Studies carried out on leguminous plants of the genus Pueraria showed that some species of this genus are endowed with oestrogenic properties and are able to relieve some menopausal symptoms. The aim of thiswork was to assess the potential health benefit of Pueraria phaseoloides in ovariectomized rats, an experimental model of menopause. Ovariectomized Wistar rats were treated for 3-days with aqueous (AE) and dichloromethane/methanol (DCM/MeOH) extracts of Pueraria phaseoloides, following the 14-days interval necessary for functionally perceptible oestrogen decline. Oestrogen-like effects were assessed on primary oestrogen target organs, while anxiolytic properties were evaluated with help of the elevated plus-maze (EPM) and the open field (OF) tests. Then, the effects of extracts on hot flushes were evaluated using data loggers. The DCM/MeOH extract (dose 500 mg/kg) significantly increased the uterine epithelial thickness (p < 0.05). Both AE and DCM/MeOH extracts induced the differentiation of the acini, and led to an increase in eosinophilic secretary granules in mammary gland sat all doses tested. Pueraria phaseoloides induced an increase in the percentages of time spent and number of entries in the open arms of the EPM, in the time spent at the centre of the arena in the OF test. The most pronounced anxiolytic effects were induced by AE at the doses 150 and 300 mg/kg. Instead, the DCM/MeOH extract had the strongest oestrogen-like effects and reduced significantly the total number (p < 0.05, p < 0.01), the frequency of hot flushes (at all the doses tested), and their average duration at 300 mg/kg (p < 0.01). Our results suggest that Pueraria phaseoloides has oestrogenic properties and can correct various physiological alterations related to oestrogen depletion in ovariectomized rats, possibly through oestrogenic pathway.

Royal Jelly (RJ) is a creamy liquid secreted by bees for the nutrition of their larvae and the queen bee. Previous work has shown that RJ can bind to estrogen receptors and brings about the same effects as that of estrogens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of RJ on menopause related anxiety and on hot flushes in Wistar rat. To do this, the Elevated Plus-Maze (EPM) and the Open Field (OF) test were used to evaluate the anxiolytic effects of royal jelly, while data loggers were used in the case of hot flushes. SHAM and OVX groups received distilled water. Three doses of RJ were tested (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg BW). Diazepam and estradiol valerate were used as reference drug. All the substances were administered per os, except diazepam(i.p.). As results, Royal jelly induced a significant increase (p< 0.01, p< 0.001) of the number of rearing and head dipping in the EPM test compared to OVX group. It also induced a significant decrease (p< 0.05, p< 0.01, p< 0.001) of the weight of faeces produced and the rectal temperature in the EPM. In the OF test, compared to OVX group, RJ significantly increased (p<0.05, p< 0.01) the centre square time and the number of rearing. It also induced a significant decrease of the number of grooming. The evaluation of hot flushes showed that, comparing with the OVX group, RJ led to a decrease in the total number as well as the frequency of hot flushes at all the doses tested compared to OVX group. These results suggest that royal jelly is capable of reversing some disorders related to estrogen depletion induced by ovariectomy. These anxiolytic effects and hot flushes prevention of royal jelly could justify it traditional use by women facing menopause.