Screening of Phytoestrogenic Effective Extracts and Dose of Cistanche deserticola

ObjectiveTo screen the phytoestrogenic effective extracts and dose of Cistanche deserticola including estrogenic and anti-estrogenic activities.MethodsThe effect of phytoestrogen was determined through uterus growth test in low and high estrogen female model mice. Then MTT assay of the estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells MCF-7 was conducted with the medicated serum of mice.ResultsAfter ig administration with 95% ethanol extract of C. deserticola [EECD, 30 g/(kg·d)], the uterus coefficient of low estrogen model mice increased. The medicated serum of 30 g/(kg·d) EECD significantly promoted the proliferation of MCF-7 cells. 40 g/(kg·d) EECD + diethylstilbestrol significantly inhibited the growth of the uterus in high estrogen model mice and the proliferation of MCF-7 cells as well.ConclusionWith the dose of 30 g/(kg·d), EECD could exert quasi estrogen effect, and with the dose of 40 g/(kg·d), EECD could exert the estrogen antagonistic action. The method established is accurate and reliable, which could be used for the follow-up studies on the phytoestrogen material basis of C. deserticola.