a robust,
evidence-based toxicological link validating the traditional empirical use of Ricinus communis as a primitive contraceptive
agent.
Keywords :
Ricinus communis, Estrogen Receptors (ERα/ERβ), Immunohistochemistry, Uterus, Ovary, Wistar Rats, Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM).