The anti-hyperplasia of mammary gland effect of Thladiantha dubia root ethanol extract in rats reduced by estrogen and progestogen.

Abstract

AIM OF THE STUDY:

Thladiantha dubia (Cucurbitaceae) has been used in Chinese manchu nationality folk medicine for treatment of various diseases, such as scrofula, carbuncle, lactation deficiency, etc. Its effects include softening hard masses, heat-clearing and detoxifying, reducing swelling, eliminating carbuncle, and promoting lactation. It has a history of use in the treatment of breast disorders and as an agent to increase lactation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-hyperplasia of mammary (HMG) effect of T. dubia root ethanol extract (TD-E) in estrogen combined with progestogen induced HMG rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Forty virgin female Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank control, HMG model, Rupixiao Tablet (RPXT, positive control), and TD-E groups, 10 in each. Injection of estrogen and progestogen were given to establish rat models of HMG, RPXT and TD-E were given at the same time. Changes of nipple heights were measured; uterus and ovary index were calculated; sex hormone levels (LH, E(2), and P) in serum were estimated. Pathologic changes of MG in rats were also observed under light microscope.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:

TD-E could decrease the increased nipple height, reduce the numbers of MG lobules and relieve the pathologic changes of HMG in rats. It could also decrease E(2) and LH levels in serum compared with the control group, nipple height, uterus index, and the levels of E(2) and LH in the HMG model group increased significantly, the level of P decreased significantly. Compared with the HMG model group, nipple height, uterus index, and the levels of E(2) and LH in the TD-E group decreased, and no obvious effect on P content. The histopathological analysis suggested that TD-E obviously alleviated the degree of HMG. Those results suggest TD-E has protective and therapeutic effects on HMG rats induced by estrogen and progestogen.

• Authors: Lishu Wang, Daqing Zhao, Lin Di, Dongyan Cheng, Xuefeng Zhou, Xianwen Yang, Yonghong Liu
• Journal: Journal of ethnopharmacology (J Ethnopharmacol) Vol. 134 Issue 1 Pg. 136-40 (Mar 08 2011) ISSN: 1872-7573 [Electronic] Ireland
• PMID: 21134436 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Estrogens
• Plant Extracts
• Ethanol
• Progesterone

Topics

• Animals
• Cucurbitaceae (chemistry)
• Estrogens (pharmacology)
• Ethanol (chemistry)
• Female
• Hyperplasia (prevention & control)
• Lethal Dose 50
• Mammary Glands, Animal (drug effects, pathology)
• Plant Extracts (pharmacology)
• Plant Roots (chemistry)
• Progesterone (pharmacology)
• Rats
• Rats, Wistar