Ethnomedicinal validation of Telfairia occidentalis L. leaf: a dual experimental and computational approach to uterine leiomyoma therapy

The extract demonstrated modest antioxidant activity; however, it was less effective than quercetin at scavenging NO radicals, DPPH, and iron-chelating capacity. It demonstrated AChE and MAO inhibition that was dose-dependent, with an IC50 for MAO inhibition of 0.178 ± 0.003 μg/mL that was comparable to donepezil (0.155 ± 0.005 μg/mL). α-Amylase activity increased in a dose-dependent manner, whereas α-glucosidase inhibition remained lower than the control. Testosterone and oestradiol levels in <i>T. occidentalis</i>-treated fibrotic rats significantly decreased, suggesting that MSG-induced hormonal abnormalities were corrected. Despite some epithelial deterioration, histopathological results showed partial recovery of uterine integrity and restoration of ovarian architecture with growing follicles. These results may suggest that the leaf extract of <i>T. occidentalis</i> exhibits antifibrotic and Hormone-modulating properties. HPLC identified beta-carotene and lutein affinity for STEAP4 was discovered by computational methods, suggesting a synergistic process. Through a combination of hormone-regulating, enzyme-inhibitory, and antioxidant properties, <i>T. occidentalis</i> shows encouraging antifibrotic efficacy. These results support its traditional application and demonstrate its applicability in the development of phytotherapeutics for the treatment of uterine leiomyomas.