Effect of phytoestrogenic constituents of fenugreek in comparison with synthetic estradiol on menopause induced hematological alterations

At menopause the physiological parameters modulated by estrogen are disrupted leading to various symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy though beneficial has its own drawbacks. Fenugreek seeds, commonly used in Indian households, is known to possess phytoestrogens. Considering the lack of literature in support of this, this study was conducted to compare the effects of fenugreek seed extract and 17β-estradiol on menopause induced alterations in hematological parameters, employing the ovariectomised rat model. Female Wistar rats, 8 months old were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n = 6): (1) normal control, (2) ovariectomised and untreated, (3) ovariectomised and treated orally with fenugreek seed extract, (4) ovariectomised and treated with subcutaneous injections of estradiol. Post-treatment blood samples were collected and various hematological parameters were analyzed. Fenugreek treated rats showed higher hemoglobin, hematocrit and RBC counts in comparison to ovariectomised group. Additionally, they showed a higher total leukocyte count (TLC), specifically a higher lymphocyte count than that of control. Estradiol treated groups showed severe leukopenia owing to lymphocytopenia; decreased RBC counts, hemoglobin and hematocrit. However, the changes were statistically significantly only with estradiol treatment. Overall, fenugreek was found to be a better agent to attenuate the menopause induced hematological alterations.