Pharmacological effects of Lavandula officinalis Chaix and its polyphenols: Focus on their in vivo estrogenic and anti-inflammatory properties

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevancy: Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP) are a valuable legacy for human health care and subsistence. Among these MAP, Lavandula officinalis Chaix is traditionally renowned for its ability to treat digestive problems, inflammation, coughing, and to elicit sedative and diuretic effects.Aim of the study: This investigation aimed to assess the effects of Lavandula officinalis Chaix extracts in vivo on the levels of proteins, cholesterol, and estradiol, and study their sub-acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory properties.Materials and Methods: The chemical composition of the hydro-ethanolic (H.E.) extract of Lavandula officinalis Chaix plant was analyzed using HPLC. To check sub-acute toxicity, the H.E. extract at both 300 and 600 mg/kg doses were administered to female rats by daily gavage for 28 days, and animals’ weights, biochemical analyses (AST, ALT, ALP, urea and CREA), and histopathological examinations of kidneys and livers were checked. Furthermore, the in vivo estrogenic and anti-inflammatory activities were examined using H.E. and polyphenols (100 and 200 mg/kg) extracts (P.E.) based on serum and ovarian cholesterol, serum estradiol, uterine proteins levels, and edema inhibition using indomethacin (10 mg/kg) and clomiphene citrate (10 mg/kg) as reference drugs.Results: The results showed that the H.E. extract of Lavandula officinalis Chaix contains some phenolic compounds mainly gallic acid, ferulic acid, catechin, quercetin, and myricetin and showed no evidence of nephrotoxicity nor hepatotoxicity. Additionally, both extracts reduced edema in treated rats by 56–76%. Also, significant estrogenic effects were evidenced by 16–35% increase in serum estradiol, but at less extent than the reference drug treated group. As for cholesterol level, it decreased by 20–60% all extracts included. Moreover, significant influence was noticed on uterine proteins using the hydro-ethanolic extract. Lastly, serum estradiol level increased by 16–64% comparatively to control group.Conclusion: Our findings bring new insights on the role of Lavandula officinalis Chaix extracts as beneficial herbal remedies for female infertility disorders and related inflammation symptoms.