The stem bark decoction of Myrianthus arboreus P. Beauv. (Cecropiaceae) shows anti-uterine leiomyoma effects in Wistar rat

Sep 24, 2026

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Uterine leiomyomas (UL) are increasingly diagnosed worldwide, and current therapies have limitations that drive the search for conservative alternatives. This study evaluated the anti-UL activity of Myrianthus arboreus P. Beauv. stem bark decoction in female Wistar rats with UL induced in vivo. Daily gavage treatment for 30 days tested mifepristone and extract doses (50, 100, 200 mg/kg). Compared with the model group, 50–100 mg/kg reduced uterine horn asymmetry, thickening, relative uterine weight and diameter, and myometrial thickness, while 100–200 mg/kg lowered collagen density. The extract also decreased TGF-β1, VEGF, and TNF-α and reduced serum estradiol at 100–200 mg/kg. Despite partial improvement of oxidative damage markers, oxidative stress remained elevated. By modulating inflammation, fibrosis, and angiogenesis-related cellular events, M. arboreus appears promising for UL management.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Keywords

Introduction

Uterine leiomyomas overview

Epidemiology and global burden

Reproduction & Fertility (2025) 6 e250037 [https://doi.org/10.1530/RAF-25-0037](https://doi.org/10.1530/RAF-25-0037) RESEARCH Received 18 March 2025 Accepted 7 July 2025 Available online 8 July 2025 Version of Record published 26 July 2025 The stem bark decoction of Myrianthus arboreus P. Beauv. (Cecropiaceae) shows anti-uterine leiomyoma effects in Wistar rat Sylvin Benjamin Ateba􀀁1, Lauriane Francoise Chantal Engome Mbella2, Judith Caroline Ngo Nyobe2, Charline Florence Awounfack3,4, Chelsa Jolivette Nanfah Voutsop1, Perpetue Mbede Atsama3, Christine Benderli Nana3, Gisèle Etame-Lo2, Alain Bertrand Dongmo1 and Dieudonn Njamen3 1Department of Biology of Animal Organisms, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon 2Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon 3Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaound 1, Yaound, Cameroon 4Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Letters and Social Science, University of Yaound 1, Yaound, Cameroon Correspondence should be addressed to S B Ateba: s.benjaminateba@gmail.com or to [sateba@fs-univ-douala.cm](sateba@fs-univ-douala.cm) Graphical abstract Abstract Over the past 30 years, the number of new cases of uterine leiomyomas (UL) in women of reproductive age has increased by 67.14% worldwide. The limitations of the current therapeutic options have led to the search for alternatives. Myrianthus arboreus P. Beauv., used for infertility and tumors, has never been tested for UL. In the present study, the decoction of its stem bark was evaluated in a model of UL induced in female Wistar rats. Animals were treated once daily by gavage for 30 days. Normal control and model groups received distilled water, positive groups received mifepristone (5.2 mg/kg) and the remaining three groups were treated with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg M. arboreus extract, respectively. Compared to the model group, the extract at 50 and 100 mg/kg reduced the E2 B-and progesterone-induced uterine horn asymmetry and thickening, and the relative uterine weight and diameter; myometrial thickness; and Published by Bioscientiﬁca Ltd. [https://raf.bioscienti](https://raf.bioscienti)ﬁ[ca.com](ca.com) © 2025 the author(s) This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercialNoDerivatives 4 .0 International License. S B Ateba et al. Reproduction & Fertility (2025) 6 e250037 [https://doi.org/10.1530/RAF-25-0037](https://doi.org/10.1530/RAF-25-0037) collagen density (at 100 and 200 mg/kg) . Regarding cytokines, the extract decreased the uterine levels of TGF-β1 and VEGF (at 100 and 200 mg/kg) and TNF-α (at all doses tested) . It also decreased the serum levels of estradiol (at 100 and 200 mg/kg) . Despite positive trend in reducing oxidative damage (decreased MDA at 50 mg/kg, increased catalase activity at all tested doses, and increased GSH at 100 mg/kg), the level of oxidative stress is still elevated. By attenuating key cellular events involved in the growth and development of UL, such as inﬂammation, ﬁbrosis and angiogenesis, Myrianthus arboreus may be a promising option for UL treatment and management. Lay summary Uterine ﬁbroids are non-cancerous tumors that originate from the smooth muscular wall of the uterus. They may cause severe symptoms, such as chronic pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, painful intercourse, frequent urination, back pain and obstetric complications (embryo implantation failure, fetal growth restriction, miscarriages, preterm delivery, and fertility impairment) . The exact cause is not known, but hormonal changes may play an important role. Treatment options depend on the symptoms and desire to preserve the uterus, and may include medication, minimally invasive procedures and surgery. Their associated risks and limitations fuel searching for conservative alternatives. This study investigates the anti-uteri

FAQs

What was the main objective of this study on Myrianthus arboreus?

To evaluate whether the stem bark decoction of Myrianthus arboreus shows anti-uterine leiomyoma effects in a female Wistar rat model.

How was the treatment administered to the rats?

Animals were treated once daily by gavage for 30 days, using distilled water for the control and model groups, mifepristone as a positive control, and three extract doses (50, 100, 200 mg/kg).

Which biological pathways or effects were reported to change with the extract?

The extract reduced uterine structural changes (including thickening and relative uterine weight), lowered collagen density, decreased cytokine levels such as TGF-β1, VEGF, and TNF-α, reduced estradiol, and partially modulated oxidative stress markers.

Sep 24, 2026

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