Estrogenic effects of Ficus umbellata Vahl. (Moraceae) extracts and their ability to alleviate some menopausal symptoms induced by ovariectomy in Wistar rats.
In: Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Jg. 179 (2016-02-17), S. 332-344
Online
academicJournal
Zugriff:
Ethnopharmacological relevance Ficus umbellata Vahl. (Moraceae) is a medicinal plant used in Cameroon to treat amenorrhea as well as other physiological disorders related to menopause. Aim of study In order to justify scientifically its traditional use, the estrogen-like properties of the aqueous (AE) and methanol (MeOH) extracts of F. umbellata were investigated. Material and methods In vitro , the ability of different extracts of F. umbellata to activate estrogen receptors α (ERα) and β (ERβ) in cell-based reporter gene assays using human embryonic kidney (HEK293T) cells transfected with ERs was tested. In vivo , a 3-day uterotrophic assay and the capacity of the extracts to alleviate hot flushes in ovariectomized adult rats were tested. Using a bioassay-guided fractionation the major compound of F. umbellata was isolated and tested in vitro on HEK293T-ERα and ERβ cells. Results AE and MeOH extracts significantly altered ERα as well as ERβ activities. In vivo , both extracts significantly increase the uterine and vaginal epithelium thickness, and uterine total protein levels in a dose dependent manner. Interestingly, both extracts of F. umbellata at the dose of 100 mg/kg BW significantly decreased the total number, average duration as well as frequency of hot flushes in experimental rats compared to age-matched OVX controls. Finally, 7-methylumbelliferone, a coumarin was characterized as the major compound of F. umbellata ; however this compound did not transactivate ERα as well ERβ in vitro . Conclusion These aforementioned results suggest that F. umbellata extracts as used by the traditional practitioner have estrogen-like effects and may alleviate some menopausal problems such as vaginal dryness and hot flushes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Titel: |
Estrogenic effects of Ficus umbellata Vahl. (Moraceae) extracts and their ability to alleviate some menopausal symptoms induced by ovariectomy in Wistar rats.
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Autor/in / Beteiligte Person: | Zingue, Stéphane ; Michel, Thomas ; Tchatchou, Jules ; Chantal Beatrice Magne, Nde ; Winter, Evelyn ; Monchot, André ; Awounfack, Charline Florence ; Djiogue, Sefirin ; Clyne, Colin ; Fernandez, Xavier ; Creczynski-Pasa, Tânia Beatriz ; Njamen, Dieudonné |
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Zeitschrift: | Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Jg. 179 (2016-02-17), S. 332-344 |
Veröffentlichung: | 2016 |
Medientyp: | academicJournal |
ISSN: | 0378-8741 (print) |
DOI: | 10.1016/j.jep.2016.01.004 |
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