Effect of Prunella vulgaris L extract on hyperplasia of mammary gland in rats

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the effects of Prunella vulgaris L extract (PVE) on hyperplasia of mammary gland (HMG) in rats.

Methods: Forty virgin female Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal group, control group (HMG model), positive control group (Rupixiao Capsule, RPXC), and low-, medium- and high-dose (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg) of PVE groups. Injections of estrogen and progestogen were given at the same time to prepare rat. Changes in nipple height were measured, while serum estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), prolactin (PRL), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were evaluated by ELISA; Uterus and ovary indices were determined.

Results: Compared with control group, PVE reduced elevated nipple height to 2.25 ± 0.09 mm (p < 0.01) and uterus index to 2.29 ± 0.41 mg/g (p < 0.01), as well as reduced the number of mammary gland lobules and secretion in HMG rats. Compared with control group, serum E2 (2.81 ± 0.17 pmol/L), PRL (269.38 ± 8.28 pg/mL) and FSH (0.13 ± 0.03 IU/L) levels (p < 0.01) were lowered, but serum P (1.31 ± 0.13 ng/mL) and LH (1.73 ± 0.08 mIU/mL) levels were higher (p < 0.01) in rats treated with highdose PVE.

Conclusion: These results suggest that PVE exerts anti-HMG effect in rats induced by estrogen and progestogen.

Keywords: Prunella vulgaris L; Anti-inflammatory; Anti-hyperplasia of mammary gland