Estrogenic effects of Sedum sarmentosum Bunge in ovariectomized rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Sedum sarmentosun Bunge (SS) on the lipid on serum and the collagen content of the connective tissues in ovariectomized estrogen-deficient rats. Three groups were surgically ovariectomized. The fourth group was sham operated. From day 2 until day 37 after the ovariectomy, Sprague-Dawley female rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: sham-operated rats (sham), ovariectomized control rats (OVX-control), ovariectomized rats supplemented with an ethyl ether fraction of SS at 10 mg/kg bw/d (OVX-EE), ovariectomized rats supplemented an ethyl acetate fraction of SS at 10 mg/kg bw/d (OVX-EA). The SS fractions were orally administrated at 1 mL per day. The estrogenic effects of the ethyl ether and ethyl acetate fractions of SS, were investigated using one in vitro assay and two in vivo assays. The treatment of the partition of the ethyl ether and ethyl acetate layers of SS increased the transcriptional activity 0.7-fold and 0.5-fold compared to those that were given 17beta-estradiol treatment, respectively. The OVX rats were significantly heavier than the sham-operated rats at all times, but supplementation with the SS extracts tended to result in less weight gain than OVX-control. The serum triglyceride levels were significantly decreased after supplementation with the SS portion EE and EA layers. Supplementation with the SS extracts prevented a decrease in the collagen level in bone and cartilage tissues. This result indicates that the SS affects the collagen synthesis in ovariectomized rats. These results are consistent with the conclusions based on the estrogenic activities of SS. Therefore, it may be used to possibly improve the quality of life in menopausal women.