Estrogenic activity of Punica granatum L. peel extract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the estrogenic effect of alcoholic extract of Punica granatum peel (ALPG) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.MethodsFemale wistar rats were divided into sham control and ovariectomized (OVX), OVX rats receiving standard drug, raloxifene (5.4 mg/kg) and groups treated with 500 mg/kg and 750 mg/kg of ALPG daily for 90 days. The vaginal cornification, uterine weight, bone loss, biomechanical, biochemical and histopathological observation were carried out to ascertain the effect of test drug in post menopausal syndrome.ResultsThe experimental animals treated with the ALPG showed dose dependent activity. The significant increase in uterine weight, femur BMD, femur hardness was observed. In addition, increased levels of calcium and phosphorus in serum and significant decrease in urine, were observed as compared to control OVX group. The histopathological results also confirm the protective effect of ALPG.ConclusionsThe present findings strongly suggest that the peel of P. granatum possess potent estrogenic activity in ovariectomized rats and substantiate the ethnic use in treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.