Potential Estrogenic Yam Bean (Pachyrhizus erosus) in Blood and Reproductive Organs of Female Rats

Abstract

Isoflavones contained in yam bean compound has a structure similar to estrogen
hormone. The objective of the present study was to analyze the 17β estradiol and its effects on
ovarium and vaginal tissue structures of rats. Twenty-four Sprague Dawley female white rats
aged between six and seven months, weighing 170 – 220 g, were used. They were given some
yam bean juice, synthetic daidzein and some were selected as a control group, and the treatment
lasted for 36 days. The analysis on 17β estradiol was completed using ELISA, while the ovarium
and vaginal tissue structures were analyzed using HE staining. The results showed that there was
a significant difference of 17β estradiol between rats with yam bean juice administration and
those with synthetic daidzein administration. The difference lies in the ovarium development and
vaginal epithelial proliferation. To conclude, yam bean is an effective, efficient and potential
alternative to a natural source of estrogen.