Oestrogenic properties of the ethanolic extract of Fernandoa adolfi friderici (Bignoniaceae) stem bark

Fernandoa adolfi friderici is used traditionally to treat menopause related symptoms. The effects of the ethanolic extract of this plant in ovariectomized (OVX) rats were investigated. 40 of 50 rats were OVX and separated into four groups of 10 each. 84 days after ovariectomy, animal groups were started on one of four treatments: ethanol/0.09% NaCl (control group), oestrogen, extracts of F. adolfi friderici (FA 150 and 300 mg/kg), respectively. 5 animals from each group were terminated after 14 and 28 days of treatment, respectively and vaginal smears, vaginal/uterine wall cytology, lipid profiles and bone mass and histology were studied.F. adolfi friderici treated OVX rats had superficial cells which were absent in vaginal smears of control animals. The former had improved vaginal epithelial thickness after 28 days of treatment (55.8±8.6 versus 13.2±0.8) compared to control animals. F. adolfi friderici extracts also improved serum triglyceride (27.2%/28.2% reduction versus 73% increase in controls) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) (0.78±0.01/0.98±0.09 g/L versus 0.6±0.05 g/L) levels while improving bone architecture and preventing bone resorption. F. adolfi friderici may be the source of a useful phytoestrogen for the complementary management of menopausal symptoms.   Key words: Fernandoa adolfi friderici, ovariectomized, phytoestrogen.