Assessment of Cervical Inflammatory Effects of Mucuna urens Consumption in Experimental Animal Model: A Histopathological and Biochemical Study

Food toxicity and its associated health effects are becoming increasingly alarming, as they may contribute to various disease conditions, including cervical inflammation in females. Cervical inflammation refers to irritation of the cervix and may be caused by several factors, such as toxins, chemicals, and infections. This study investigated the histopathological and hormonal effects of Mucuna urens seed extract on the cervix of female albino Wistar rats. Twenty adult rats were divided into four groups of five animals each, comprising one control group and three treatment groups that received 300 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg of M. urens extract orally for 28 days. After the final dose, the animals were sacrificed, serum progesterone levels were determined, and cervical tissues were processed for histological analysis using hematoxylin and eosin staining. The results revealed a dose-dependent reduction in serum progesterone levels compared with the control group. Histological findings showed normal cervical architecture in the control animals, whereas the treated groups exhibited progressive structural alterations, including epithelial thickening, hydropic degeneration, inflammatory cell infiltration, distortion of the cervical canal, and loss of superficial squamous differentiation. These changes were most severe in the group treated with 300 mg/kg. The findings suggest that prolonged or high-dose exposure to M. urens seed extract may have deleterious effects on cervical morphology and hormonal balance, which could potentially impair reproductive function. Therefore, cautious use of M. urens, especially among women of reproductive age, is recommended.