Banca de DEFESA: HELLEN LOWYSE ALVES DE OLIVEIRA

Uma banca de DEFESA de MESTRADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : HELLEN LOWYSE ALVES DE OLIVEIRA
DATE: 16/06/2026
TIME: 09:00
LOCAL: Virtual
TITLE:

EFFECTS OF THE SEED EXTRACT OF ARTOCARPUS HETEROPHYLLUS ON BEHAVIORAL, BIOCHEMICAL, AND REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS IN RATS

KEY WORDS:

Artocarpus heterophyllus; Behavior; Biochemical Parameters; Reproductive Toxicity.

PAGES: 61
BIG AREA: Ciências Biológicas
AREA: Farmacologia
SUMMARY:

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 behavioral tests, the extract did not promote significant changes in anxiety-related parameters in the Elevated Plus Maze, nor in locomotor and exploratory activity in the Open Field test. However, in the Forced Swim Test, the 1 g/kg dose significantly increased immobility time and reduced climbing behavior, suggesting a possible depressive-like effect induced by the extract, without association with locomotor impairment or marked sedation. 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. In conclusion, the Artocarpus heterophyllus seed core extract exhibited low systemic toxicity under the evaluated experimental conditions, although behavioral alterations suggestive of a depressive-like effect were observed at higher doses. In addition, the treatment induced changes in reproductive and biochemical parameters, indicating that compounds derived from jackfruit seeds should be further investigated regarding their potential effects on reproductive and neurobehavioral function.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Presidente - 2412258 - EDILSON DANTAS DA SILVA JUNIOR
Externa ao Programa - 1645202 - ELAINE CRISTINA GAVIOLI - UFRNExterna à Instituição - ANNA KARYNNA ALVES DE ALENCAR ROCHA - UNINASSAU