Phytochemical analysis and beneficial effects of Artemisia absinthium L. essential oil in rat pseudopregnancy model

Abstract

Pseudopregnancy is a luteal phase syndrome in which steroids, prolactin inhibitor agents or ovariectomy/ovariohysterectomy are used in the treatment. New medical strategies should be developed because of the serious side effects of current treatment regimens. Several plants and natural compounds are investigated for their modulatory effect on hormonal balance in the treatment of pseudopregnancy. Artemisia absinthium L. (wormwood) is a medicinal plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family, used as an emmenagogue and to induce abortus traditionally. This plant has a regulatory effect on the dopaminergic system. In this study, the therapeutic potential of the A. absinthium essential oil was examined in an experimentally-induced pseudopregnancy model in rats. The pseudopregnancy model was induced by injection of a pregnant mare’s serum gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin to female rats. Essential oil of A. absinthium was orally administered to the rats at 12.5 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg doses once daily for 10 days. Bromocriptine (3 mg/kg/per os) was administered to the reference group animals. Gas Chromatography analysis was conducted on the essential oil to reveal its phytochemical profile. A. absinthium essential oil at 25 mg/kg dose displayed beneficial effects in the pseudopregnancy model in rats. Cis-chrysanthenyl acetate (17.8), sabinyl acetate (11.6%), terpinen-4-ol (6.2%), caryophyllene oxide (5.5%) and (E)-nuciferol (5.5%) were found as the major components in the oil. A. absinthium essential oil rich in cis-chrysanthenyl acetate, sabinyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol, caryophyllene oxide, and (E)-nuciferol should be displayed therapeutic activity against pseudopregnancy.