EP_086. SKF7® as a natural hormonal regulator in menopausal rats

Noraini Ahmad Mustapa¹, Mei Siu Lau¹, Elda Nurafnie Ibnu Rasid¹, Siti Khadijah Mustapha Kamal¹, Nik Aina Syazana Nik Zainuddin¹, Chin Long Poo¹, Mohd Rahimi Ashraf Abd Rahman¹, Nur Liana Md Nasir¹, Norizah Awang¹, Hussin Muhammad^1*

1. Toxicology & Pharmacology Unit, Herbal Medicine Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: Hussin Muhammad. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Menopause marks the permanent cessation of menstruation and is associated with oestrogen deficiency. This hormonal shift disrupts the regulatory feedback of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, often resulting in hormonal imbalances that affect overall female health and well-being. Phytoestrogens have gained interest as natural alternatives to conventional hormone replacement therapy. SKF7®, a standardised aqueous ethanolic extract of Labisia pumila, is one such candidate with endocrine-modulating potential. Its role in restoring hormonal balance during oestrogen-deficient states warrants further investigation, particularly in validated preclinical models of menopause.

OBJECTIVE(S): To evaluate the effects of SKF7® on serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) levels in 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD)-induced menopausal rats.

MATERIALS & METHODS: Female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to seven groups: two SHAM-operated groups receiving either distilled water or SKF7® (500 mg/kg); and five VCD-induced groups receiving either distilled water; SKF7® at 125, 250, or 500 mg/kg; or estradiol as a positive control (1 µg/kg) (p.o.; n=6). Menopause was induced using VCD at 160 mg/kg/day for 15 days, followed by a 65-day treatment period. Serum LH and FSH concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS: VCD administration significantly increased serum LH and FSH levels (p<0.05). SKF7® treatment resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in both hormones levels, also significant with the 500 mg/kg dose showing the most pronounced effect, comparable to estradiol. No significant hormonal alterations were observed in SHAM-operated rats receiving SKF7®, suggesting selective action under oestrogen-deficient conditions.

CONCLUSION: SKF7® effectively modulates elevated LH and FSH levels in VCD-induced menopausal rats, possibly supporting its potential as a phytoestrogenic intervention for menopause-related endocrine imbalance in preclinical models. Further studies should explore the mechanism of SKF7® hormonal effects and long term safety studies.

KEYWORDS: Labisia pumila, Menopause, Follicle-stimulating Hormone, Luteinising Hormone, Menopausal Rat Model