The effects of Sutaehwan-Gami on menopausal symptoms induced by ovariectomy in rats

• Main Authors: Kim Dong-Il (Author), Choi Min Sun (Author), Pak Sok Cheon (Author), Lee Seung-bok (Author), Jeon Songhee (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2012-11-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This study was undertaken to evaluate the beneficial effects of a modified prescription of Sutaehwan named Sutaehwan-Gami (SG), created by adding <it>Rhizoma dioscoreae</it> and <it>Carthami semen</it> to Sutaehwan, on menopausal symptoms.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>To evaluate the estrogenic effect of SG, we first examined estrogen receptor (ER) activation by SG treatment in breast adenocarcinoma cells and confirmed the estrogenic effect of SG <it>in vivo</it> ovariectomized rats. The animals were randomized into four groups: Sham operated group (Sham), saline treated ovariectomized group (OVX), SG treated group (SG) and raloxifene treated group (RLX). Animals were provided with SG at a dose of 500 mg/kg bw/day and RLX at a dose of 5.4 mg/kg bw/day with standard rat pellets for 3 months.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>SG significantly increased ERα phosphorylation, and its downstream effectors, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation in breast adenocarcinoma cells. Treatment with SG reversed ovariectomy-induced uterine weight reduction and weight gain. Decreases in the levels of GOT and GPT were observed in the SG group. The significantly reduced E₂β level in OVX rats was raised by treatment with SG. Moreover, SG significantly increased the phosphorylation levels of ERK and Akt in the uterus.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Taken together, these data indicate that SG has phytoestrogen-like properties through ERK and Akt activation, implying that it could be protective and beneficial for the management of menopausal symptoms.</p>

Item Description

10.1186/1472-6882-12-227
1472-6882