Protective effects of alpha stone on monosodium glutamate-induced uterine hyperplasia in female wistar rats

BACKGROUND: Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids), a menace of the reproductive age, is characterized by proliferation of smooth muscle cells (hyperplasia) of the uterus. Alpha Stone Decoction is a poly-herbal formulation that is used for the shrinkage and prevention of uterine fibroids in folkore medicine. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the efficacy and safety of Alpha Stone Decoction (ASD), on monosodium glutamate (MSG) induced uterine hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight mature virgin female rats were randomly divided into four study groups: A-control B- MSG (200 mg/kgbw), C- MSG + ASD (100 mg/kgbw) and D- ASD 100 mg/kgbw alone. The administration was carried out by as a single daily dose via intraperitoneal route for 14 days. Total protein, triglycerides, estradiol (estrogen), progesterone, and total cholesterol levels in sera were determined using appropriate kits. Uterine hyperplasia was assessed via histomorphometric method using the mitotic image plus software to compute the fibroblast cell count density while the uteri and ovaries of animals were stained with mason-tricon stain for histological examination. RESULTS: Administration of MSG for 14 days resulted heavy deposits of collagen connective tissue within the myometrium layers of the uteri. ASD significantly (p < 0.05) reduced fibroblast cell count in MSG-treated animals and also protected against MSG-induced damage observed in the myometrium of the uteri and ovaries of the animals. Significant increases (p < 0.05) in levels of total protein; triglycerides, progesterone, cholesterol and estrogen in the MSG-treated animals were ameliorated following administration of ASD. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that ASD contains bioactive agents which reversed MSG-induced uterine hyperplasia. It may therefore be useful in reducing the proliferation of fibroblast cells and managing other symptoms associated with uterine myoma.