Phytoestrogen in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) (Fabaceae) extract reduces vaginal oxidative stress and increases proliferation of fibroblast in ovariectomized rats

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of a phytoestrogen extract of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) on malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity, as well as proliferation of fibroblasts in ovariectomized rat vagina. This is with a view to identify the optimal dose of a phytoestrogen supplement for use during the menopausal period of women.
 Methods: Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into five groups: negative control, ovariectomy, and ovariectomy groups treated with 1.25, 2.5, or 5 mg/kg of cowpea extract, respectively. The three doses were used to identify the optimal dose required to reduce vaginal oxidative stress and increase fibroblast proliferation in ovariectomized rats. After treatment, the ovariectomized rat vagina was assessed for SOD and MDA levels, MAPK activity, and fibroblast proliferation.
 Results: Cowpea extract at a dose of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg caused significant reduction in SOD levels in the vaginal tissue of rats compared with control (p < 0.05). In contrast, cowpea extract at 1.25 mg/kg resulted in MDA levels similar to that of control rats (p < 0.05). Cowpea extract treatment had positive effects on SOD and MDA levels and on fibroblast proliferation. Increase in SOD levels in rat vagina was induced by increased MDA levels, which is characteristic of oxidative stress, while ovariectomy resulted in decreased MAPK activity.
 Conclusion: Overall, the cowpea extract has no significant effect on MAPK activity or fibroblast proliferation. However, it has a significant effect on SOD and MDA levels and on fibroblast proliferation at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg.

Genistein Daidzein in Kudzu Root (Pueraria lobata) Extract Decreased Malondialdehyde Plasma Levels in Hypoestrogenic Rats

“…The findings elucidated that administration of IGD could decrease MDA plasma levels significantly. This finding is consistent with previous studies showing that isoflavones can reduce MDA levels in vaginal tissue, brain, and serum [16,17]. Isoflavones have a similar structure to estradiol, bind to the estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ), and mimicking estrogenic action [21].…”

“…Hypoestrogenism in menopausal women reduces estrogen's antioxidant action and promotes the production of free radical molecules, often known as ROS. ROS generation results in oxidative stress, characterized by increased MDA levels, inducing lipid peroxidation [17,18]. Oxidative stress leads to an accumulation of oxidative products, which damage lipids, proteins, and DNA [4,5], which will lead to apoptosis [7].…”

“…This shows that a reduction of estrogen may aggravate oxidative stress [25]. Estrogen is a potent antioxidant that reduces oxidative physiological stress, whereas estrogen deficiency has been shown to accelerate the aging process in women [17]. The conventional estrogen and phytoestrogen routes include intracellular estrogen receptors mediated by transcriptional activation of estrogen-responsive genes (including target genes MnSOD, eNOS, and cytochrome-o-oxidase).…”

Isoflavone and Antioxidant of Instant Cream Soup Made from Pumpkin and Tempeh and Their Active Compound in Ovariohysterectomy Rat-Induced Alzheimer’s Disease

“…The content of isoflavones in IPTS is thought to act as an antioxidant capable of neutralizing free radicals and preventing the formation of MDA due to lipid peroxidation [ 51 ]. The study of Haryati et al [ 52 ] and Setyarini et al [ 53 ] showed that the antioxidant in Vigna unguiculata was able to reduce brain and serum MDA levels after OVx treatment significantly.…”