Phytochemistry of Yam Bean (Pachyrhizus erosus) and Its Potential on Folliculogenesis in Female Rats Ovaries

Abstract

Aims: Menopause is a natural phase that occurs due to the decline of the oestrogen hormone, and is characterised by physical and psychological decline. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a widely utilised treatment for the management of menopausal symptoms. The utilisation of natural ingredients, particularly yam beans, in the management of menopause symptoms is minimal. The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of yam bean on ovarian follicles in preclinical studies of female rats. Study Design: The research design employed a laboratory experimental design. The test material employed was yam bean, which was utilised to produce a 96% ethanol extract for the purpose of GC-MS method analysis. The experimental animals utilised were premenopausal female Sprague Dawley rats. Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted at two locations: the Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory for GCMS analysis and the Animal Physiology Laboratory of PGRI Madiun University. The research was conducted over the period from February to August 2020. Methodology: The present study employs an experimental approach as a research method. An experiment was conducted in which phytoestrogen compounds present in a 96% ethanol extract of yam bean powder were analysed using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. Female Sprague-Dawley rats aged between 12 and 13 months, with a body weight range of 170-200 grams. The experiment involved 24 rats, which were grouped into three distinct treatment groups. The control group (P0) received a placebo, while the treatment groups (P1 and P2) received 2 g/kg and 2.8 g/kg of yam bean powder, respectively. The subject was administered powder for a period of 36 days. On the 37th day, dislocation surgery was performed, and the ovary was removed. The ovary was then subjected to HE staining. The analysis of data was conducted on the basis of the results of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) chromatograms of isoflavone compounds and alterations in ovarian tissue structure, which were carried out using an optileb microscope. Results: The results of the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis of yam bean powder revealed the presence of isoflavone compounds, specifically daidzein, genistein, and quercetin. The administration of 2.8 g/kg of yam bean powder (P2) resulted in the observation of folliculogenesis in the ovaries. The presence of tertiary follicles was identified, and granulosa cells that exhibited responsiveness to follicular fluid production were observed, filling the follicle antrum. Conclusion: The conclusion drawn from the present study is that yam bean powder contains phytochemicals daidzein, genistein and quercetine, which have been demonstrated to be capable of increasing ovarian folliculogenesis in female rats.