Effects of Millettia macrophylla (Fabaceae) Extracts on Estrogen Target Organs of Female Wistar Rat

Abstract

Abstract. The present study aims to determine the estrogenicity of Millettia macrophylla, a Cameroonian medicinal plant, in ovariectomized rats and to investigate the underlying mechanisms, in order to justify scientifically its traditional use. To accomplish this objective, we used dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol (MeOH) extracts of the stem bark of M. macrophylla. In the cell culture based assay, the MeOH extract significantly transactivated estrogen receptor a (ERa) and estrogen receptor b (ERb); in addition, the estrogen-like effects of both, DCM and MeOH extracts, could be inhibited in vitro by the pure ER antagonist ICI 182,780, indicating that these effects were primarily mediated through ERs. In animal experiments, both DCM and MeOH extracts significantly increased the uterine and vaginal epithelial heights in the 3-day treatment assay, while only the MeOH extract exhibited such effects in the sub-chronic treatment regimen. Furthermore, the MeOH extract significantly decreased fasting serum triglycerides, total cholesterol levels and artherogenic risk in the sub-chronic treatment. These results indicate that M. macrophylla extracts have estrogen-like effects supporting their traditional use in

Fourteen Days Post-Ovariectomy Estrogens Decline Is Associated with Anxiogenic Effects on Wistar Rats

“…For these authors, fourteen days of estrogens decline after ovariectomy induced an atrophy of the vaginal epithelium, the reduction of the uterine wet weight, uterine epithelium height and total protein levels in this uterine. The results are also in agreement with those of Bocchinfuso et al [33] and Zingue et al [34] which have shown that in the mammary glands ovariectomy induces a stop of the production of eosinophilic secretion in the lumen of alveoli. These results suggest that estrogen decline was induced fourteen days after ovariectomy.…”

Estrogenic and cytotoxic potentials of compounds isolated from Millettia macrophylla Benth (Fabaceae): towards a better understanding of its underlying mechanisms

“…The Human Embryonic Kidney 293 T cell line (HEK293T) was transiently transfected with adequate plasmids using Lipofectamine Reagent as previously described by Zingue et al [18]. They were then treated with different concentrations [10 −9 to 10 −5 M for stigmastenone (3) and 10 −5 to 10 −1 μg/mL for phenolic fraction] for 24 h. Cells treated with E2 (10 nM) alone served as positive control.…”

The methanol-soluble fraction of Millettia macrophylla (Fabaceae) stem bark endowed with estrogenic properties has adverse effects on the male reproductive system of Wistar rats

“…This decrease in intromission could be associated with erectile dysfunction, as described by Yakubu and Afolayan [47], suggesting that the MeOH extract of M. macrophylla alters erectile function. This alteration could be due to the presence of isoflavonoids in this extract [35]. Isoflavonoids modulate dopaminergic transmission in the brain, thereby influencing sexual behavior [48,49].…”

“…Our botanical sample was identified and authenticated by Mr. Victor Nana, botanist at the National Herbarium of Cameroon (HNC) in Yaounde (Voucher specimen number 49654/HNC). The methanol extract (MeOH) and the dichloromethane extract (DCM) used in this study were extracted as described previously by Zingue et al [35]. The doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight (BW) used in this study were effective doses obtained in our previous work and derived from the traditional doses [35].…”

“…We showed that the methanol fraction of M. macrophylla contains secondary metabolites that bind to ERα and ERβ and increase their activity. In vivo, we showed that the methanol soluble fraction significantly increased the uterine weights, epithelial heights, and mammotrophic effects [35]. We aimed to evaluate the effects of M. macrophylla extracts on the male rat reproductive system based on the aforementioned side effects of phytoestrogens on the male reproductive system, and the fact that M. macrophylla is administered traditionally to both men and women for the treatment of different conditions, such as jaundice, insect bites, and respiratory disorders.…”