Enhancement of Female Rat Fertility via Ethanolic Extract from L. (Black Cumin) Seeds Assessed via HPLC-ESI-MS/MS and Molecular Docking.

The characteristic chemical composition of seeds is directly linked to their beneficial properties. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition of seeds using a 100% ethanolic extract using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Additionally, it explored the potential biological effects of the extract on female rat reproduction. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Estrogen (E2), and Progesterone (P4) hormone levels were also assessed, along with the morphological and histological effects of the extract on ovarian, oviductal, and uterine tissues. Molecular docking was performed to understand the extract's activity and its role in regulating female reproduction by assessing its binding affinity to hormonal receptors. Twenty metabolites, including alkaloids, saponins, terpenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and fatty acids, were found in the ethanolic extract of seeds through the HPLC-ESI-MS/MS study. The seed extract exhibited strong estrogenic and LH-like activities ( < 0.05) with weak FSH-like activity. Furthermore, it increased the serum levels of LH ( < 0.05), P4 hormones ( < 0.001), and E2 ( < 0.0001). Molecular docking results displayed a strong interaction with Erβ, LH, GnRH, and P4 receptors, respectively. Based on these findings, seeds demonstrated hormone-like activities, suggesting their potential as a treatment for improving female fertility.