The effect of “Dong trung ha thao Sapa” hard capsules in the uterus of ovariectomized mice

Abstract

“Dong trung ha thao Sapa” (DTHT) capsules, prepared from Cordyceps militaris powder, are intended to be used in relieving menopausal signs and symptoms. The current study aimed to evaluate the estrogenic properties of DTHT capsules on experimental animals. Female mice from 6 to 8 weeks were used for the study. Mice were divided into the following groups: group I - normal control without being ovariectomized (saline-treated); group II to V were ovariectomized, group II (saline-treated); group III (Ethinyl estradiol-treated), group IV (low dose DTHT capsules) and group V (high dose DTHT capsules). The potential effect of DTHT capsules was evaluated by measuring both the wet and blotted uterus weights. The uterus was then fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, HE(Haematoxylin & Eosin) stained and examined histopathologically. The results suggest that DTHT capsules show estrogenic activity in ovariectomized mice by increasing wet uterus and blotted uterus weight and improving the uterus’s histology. DTHT capsules appear to be an effective therapeutic drug for the treatment of menopausal symptoms.