Impact of Soybean Phytoestrogen-Rich Extract on Hormonal Imbalance and Ovarian Function in Menopausal Rat Induced with 4-Vinylcyclohexene Diepoxide: A Neglected Naturaceutical

Abstract

Backgroud: Decrease levels of estrogen and progesterone, a vital hormone in female reproductive health as led to vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes, sweating, physical and psychological discomfort, and emotional changes experienced by a large portion of the menopausal and postmenopausal female population. The study aim to investigate the impact of Soybean phytoestrogen-rich extract on hormonal imbalance and ovarian function on 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide-induced menopause in albino rats. Methods: Thirty (30) female albino Wistar rats were employed in the investigation, and each one was induced with 80mg/kg of 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide before being treated with either normal estradiol therapy (14ug/kg) or varying concentrations of the soybean phytoestrogen-rich extract (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 600 mg/kg). Reproductive hormones (follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen (E2), anti mullerian hormone (AMH), progesterone and testosterone) were measured by ELISA methods. Statistical software SPSS (IBM) version 23.0 was used to analyze the data. Results: Serum E2 and progesterone levels were observed to be significantly higher (p<0.05) in the soybean phytoestrogen-rich extract treatment group compared to the positive control group. There was non-significant difference (p>0.05) observed in use of standard estrogen therapy compared to phytoestrogen isoflavones but increased serum mean levels of estrogen, progesterone and anti-mullerian hormone was observed. Conclusion: Data from this research clearly demonstrate the hormone regulating effect of soybean phytoestrogen-rich extract therapy in menopause-induced female Wistar rats. Soybean phytoestrogen-rich extract therapy in a high-dose appears to be more effective in management of hormonal imbalance and ovarian function compared to hormone replacement therapy as an alternate source of estrogen.