Estrogenic Effects of Extracts from Leonurus heterophyllus

The study determined estrogenic effects of ethanol extracts (45% ethanol extract and 70% ethanol extract) and aqueous extract from aerial parts of Leonurus heterophyllus on naïve mice and ovariectomized mice. The phase of the estrus cycle was determined by early vaginal opening in immature mice and by vaginal smear cytology. The weight of reproductive organs and plasma 17β-estradiol content were also determined. The results revealed that Leonurus heterophyllus extracts induced estrogenic effects in immature mice and naïve mature mice. Ovariectomized mice subjected to 15-day oral administration of ethanol extract or aqueous extract spent more time in estrus phase and showed development of uterus weight. The plasma 17β-estradiol contents in ovariectomized mice after administration of Leonurus heterophyllus extracts were higher than untreated control. Especially, ovariectomized mice administered aqueous extract (1.5 g/kg), 45% ethanol extract (1.5 g/kg) or 70% ethanol extract (1.33 g/kg), as well as Progynova^® (estradiol valerate) had plasma 17β-estradiol contents significantly higher than naïve control. Generally, the estrogenic effect of Leonurus heterophyllus extracts is equivalent to genistein, a typical phytoestrogen. The findings will be useful for advanced study on Leonurus heterophyllus as a resource of phytoestrogens.

Keywords: Leonurus heterophyllus, ethanol extracts, aqueous extract, estrogenic effect, ovariectomized mice, 17β-estradiol content.

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