Effects of tanacetum parthenium l hydroalcoholic extract on sexual hormones and some liver enzymes

Background: Tanacetum parthenium L. is one of the most ancient and well-known medicinal plants that its role in the treatment of a wide range of diseases has been studied. This study assessed the probable effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Tanacetum parthenium L. on liver enzymes, including Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)/ Aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Furthermore sexual hormones (progesterone and estrogen) were evaluated in female mice. Materials and Methods: 40 female mice with the mean weight of 30-40 gr were divided into three groups: control, sham, and experimental groups. control group did not receive any drug. Sham group only received normal saline. The experimental groups were injected by 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg doses of Tanacetum parthenium extract intraperitoneally for 15 consecutive days. Finally, animals were anesthetized using ether, blood serum was extracted and the serum concentration of AST, ALP, estrogen and progesterone was measured. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Results: The mean serum level of estrogen and progestron was significantly higher in the experimental groups 50 and 100 mg/kg compared to the sham and control groups. Serum levels of and AST and ALP indicated significant decrease only at 50 and 100 mg/kg doses of extract. Conclusion: Active ingredients of Tanacetum parthenium L. may act as an antioxidant to decrease production of free radicals or liver enzymes releasing into the blood through stabilization of hepatocyte membrane. On the other hand, Tanacetum parthenium L. extract may have some effects on hormone concentration that is due to phytoestrogen components, and can increase the estrogen and progestrone levels.