Effect of the aqueous extract of Annona muricata on monosodium glutamate-induced uterine tumour in Rattus norvegicus

Fibroid is a non-cancerous tumour originating from the myometrium of the uterus. Annona muricata (A. muricata)  is widely recognised for its anticancer and antitumour properties; however, reports on its effect on fibroids are limited. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been shown to induce uterine tumours at high concentrations. This study examined the antitumour effect of an aqueous extract of A. muricata administered to Wistar rats with MSG. Forty-two rats were divided into five groups (n = 6; n =10). Groups 1 and 2 served as controls. Group 3 received MSG only to induce uterine tumours, while Groups 4 and 5 were induced with MSG and subsequently treated with 300 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of plant extract, respectively, for 28 days. Oestrogen levels and Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) assessments were conducted. A significant increase in body weight was observed in MSG-induced rats, with or without A. muricata treatment. However, A. muricata significantly (p<0.05) reduced oestrogen levels in the treated groups. Oestrogen levels in Groups 4 and 5 were 8.54 pg/ml and 7.99 pg/ml, respectively, compared to 15.99 pg/mL in the MSG-only group. Histological analysis revealed severe regression of the endometrium in MSG- only rats, while those treated with A. muricata showed only mild regression. These findings suggest that A. muricata may modulate uterine growth and oestrogen levels in rats exposed to MSG, indicating potential therapeutic effects against fibroid development.