Effects of the methanol extract of Erythrina abyssinica on hot flashes in ovariectomized rats

Abstract

We investigated the estrogen-like properties of the methanol extract of Erythrina abyssinica in ovariectomized rats. Climaterix was induced in female rats by surgically removing the ovaries. Data loggers implanted in the abdominal cavity during the procedure recorded core temperatures at predetermined time intervals for 72 h. 6 h after the onset of temperature recording, animals were treated with estrogen (1 mg/kg), methanol extract of Erythrina abyssinica (200 mg/kg) or an equivalent volume of 5% ethanol. Rats treated with extract had significantly fewer hot flashes (171 ± 11 vs. 264 ± 21) which were of shorter duration (683 ± 137 min vs. 1935 ± 345 min) compared to untreated animals. Treated animals had lower core temperature during periods of high activity indicating that the methanol extract of E. abyssinica reduced frequency and duration of hot flashes.

Keywords: Ovariectomized, extract, Erythrina abyssinica, climaterix

African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(6), pp. 598-601