Effects of Alternanthera sessilis extract on Tail Skin Temperature in Rats; A Preliminary study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R.Br. ex DC. on hot flushes simulation in both female and male Wistar rats.

Methods: Cutaneuos vasodilatation and peripheral blood flow increasing are the hallmarks of hot flush. The change of tail skin temperature in the rat model was used to screen the compounds for relieving hot flush. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) (10 μg/kg; a potent vasodilator) and leuprorelin acetate (1 mg/kg; a potent GnRH-analogue) were administered in female and male rats via subcutaneously (S.C.) injection, respectively. Temperatures from tail skin (TST) and core body were determined after feeding with conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) 10 mg/kg, A. sessilis extract 100,300, and 500 mg/kg.

Results: All doses of A. sessilis extract and CEE inhibited the effects of αCGRP-induced increasing of TST in female rats. While, A. sessilis extract 500 mg/kg and CEE diminished the effects of leuprorelin acetate-induced elevation of TST in male rats.

Conclution: These results suggest that A. sessilis may be useful for alternative treatments in hot flushes patients. In addition, the results obtained from this study would be used to develop an animal model for screening the substances for relieving hot flushes in human.