PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF CRUDE EXTRACT ALLIUM CEPA (RED ONION) ON THE UTERUS OF THE ADULT FEMALE WISTAR RAT

This study investigates the protective effects of crude extract of Allium cepa (red onion) on the uterus of adult female Wistar rats exposed to manganese (Mn) toxicity. Twenty-four female Wistar rats, weighing 80–130g, were divided into four groups: control, manganese only (Mn), manganese + Allium cepa (Mn+AC), and manganese + quercetin (Mn+Q). Group 2(MN only) was given 25mg/kg of MN once on alternate days for 2 weeks. Group 3 was given the same 25mg/kg of MN once in alternate days and 1ml of allium cepa for 2 weeks. Group 1 received food and water only for 2 weeks, and group 4 received 25mg/kg of MN and 10mg/kg of quercetin daily for 14 days. After 14days, the rats were sacrificed, the uteri were dissected, routinely processed using H & E, and photomicrographs were produced. Histological examination revealed normal uterine architecture in the control and Mn+AC groups, with intact endometrium and stroma. Similarly, the Mn+Q group displayed minimal tissue damage. In contrast, the manganese-only group showed significant histoarchitectural distortion, including vacuolation and disrupted stromal tissue when compared to the control, indicating the detrimental impact of Mn toxicity. Body weight analysis showed significant weight loss in the manganese-only group compared to the control and treated groups. Both Allium cepa and quercetin were found to mitigate manganese-induced weight loss and preserve uterine tissue integrity, likely due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In conclusion, Allium cepa exhibited a protective effect on the uterus of manganese-exposed Wistar rats, supporting its potential use in mitigating reproductive toxicity from heavy metal exposure. These findings suggest that Allium cepa and quercetin might serve as therapeutic agents in protecting against manganese-induced reproductive damage.