Efficacy of red clover isoflavones in the menopausal rabbit model.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of phytoestrogens as alternatives for selective dysfunctional changes in the menopausal rabbit model.


METHODS
Prospective, vehicle-controlled experimental study.


METHODS
Reproductive pharmacology laboratory in a university department.


METHODS
Twenty-four rabbits with experimentally induced menopause and six intact controls.


METHODS
Surgical menopause was induced in 24 rabbits by ovariectomy. After 4 weeks of convalescence, three groups (n = 6) were given 100 microg/kg E(2) valerate, 100 microg/kg daidzein, or 6.68 mg/kg red clover extract daily for 12 weeks. The remaining six rabbits served as the operated control group.


METHODS
Vaginal blood flow using Doppler flowmetry, before, during, and after pelvic nerve stimulation; and measured parameters of uterine weight, femoral bone density, clitoral cavernosal histology, and hormone levels.


RESULTS
After pelvic nerve stimulation, blood flow increased remarkably in the daidzein-treated group. Serum E(2) and uterine weight increased significantly in the estrogen group. Cavernosal structure was well preserved in all three treatment groups, and bone mineral density was lowest in ovariectomized controls (0.3467 g/cm(2)) and highest in the red clover (0.4012 g/cm(2)) groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Supplementing isoflavones for menopause leads to significant improvements in bone density, tissue integrity, and vaginal blood flow with minimal effect on uterine weight and may therefore be a viable alternative to conventional regimens using synthetic estrogens.
Adaikan
P Ganesan
PG
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National University Hospital, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore. obgadaik@nus.edu.sg
Srilatha
B
B
Wheat
Amanda J
AJ
D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D007529:Isoflavones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry; D008593:Menopause / Q000187:drug effects*; D023421:Models, Animal; D010052:Ovariectomy; D048789:Phytoestrogens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011817:Rabbits; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000188:drug therapy; D029921:Trifolium; D014621:Vagina / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation
D007529:Isoflavones; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D028321:Plant Preparations