Uterotrophic effect of Curcuma comosa in rats

Abstract

Uterotrophic activities of various extracts of Curcuma comosa were investigated in rats. Among the four extracts tested (hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous extract), hexane was the most effective in increasing uterine weight and glycogen content of bilaterally ovariectomized immature rats. The responses were dose-dependent. The hexane extract also induced cornification of vaginal epithelium, promote growth and induced keratinization of vaginal mucosa in ovariectomized mature rats. The duration of action and strength of the extract in increasing uterine weight, uterine levels of glycogen, DNA and protein, and inducing of morphological changes were less than those of estradiol. However, when the extract was given prior to, concurrent with, or after estradiol injection, it enhanced the uterine response to estradiol in all cases. These results suggest that the uterotrophic action C. comosa is mediated through weak estrogenic agonistic activity of the plant.