Efecto Estrogénico del Extracto Alcohólico de Hojas de Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) en Ratas (Rattus novergicus)

Abstract

The objective of this research is to determine the estrogenic effect of alfalfa leaves (Medicago sativa L) in rats (Rattus novergicus) by means of the scientific analytical method determining the estradiol levels, for which blood was taken from the laboratory rats at the beginning and at the end of the experiment, as well as the measurement of the weights of the ovaries and uterus of the biological material. Fifteen rats were divided into five groups: Control (vehicle), Standard (commercial drug "climasoy"), Low Dose (8.93 mg/kg weight), Medium Dose (17.84 mg/kg weight) and High Dose (35.72 mg/kg weight), research developed in the Biotherium of the Faculty of Sciences of the Polytechnic School of Chimborazo. For the analysis of the data, the ANOVA test of one factor with group data and the Tuckey test at a confidence interval of 99% were used. After applying the alfalfa leaf extract treatment, the final estradiol level was: Control: 12.17 pg/mL; Standard: 14.44 pg/mL; low dose: 17.80pg/mL; medium dose: 24 pg/mL; and high dose: 50.15 pg/mL. It was also possible to determine the weights of the ovaries of the Control Group: 163 mg; Standard: 251 mg; low dose: 243 mg; medium dose: 252 mg; and high dose: 265 mg, as well as the weights of the Uterus of the Control Group: 333 mg; Standard: 435 mg; low dose: 560 mg; medium dose: 446 mg; and high dose: 678 mg. I conclude in this way that the administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) produces an estrogenic effect, both when evaluating the initial and final estradiol levels, as well as when measuring the weights of the ovaries, uterus of the biological material. It is recommended that from this research, future studies on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) that contribute to improve the lifestyle of infertile women be carried out.