Phytochemical characterization and effects of Dolomiaea costus root extract on ovariectomy-induced metabolic, skeletal, and uterine alterations in rats.

BACKGROUND

Estrogen deficiency following ovariectomy produces metabolic, skeletal, and uterine alterations.

METHODS

In this study, we evaluated an authenticated and chemically characterized dichloromethane-methanol (1:1, v/v) root extract of Dolomiaea costus (Syn. Saussurea costus) in ovariectomized female Wistar rats. Thirty rats were assigned to sham-operated, ovariectomized untreated, and ovariectomized extract-treated groups. Beginning 3 weeks after surgery, the treated group received the extract orally at 300 mg/kg body weight/day for 12 weeks. Metabolic and lipid variables, adipokines, antioxidant status, and bone-related biomarkers were determined. Uterine, femoral, hepatic, and adipose tissues were examined histologically, while estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α) immunoreactivity were evaluated. The extract was characterized using spectrophotometric assays, GC-MS, and HPLC-DAD.

RESULTS

Ovariectomy was associated with increased body and adipose-tissue mass, dyslipidemia, impaired glucose homeostasis, altered adipokine concentrations, decreased antioxidant capacity, and structural alterations in the uterus, bone, liver, and adipose tissue. Compared with untreated ovariectomized rats, extract administration was associated with improvements in several biochemical and histological outcomes and with increased uterine ER-α immunoreactivity. Chemical profiling indicated the presence of sesquiterpene lactones, fatty-acid derivatives, and phenolic metabolites.

CONCLUSION

Increased ER-α immunoreactivity is consistent with an estrogen-responsive effect but does not establish direct estrogen-receptor agonism. These preclinical findings support further standardized pharmacological and toxicological evaluation of the extract; they do not establish efficacy or safety in menopausal women.