Examining the Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Dracaena cinnabari on Sex Hormones and Ovarian and Uterine Tissues of Rats

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Dracaena cinnabari is considered a rich source of phytochemicals used widely in traditional medicine. In the present study, the effect of D. cinnabari hydraulic extract on the reproductive system of female rats was investigated. Methods: The samples were randomly divided into four groups (six samples in each group), including three treatment groups and one control group, and all samples were kept at the same conditions. Hydraulic extract of D. cinnabari and injected intraperitoneally daily for 10 days, while physiological serum was used for injection in to the control group. After 10 days of injection, estrogen and progesterone levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay technique. After dissection, the ovaries and uterine tissues were isolated for histological examination, and tissue changes were carefully examined. Results: The results revealed that the levels of estrogen and progesterone in experimental Groups 2 and 3 had a significant increase (P < 0.001). Regarding tissue changes, a significant increase was observed in epithelial thickness (P < 0.001), number of corpus luteum (P < 0.01), and Graafian follicle (P < 0.01) in doses of 100 and 150 mg/kg. Conclusions: Based on the results, it seems that D. cinnabari extract has an effect on the ovarian follicles.