Effect of phytoestrogen-rich fraction of Millettia aboensis on lipid profile, oxidative stress, and platelet count in ovariectomized rat model of menopause

Milletia aboensis has long-standing ethnopharmacological indications for the treatment of symptoms and diseases related to menopause. This investigation examined the effects of its phytoestrogen-rich fraction on some predictors of cardiovascular risk in an ovariectomized rat model of menopause. In vitro, antioxidant activity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test. Ovariectomy was used to trigger menopause by surgically removing the ovaries under anesthesia. After recovery, the animals were treated orally with the phytoestrogen-rich fraction (PERF) of M. aboensis daily for 30 days. Blood samples were obtained for the estimation of serum lipid profile, antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation, and platelet count. The PERF showed the strongest inhibition of DPPH radical with an IC50 value of 19.65 µg/ml. At 200 and 400 mg/kg, the PERF dose-dependently showed significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (42.86 and 43.05 mg/dl) and a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels (3.78 and 1.24 mg/dl) compared with the ovariectomized (OVX) control (31.82 and 20.32 mg/dl, respectively). Being dose-dependently, the PERF increased catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activities as well as significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels compared to OVX control. At 200 and 400 mg/kg, the PERF restored platelet count with values (316.54 and 343.3 103/IU, respectively) close to that of sham-operated control (365.17 103/IU). The ability of M. aboensis to reverse lipid abnormalities associated with ovariectomy coupled with its reduced platelet count, and antioxidant effects make it a potential therapeutic phytoestrogen remedy for the management of cardiovascular complications associated with estrogen deficiency

Osteoprotective Effect of Phytoestrogen Rich Fraction of Ochna schweinfurthiana Stembark Extract on Ovariectomized Animal Model of Menopause

Osteoporosis is one of the major disease conditions associated with estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women. This study evaluated the osteoprotective effect of phytoestrogen rich fraction (PERF) of O. schweinfurthiana back extract on ovariectomized animal model of menopause. The methanol plant extract was partitioned into n-hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol and water fraction using liquid-liquid fractionation. The phytoestrogens in the fractions were quantified using genistein as standard. Ovariectomy induced osteoporosis was achieved by surgical removal of the ovaries. Body weight changes, relative uterine weight, serum estradiol, bone turnover markers (Alkaline phosphatase - ALP and Acid Phosphatase – ACP), bone mineral content and density as well as lipid peroxidation assays were used to establish ability of ovariectomy to induce osteoporosis and dose response effect of the PERF. Water fraction showed the highest content of phytoestrogen which was more than 10 fold higher than the content of other fractions. Ovariectomy induced weight gain was significantly (P&lt;0.05) lowered by PERF compared to vehicle control. Significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in serum estradiol following treatment with PERF produced corresponding uterotrophic effect with median effective dose (ED50) of 197 mg/kg. osteoprotective effect of PERF was evident from the significant (P&lt;0.05) increases in both bone mineral content and density which corresponded with reduction in bone turnover markers. Ovariectomy induced oxidative stress was reduced by PERF with ED50 of 716 mg/kg. O. schweinfurthiana exhibited osteoprotective effect that may have been mediated by downstream signaling effects through estrogen receptor. Keywords: Osteoporosis; Menopause; Phytoestrogen; bone turnover DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/14-10-04 Publication date:July 31st 202

Combination Interactive Effects of Gongronema latifolium Leaves and Picralima nitida Seeds Extracts on Glucose Tolerance

This study evaluated the combination interactive effects of G. latifolium leaves and P. nitida seed extracts using a metabolic glucose tolerance test. The plant samples were extracted separately using cold maceration and their acute toxicities were determined. Dose-response glucose tolerant tests of both plants were done using a 2 g/kg glucose load monitored over 0 – 1h. A 41% effect isobologram was used to determine the needed dose combinations according to the principle of Loewe’s additivity model. The glucose tolerant tests of dose pairs of the combined extracts were evaluated and their combination indices were calculated to determine the nature of their interaction. The ED41 of G. latifolium (GL) and P. nitida (PN) were 180 mg/kg and 254 mg/kg respectively. The percentage reductions of GL:PN (50:160); GL:PN (100:90); and GL:PN (150:30) dose pairs were 48.23, 50.76 and 42.99 % respectively. Their combination index were calculated to be 0.91, 0.91 and 0.95 respectively - an indication of synergistic interaction. Findings from this study validate the combined use of G. latifolium leaves and P. nitida seeds in folkloric medicine. However, combining the extracts of G. latifolium: P. nitida in the dose ratios of 50:160, 100:90 and 150:30 mg/kg gave the best dose pairs with synergistic outcome