Comparative oestrogenic effects of Allium sativum and Allium cepa in ovariectomised rats

Oestrogens are steroid hormones that influence the growth, differentiation, and functioning of many target organs, including the male and female eproductive organs. Menopause, an important sign of aging in women is characterized by oestrogen depletion, which is associated with many menopausal problems. Oestrogen supplements that are mostly used are not readily safe and have been reported to cause serious health hazards Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that are essentially correspondent to oestradiol (17-β oestradiol) and can relate with oestrogen receptors to elevate and/or prohibit oestrogenic responses. This study therefore aimed at evaluating the possible therapeutic efficacy of Allium sativum and Allium cepa on oestrogenic activities of adult ovariectomised wistar rats. Adult Wistar rats were ovariectomized, then administered various doses of the extracts for 28days, then sacrificed and tissues harvested for analysis. Results shows Allium cepa and quercetin to increase endometrial thickness, increase neural cells in synaptophysin stained cells of hippocampus and dentate gyrus. A conclusion of Allium cepa possessing similar strogenic properties as estradiol group in these ovariectomized rats was drawn, which can offer some ameliorative effects of estrogen deficiency.