Comparative oestrogenic effects of <i>Allium sativum</i> and <i>Allium cepa</i> in ovariectomised rats

Abstract

Oestrogens are steroid hormones that influence the growth, differentiation, and functioning of many target organs, including the male and female  eproductive organs. Menopause, an important sign of aging in women is characterized by oestrogen depletion, which is associated with many  menopausal problems. Oestrogen supplements that are mostly used are not readily safe and have been reported to cause serious health hazards  Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that are essentially correspondent to oestradiol (17-β oestradiol) and can relate with oestrogen receptors to  elevate and/or prohibit oestrogenic responses. This study therefore aimed at evaluating the possible therapeutic efficacy of Allium sativum and  Allium cepa on oestrogenic activities of adult ovariectomised wistar rats. Adult Wistar rats were ovariectomized, then administered various doses of  the extracts for 28days, then sacrificed and tissues harvested for analysis. Results shows Allium cepa and quercetin to increase endometrial  thickness, increase neural cells in synaptophysin stained cells of hippocampus and dentate gyrus. A conclusion of Allium cepa possessing similar  strogenic properties as estradiol group in these ovariectomized  rats was drawn, which can offer some ameliorative effects of estrogen deficiency.