Estrogenic activity of standardized extract of Angelica sinensis

Abstract

Since ancient times, extracts of plants have been used for women's health to prevent menopausal symptoms. The symptoms of menopause have been attributed to a reduction in the amount of estrogen produced by the ovaries. In this study the estrogenic activity of a commercial standardized extract of the roots of Angelica sinensis, used to relieve climacteric symptoms was evaluated using in vivo tests such as the degree of cornification of vaginal epithelium, uterotrophic assays and serum LH concentration in ovariectomized rats. Furthermore, the effects on the estrous cycle in rat were investigated. The results obtained have shown that the administration of a standardized ethanol extract in ovariectomized rats exhibited a stimulation of the uterine histoarchitecture, a significant cornification in the vaginal epithelium and a reduction of serum LH concentration showing the estrogenic nature of the extract. Furthermore, the administration of the extract in intact female rats provoked a significant modification of the vaginal smear in 67% of treated rats. The estrous cycle thus modified was characterized by a prolonged estrus stage with a temporary reduction of the regular cyclicity.

Protective Effect of Vanillic Acid on Ovariectomy-Induced Osteoporosis in Rats

“…Vanillic acid (VA; 4-hydroxy-3-methobenzoic acid) is a phenolic compound found in high concentration in many plants especially in the roots of Angelica sinensis a Chinese herb (Circosta et al, 2006). VA is an oxidized form of Vanillin and used as a flavoring agent in food industry due to its creamy odor.…”

“…However, the anti-osteoporotic activity of VA has not completely explored in an animal model. Moreover, VA from Angelica sinensis also been reported to exhibit estrogenic activity (Circosta et al, 2006) and hence it might be a promising candidate for treating bone related disorders like osteoporosis. Therefore, the current study was plotted to elucidate the anti-osteoporotic property of VA in OVX-rat model which mimic postmenopausal osteoporosis.…”

Assessment of the estrogenic activities of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L) sprout isoflavone extract in ovariectomized rats

“…Increasing numbers of women are using phytoestrogens as an alternative therapy for menopausal syndromes. For example, isoflavones isolated from soy and red clover [8] , as well as extracts from such Chinese herbs as Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) [9] and dong-quai (Angelica sinensis) [10] , are popular commercial products that are widely used by women.…”

Steroids in traditional Chinese medicine: what is the evidence?

“…Chinese angelica extract or its constituent, ferulic acid, exhibits oestrogenic activity via various mechanisms: it stimulates the growth of both ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancer cells in vitro; competitively inhibits binding of oestradiol to ER in vitro; induces transcription activity in oestrogen-responsive cells in vitro; suppresses luteinising hormone (LH) secretion; and influences uterine growth and vaginal cytology in ovariectomised rats. (40,41) Its oestrogenic activity in humans is implicated by a case report of a 35-year-old man who developed gynaecomastia after ingesting 'Dong Quai' pills daily for a month (specific dosage unknown). His hormonal results (oestradiol, testosterone, folliclestimulating hormone and LH levels) were all within normal range.…”