Fenugreek seeds estrogenic activity in ovariectomized female rats

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.

Keywords

• fenugreek
• estrogenic effect
• phytoestrogens
• ovariectomized rats
• progesterone receptors