The Effect Combination of Leonurus japonicus Houtt, Eclipta prostrata L., and Pueraria lobata Ohwi Extract on Menopause Symptoms in an Ovariectomized Rat Model

Abstract Objectives Menopause causes ovarian hormone decline, followed by symptoms including weight gain, bone loss, hot flashes, and menopausal depression. We had a purpose that a combination of Leonurus japonicus Houtt, Eclipta prostrata L., and Pueraria lobata Ohwi (LEPE) would alleviate menopausal symptoms in an ovariectomized menopausal rat model. Methods Female rat underwent surgery to resect bilateral ovarian and were randomly assigned to five groups: (1) Sham, (2) Vehicle, negative control, (3) LEPE (100 mg/kg bw), (4) LEPE (200 mg/kg bw), and (5) Estradiol (E2, 3 μg/kg bw). LEPE was orally gavaged daily for 12 weeks. Results There is no effect on growth performance, including body weight and feed intake, or body composition, including lean mass and fat in tissue. LEPE did not cause hepatotoxicity (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) and endocrine disturbance (estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone levels, and uterine weight). Despite decreasing type I collagen (CTX-1), LEPE did not affect bone mineral density and osteocalcin. LEPE supplement reduced the tail temperature and increased the rectal temperature, improving menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweat. Furthermore, LEPE relieved behavior related to menopausal depression, including in forced swimming and tail suspension tests. Conclusions These findings suggest that LEPE ameliorates menopausal symptoms via improving menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms and depression behavior in a female rat model of surgical menopause. Funding Sources This research was funded by Nong Shim.