Fenugreek seeds estrogenic activity in ovariectomized female rats

Abstract

Abstract The estrogenic activities of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), widely used in traditional pharmacopoeia, are reflected in the uterus of ovariectomized female rats, with a slight increase in dry and wet weight, a thickening of the stroma and the uterine epithelium and the development of the endometrial glands. In the vagina, the estrogenic action is shown through an increase in the epidermal cell number and a tendency to keratinization, leading to vaginal opening. Furthermore, this estrogenic potential of fenugreek seeds is confirmed by the over-expression of progesterone receptors in the uterine tissues supporting possible interactions between phytoestrogens and estrogen receptors. Therefore, Fenugreek seeds may be capable of promoting the development of reproductive tissues of immature ovariectomized rats, and its estrogenic activity may take its action by holding phystoestrogens that interact with estrogen binding sites and activate the same estradiol-mediated cell signaling pathways. Thus, our results give added scientific support to the popular use of Fenugreek seeds as an alternative for several health problems such as fertility and menopause related disorders.