Effect of Phytoestrogens in Red Bean Extract (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) on Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Levels, Vaginal pH, Number of Endometrial Glands and Body Weight of Female Rats (Rattus norvegicus) with Ovariectomy as a Menopause Model

Menopause, caused by decreased ovarian function and estrogen levels, can cause a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. A decrease in estrogen increases the risk of chronic conditions such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis. Atrophy of the endometrium decreased glandular numbers and thinning of the endometrial layer are characterized during menopause, which also increases the risk of postmenopausal bleeding. In addition, the decrease in estrogen also contributes to the thinning of the vaginal epithelium and changes in pH, increasing the risk of vaginal infections. Menopause is also associated with weight changes and the risk of other phenotypic changes. Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help, it has risks, such as breast cancer. The use of phytoestrogens from plants such as red beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L) is a safe alternative treatment. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of red bean extract (P. vulgaris L) on IL-6 levels, vaginal pH, number of endometrial glands and body weight in male rats model of menopause Method: This study used a true experimental design with pre and post-test control group design. This study was conducted on female rats (Rattus norvegicus) Wistar strain menopausal model by dividing into control groups; ovariectomy group, standard estradiol treatment group, and three treatment groups of red bean extract (P. vulgaris L) at doses of 35 mg/200 gBW, 70 mg/200 gBW, and 140 mg/200 gBW. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, vaginal pH, number of endometrial glands and rat body weight were observed in the study. Result: Red bean extract (P. vulgaris L) can significantly improve IL-6 levels, vaginal ph, number of endometrial glands and body weight of rats with menopausal models (p < 0.05). In lowering IL-6 levels, the most optimal dose is 70 mg/200 gBW. While in improving the vaginal ph value, number of endometrial glands, and body weight of rats with an optimal menopausal model at a dose of 140 mg/200 gBW. Conclusions: Red bean extract showed significant estrogenic activity as a phytoestrogen, showing that its use can be an alternative in overcoming symptoms due to menopause by being proven to reduce IL-6 levels, lower vaginal pH, increase the number of endometrial glands and reduce weight ovariectomy rats.