Abstract

EFFECT OF LONICERA LIGUSTRINA LEAVES IN MENOPAUSE RATS

Heena Parveen*, Kajal Chauhan, Dr. M. Sudhakar and Dr. Aneesa Fathima

ABSTRACT

Background: In this study we aimed to evaluate effect of ethanolic extract of Lonicera ligustrina Wall. on the menopause-associated symptoms like diabetes, hyperlipidaemia and low estrogen level and underlying mechanism in comparison with estrogen therapy. In previous studies, it was confirmed that Lonicera ligustrina Wall. have anti-inflammatory effect, anti-nociceptive activity, analgesic effect. Method: Menopause Sprague Dawley female rats were treated with 150mg/kg and 300mg/kg or 0.8mg/kg estradiol for 15 days. Animals were tested in behavioral paradigm and blood was collected for measurement of hormones level such as estrogen, progesterone, FSH, LH, random blood sugar and lipid profile. Results: The results showed that estrogen level significantly increased in the standard and test 2 group (300mg/kg dose) but no significant difference on progesterone and on FSH and LH hormone, showed significant effect. Blood sugar level also controlled in test2 group as compared to negative control. Lipid parameters showed normal range in test 2 group. Conclusion: While L. ligustrina is comparable to estradiol in reducing menopause- like behavior, it has distinct brain- uterus mechanisms association with the predominant protection of catecholamine synthesis, neurotrophins and ERβ receptors in brain, with minor effects on uterus. EELL and its constituents may be novel treatments for menopause.

Keywords: Lonicera ligustrina, Menopause, Menstruation, Hormones, Estrogen, Progesterone, herbal drugs.