Estrogenic activity of Curcuma comosa extract in rats

Abstract

The effects of Curcuma comosa extract on the growth and morphological changes of the rat vagina and uterine mucosa were investigated and compared to those exerted by estradiol. Administration of the hexane extract of C. comosa at a dose of 480 mg kg-1, i.p., for two consecutive days to mature ovariectomized rats significantly increased vaginal mucosa thickness and uterine wet weight. Histology of the vaginal mucosa in the C. comosa-treated animals showed a marked proliferation and keratinization similar to those in estradiol-treated animals. Concurrent with the changes in vagina, the uterine mucosa exhibited a dramatic proliferation and hypertrophy. Most effects of the C. comosa extract corresponded to the specific estrogenic action. Moreover, the extract effectively induced an increase of specific estradiol binding site in the uterine nuclei. These results suggest that C. comosa exerts an estrogenic-like action by acting at specific estradiol binding sites in the cells.