Journal of Rawalpindi Medical College | 2026
Authors: Mir U.Z.; Mahmood A.; Ejaz R.; Aslam A.; Mansoor S.; Javed M.
DOI: 10.37939/jrmc.v30i1.3047
Journal: Journal of Rawalpindi Medical College
Year: 2026
Publisher: Rawalpindi Medical University
Document Type: Article
Open Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access
Cited by: 0
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the histopathological and biochemical alterations caused by piperine in the ovaries of adult female Wistar albino rats. Methods: Thirty rats (3–4 months old, 200–250 g) were divided into three groups (n=10 each). Group A (control) received normal saline, Group B received Piperine at 5 mg/kg, and Group C received Piperine at 10 mg/kg body weight daily for 30 days. Serum oestrogen and progesterone levels were measured using ELISA. Histology of ovarian tissues was performed, and estrous cycle changes were monitored. Results: Piperine exposure produced a dose-dependent increase in secondary follicle diameter (Group A: 210.4 ± 15.2 µm; Group B: 285.7 ± 18.9 µm; Group C: 342.1 ± 22.7 µm; p < 0.001). Serum oestrogen levels were significantly elevated in Groups B and C (62.7 ± 5.3 pg/ml and 75.4 ± 6.1 pg/ml) compared to those in the controls (48.2 ± 4.5 pg/ml), whereas progesterone levels declined (Group A: 1.45 ± 0.35 ng/ml; Group B: 1.01 ± 0.33 ng/ml; Group C: 0.41 ± 0.12 ng/ml; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Piperine caused dose-dependent enlargement of secondary follicles with elevated oestrogen and reduced progesterone, leading to an arrest of the ovarian cycle at the proestrus stage. These findings suggest that piperine may be a reproductive toxicant in women of reproductive age. © 2026, Rawalpindi Medical University. All rights reserved.
Estrogen; Estrous cycle; Piperine; Progesterone; Secondary Follicles