The Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Elaeagnus angustifolia Flower on Serum Level of Estrogen and Progesterone in Mature Female Rats

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Elaeagnus angustifolia from the perspective of traditional medicine has therapeutic effects for the treatment of many diseases. Flowers and blossoms of Elaeagnus angustifolia tree stimulate hormonal and nervous system and sexual desires. In this study, the effect of different concentrations of Elaeagnus angustifolia flower extract, were investigated on serum levels of estrogen and progesterone in female rats.   Methods: In this study, 36 mature female Wistar rats (weight, 180-200g), were divided into 4 groups of 9 each. The first group (control) received no medication; second group (sham) was given distilled water (solvent); third and fourth groups respectively received hydroalcoholic extract of Elaeagnus angustifolia flower at doses of 50 and 100mg/kg through gavage for 14 days. At the end, blood sample was taken from the heart of animals, its serum was separated and the serum levels of estrogen and progesterone, were measured using ELISA method. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey test.   Results: The serum concentration of estrogen and progesterone hormones significantly increased in the groups receiving the extract (at dose of 50mg/kg) compared to control and sham groups (p<0.05), but the serum concentration of both hormones in the experimental groups receiving the extract (at dose of 100mg/kg) showed no significant increase compared to control and sham groups.   Conclusion: The results of this investigation showed that the hydroalcoholic extract of Elaeagnus angustifolia flower increases the blood concentration of estrogen and progesterone hormones. This plant also can be used for increasing female hormones and sexual desire.    

Keywords

• elaeagnus angustifolia
• estrogens
• progesterone
• rats