EP_087. Oestrogen-regulating effects of SKF7® in menopausal rats

Noor Syairah Sallim @ Ikram¹, 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: Labisia pumila (Kacip Fatimah) is a widely used medicinal herb in traditional Malay medicine for female reproductive health. SKF7®, an aqueous ethanolic standardised extract of L. pumila, exhibits phytooestrogenic activity and is being explored as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy. Considering the hormonal decline associated with menopause, SKF7® may offer potential in restoring oestrogenic balance under oestrogen-deficient conditions.

OBJECTIVE(S): To investigate the effects of SKF7® on serum oestrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα) and oestradiol levels in female rats with menopause induced chemically using 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD).

MATERIALS & METHODS: Seven groups (n=6) of female Sprague Dawley rats were assigned: two SHAM-operated controls (receiving either distilled water or 500 mg/kg SKF7®), and five VCD-induced groups receiving distilled water; SKF7® at 125, 250 or 500 mg/kg; or oestradiol (1 µg/kg) as a positive control. VCD was administered intraperitoneally at 160 mg/kg/day for 15 days, followed by oral treatment with  SKF7® or oestradiol for 65 days. Blood samples were collected post-treatment, and serum levels of oestradiol and ERRα were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS: Serum oestradiol levels in VCD + SKF7®-treated groups did not significantly differ from the VCD + distilled water group, indicating no systemic increase in oestradiol. The oestradiol-treated group exhibited significant elevation in ERRα levels compared to all VCD + SKF7® groups (p < 0.05). No significant changes in ERRα were observed between the SKF7®-treated groups and the VCD + distilled water group.  These findings suggest that SKF7® does not activate classical oestrogen receptor signalling. No morbidity or mortality occurred throughout this study.

CONCLUSION: SKF7® did not significantly modulate circulating oestradiol or ERRα levels in VCD-induced menopausal rats, suggesting that its mechanism does not involve classical oestrogenic pathways. Its potential as a phytooestrogenic agent warrants further studies into non-classical mechanisms and long-term safety.

KEYWORDS: Labisia pumila, Oestrogen, Phytoestrogen, Menopausal Rat Model, Hormonal Regulation