Bone indices and body weight changes of ovariectomized rats treated with<i> Marantodes pumilum</i> var. <i>Alata</i>

Abstract

Marantodes pumilim var. alata (MPva) is a popular female aphrodisiac and known source of phytoestrogens. It is traditionally used to manage postmenopausal crisis and preserve bone health in women. The study aims to investigate the effects of MPva on bone indices and bodyweight of post-menopausal rats. Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into groups (n=6): Healthy control (Sham); ovariectomized control (OVXC); Estrogen treatment (ERT); plant leaf extract treatment (MPr) and plant root extract treatment (MPv) groups. All rats (except the Sham-operated group) were ovariectomized. After 2-weeks healing period, the ERT group was treated with 64.5 μg/kg estrogen while MPv and MPr groups received pre-determined optimal daily dose of MPva leaf and root extracts, respectively. Changes in bodyweight of rats were monitored through an eight-weeks treatment period after which rats were euthanized for testing of bone parameters. Both leaves and roots of MPva (20 mg/kg) were found to show optimal preservation of bone mineral density and mechanical strength. Untreated estrogen-deficient rats (OVXC) showed significant weight-gain when compared with the healthy control (Sham) (p<0.05). Treatment with MPva leaf and root extracts, similar to treatment with estrogen, significantly suppressed weight-gain observed in the estrogen-deficient (OVXC) group (p<0.05). In conclusion, treatment with MPva leaf and root extracts preserved bone strength. In addition, it suppressed weight gain in postmenopausal rats, an outcome that makes MPva more beneficial to postmenopausal women that may experience weight gain.