EFFECTS OF THE SEED EXTRACT OF ARTOCARPUS HETEROPHYLLUS ON BEHAVIORAL, BIOCHEMICAL, AND REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS IN RATS
Artocarpus heterophyllus; Behavior; Biochemical Parameters; Reproductive Toxicity.
This study investigated the effects of the extract from the core of Artocarpus heterophyllus (jackfruit) seed on biochemical, behavioral, and reproductive parameters in Wistar rats. The animals were treated orally with the extract at doses of 0.5 and 1 g/kg for 20 days. Biochemical results revealed a dose-dependent increase in serum glucose levels and a significant reduction in Gamma-GT activity, with no changes in other liver and kidney function markers, suggesting systemic safety but a potential acute hyperglycemic effect. In the reproductive sphere, the extract, especially at the 1 g/kg dose, induced significant adverse effects, including reduced daily sperm production, decreased progressive motility, increased morphological abnormalities (especially in the flagellum), and slowed sperm transit through the epididymis. In vitro assays on the vas deferens demonstrated that the extract reduced the maximum contraction induced by noradrenaline, suggesting a non-competitive antagonism mechanism, which provides a physiological basis for the prolonged sperm transit. It is concluded that, although the extract shows a general safety profile, its use at high doses may compromise male reproductive function and glycemic metabolism, indicating the need for caution and further investigations, including its behavioral effects, the analysis of which is ongoing.