Assessment of Ferula hermonis Boiss fertility effects in immature female rats supported by quantification of ferutinin via HPLC and molecular docking

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevanceFerula hermonis is a small shrub renowned for its aphrodisiac abilities. Middle East herbalists have utilized Ferula hermonis seed and root as an aphrodisiac folk medicine to treat women's frigidity and male erectile and sexual dysfunction. Aim of the studyAssessment of follicle-stimulating hormone-like (FSH), luteinizing hormone-like (LH), and estrogenic activities of the methanolic extract (ME) of the roots of Ferula hermonis on female reproductive function. Materials and methodsThe methanolic extract was prepared from the root of F. hermonis and studied at dose level 6 mg/kg in immature female rats for FSH-like, LH-like, and estrogenic activities. These activities were determined by analyzing gross anatomical features, relative organ weight, and serum level of FSH, LH, progesterone and estrogen hormones, and histopathological characteristics. Quantification of the main phytoestrogenic component ferutinin carried out by HPLC. In addition, molecular docking for the binding affinity of ferutinin inside active sites of both estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and FSH receptor (FSHR) was performed to predict the potential role of ferutinin in regulating the female reproductive process. ResultsFerula hermonis (ME) showed potent FSH-like, LH-like activities and moderate estrogenic effect at the dose of 6 mg/kg. The content of ferutinin in F. hermonis was estimated to be 92 ± 1.33 mg/g of the methanolic extract. Molecular docking of ferutinin with ERα and FSHR displayed strong interaction with target proteins. ConclusionsBased on results, it can be concluded that Ferula hermonis can be considered as a suitable female fertility improving agent.