The effects of Vigna unguiculata on cardiac oxidative stress and aorta estrogen receptor-β expression of ovariectomized rats

Objective: To investigate whether Vigna unguiculata (V. Unguiculata, VU) able to reduced oxidative stress in cardiac and modulate the aorta estrogen receptor-β of ovariectomized rats. Methods: Thirty female Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (n=6); control (sham) group; ovariectomy group (OVX); OVX + VU₁ (0.5 mg/kg); OVX + VU₂ (2.5 mg/kg); and OVX + VU₃ (5 mg/kg). The administration VU was started 28 days after surgery following 30 days later. Cardiac malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured colorimetrically. Estrogen receptor-β in the aorta was analyzed immunohistochemically. Results: Level of MDA was significantly higher in the OVX group compared to the control group (P< 0.05), but the level of SOD was significantly lower. The level of MDA was significantly lower in OVX + VU compared with OVX group (P<0.05), to reach the level at a control group in OVX + VU₂. Administration of VU significantly increases the level of SOD compared with OVX group (P<0.05), to reach the level at a control group in third dose of VU (P>0.05). The level of estrogen receptor-β was significantly decreased in the OVX group compared to the control group (P<0.05). OVX + VU₃ could significantly increase the level of estrogen receptor-β compared to OVX group (P<0.05), to reach a level in the control group (P>0.05). Conclusions: V. unguiculata is an alternative therapy in decreasing cardiac oxidative stress in ovariectomized rats. Besides, high dose of V. unguiculata also able to increase aorta estrogen receptor-β expression in ovariectomized rats.