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The Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Fenugreek Leaf (Trigonella foenum-graecum L) on Changes in Sex Hormones in a Rat Model of Menopause
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N Al-Marzouq1   , Z Yazdanbakhsh1 , F Ghasemi2 |
1- Department of Biology, Shi.c, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
2- Department of Biology, Zand Institute of Higher Education, Shiraz, Iran , ghassemi.fr@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (1172 Views) |
Background & aim:
The effect of fenugreek leaf extract on sex hormones in menopause rat
Abstract
Background and Objective: Menopause is accompanied by ovarian dysfunction and a decrease in sex hormones, which more or less affects the physical and mental health of women. It is important to provide treatment solutions with minimal side effects. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) may be a good option, because it contains phytoestrogenic and some antioxidant compounds. Fenugreek seed and leaves with scientific name Trigonella foenum-graecum L are used widely as food and medicine. Considering the mentioned properties of this plant, its consumption may be effective in reducing the undesirable effects of menopause.
Methods: This experimental and randomized study was conducted in 2024. After preparing hydroalcoholic extract of fenugreek leaves and determining the lethal dose, 48 adult female desert rats weighing 180-200g were selected and divided into 6 groups including control, untreated menopausal rats, and 2 treatment groups including menopausal model rats and two non-menopausal treatment groups. Menopause induction was performed by daily injection of 7mg/kg.bw of cisplatin for 5 days. The rats in both models were treated with doses of 250 and 500mg/kg.bw of fenugreek hydroalcoholic extract by daily gavage. At the end of the treatment period (24 days). After taking blood from rat’s hearts, the serum concentration of gonadotropins and sex hormones was measured by radioimmunoassay method, the oxidative stress factors were measured by ELISA method. The obtained data were analyzed with SPSS software and ANOVA test and compared with Tukey's test at a significance level of P≤0.05.After preparing the hydroalcoholic extract of fenugreek leaves, and determining lethal dose, 48 adult female rats (200-180grams) were divided into groups as control, sham (menopausal model rats injected with 15 ml of cisplatin) and 4 treatment groups include 2 groups of menopausal model rats and two non-menopausal groups that consumed 5 and 10 ml of hydroalcoholic extract of fenugreek by gavage for 24 days. At the end of treatment, blood collection from the rat’s heart was obtained, and gonadotropins, sex hormones, and some oxidative stress factors were measured. The obtained data were analyzed with appropriate statistical software at a significance level of P<0.5.
Results: The serum concentration of testosterone, progesterone, and estradiol hormones were significantly decreased in menopausal model rats compared to control, but luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone showed a significant increase. These hormones were significantly modulated by the consumption of fenugreek leaf hydroalcoholic extract (especially at a dose of 500mg/kg.bw). An increase in malondialdehyde enzyme in menopause induced rats, and its compensation with the consumption of the extract was observed. Also, an increase in total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase was observed in treatment groups with this extract compared to the untreated menopausal group.
In menopausal model rats, testosterone, progesterone, and estradiol hormones decreased compared to controls, but luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone showed a significant increase (p<0.05), which was modulated by the consumption of hydroalcoholic extract of fenugreek leaves (two doses). An increase in malondialdehyde as a result of menopause induction, and its compensation by consuming the extract, as well as an increase in total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase, especially in non-menopausal rats, was observed. Serum levels of catalase enzyme did not show significant differences in different groups.
Conclusion: According to the obtained results, and observation of the modulating effect of hydroalcoholic extract of fenugreek leaf on the sex hormones, and some factors of oxidative stress, we can hope to the positive effect of this plant in reducing the adverse effects of menopause with an emphasis on its antioxidant properties. Although more research is necessary to make a definitive statement. Considering the modulating effect of fenugreek leaf extract on gonadotropins and sex hormones, especially estradiol, in non-menopausal mice and the reduction in the stress index (malondialdehyde) and the increase in the antioxidant enzymes studied (total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase) as a result of consuming the aforementioned extract even in menopausal groups, one can hope for its beneficial effect in reducing the adverse effects of menopause to some extent. In order to make a definitive statement in this regard, more relevant research is recommended.
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| Keywords: Antioxidant, Estradiol, Gonadotropin, Fenugreek, Malondialdehyde, Menopause |
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Full-Text [PDF 1097 kb]
(45 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Physiology
Received: 2025/08/13 | Accepted: 2026/01/24 | Published: 2026/02/3
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