Recovery effects of winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.) seed oil on menopausal symptoms in ovariectomized rats

It has been reported that winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.) seeds are the second largest phytosterols next to soybean, [1] which may be effective in recovery of menopausal symptoms. However, the effects have not yet been investigated. The aims of this research were therefore; 1) to study the estrogenic property of winged bean seed oil (WBSO), 2) to investigate the effects of WBSO on bone metabolism, and 3) to examine the effects of WBSO on lipid profile. Wistar female rats were divided into 4 groups of 5 animals each. Group 1 was sham-operated rats received 10% (v/v) tween 80 whereas Group 2 to 4 were ovariectomized rats (OVX) received 10% (v/v), 17β-estradiol (0.02 mg/kg BW), and WBSO (1,000 mg/kg BW), respectively. Administration process started on day 60 after ovariectomy and lasted for 6 weeks. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using One-way analysis of variance. WBSO produced an increase in relative uterine weight and percentage of OVX rats having vaginal cornification. In addition, WBSO increased bone mineral density as well as decreased serum and urine Ca. Furthermore, WBSO decreased total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, but increased HDL-cholesterol. Our data suggest that WBSO could recover menopausal symptoms in ovariectomized rats and may be beneficial to help relief menopausal symptoms in women.

[1] Yang, J, Tan, H. (May 2011). “Winged Bean Milk”. International Conference on New Technology of Agricultural Engineering, Zibo: 814 – 817.