Blood plasma levels of anterior pituitary hormones of rabbits after apricot seed exposure in vivo

Abstract

The present study describes possible changes in plasma levels of anterior pituitary hormones induced by bitter apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) seeds in young female rabbits in vivo. Prunus armeniaca L. is an important medicinal edible plant species commonly known as "apricot". The apricot is a member of the Rosaceae and subfamily Prunoideae. It is one of the most delicious and commercially traded fruits in the world. Apricot kernel is the inner part of the seed of the apricot fruit. The kernel is used to produce oil and other chemicals used for medicinal purposes. The seeds are potentially useful in human nutrition and for treatment several diseases especially cancer. In the present study apricot seeds were mixed with feed at different doses 0, 60, 300, 420 mg*kg -1 of body weight. ELISA was used to determine the levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin (PRL). 58-days application of apricot seeds did not affect the concentration (P≥0.05) of PRL, LH in blood plasma. Significant (P≤0.01) inhibition of FSH levels induced by the seeds was found at the dose of 420 mg*kg -1 but not at 60 and 300 mg*kg -1 of body weight. These results are suggesting that the natural substances present in apricot seeds may be involved in mechanisms of ovarian folliculogenesis. AbstraktTáto štúdia popisuje možnú zmenu koncentrácie hormónov adenohypofýzy u mladých samíc králikov, vyvolanú biologickou aktivitou horkých marhuľových semien (Prunus armeniaca L.). Prunus armeniaca L. je jedlý liečivý druh všeobecne známy ako "marhuľa". Marhuľa obyčajná patrí do čeľade Rosaceae a podčeľade Prunoideae. Reprezentuje jedno z najchutnejších a komerčne ľahko dostupných ovocných druhov na svetovom trhu. Marhuľové semeno je vnútorná časť jadra marhúľ. Semeno sa využíva na výrobu oleja a iných chemických zlúčenín, ktoré našli uplatnenie v medicíne. Semená sú potenciálne vhodné pre ľudskú výživu a na liečbu mnohých ochorení najmä nádorov. V predloženej štúdii boli marhuľové semená pridané do krmiva v rôznych dávkach 0, 60, 300, 420 mg*kg -1 telesnej hmotnosti. Následne bola na stanovenie folikulostimulačného (FSH), luteinizačného hormónu (LH) a prolaktínu (PRL) použitá ELISA metóda. 58-dňová aplikácia marhuľových semien nemala vplyv (P≥0.05) na koncentráciu PRL, LH v krvnej plazme. Významná (P≤0.01) inhibícia uvoľňovania FSH bola indukovaná pri dávke 420 mg*kg -1 živej hmotnosti marhuľových semien. Tieto výsledky naznačujú, že prírodné látky prítomné v semenách marhúľ, by mohli byť zapojené do mechanizmov ovariálnej folikulogenézy.

Human Urine Alterations Caused by Apricot Seeds Consumption

“…It has possible modulatory impact on cell viability [25] and the steroid production in porcine ovaries in vitro, as Halenár et al [26,27] reported in their study. Michalcová et al [28] published, that natural substances present in apricot seeds may be involved in ovarian folliculogenesis mechanisms of rabbits through inhibition of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) levels. Amygdalin is also a potential antifibrotic agent that may have therapeutic potential for patients with fibrotic kidney disease [29].…”

Industrial Apple Pomace by-Products as a Potential Source of Pro-Health Compounds in Functional Food

“…Amygdalin is the major component of apple seeds, which contains 2,96 mg/g of amygdalin. Of course there are differences between amounts of amygdalin in seeds depending on cultivars (Michalcová, et al, 2016). Apple juice (100% pressed) contain 0,09mg/g of amygdalin, so it is much lower than observed in apple seeds.…”

The pharmacological effect of apricot seeds extracts and amygdalin in experimentally induced liver damage and hepatocellular carcinoma

“…Apricot kernel paste can heal vaginal infections. The kernel oil has been used in cosmetics and as a pharmaceutical agent (laxative and expectorant) (14).…”