Phytoestrogens Soymilk and Fenugreek Oil Perturb Lipid and Hormonal Profile and Other Physiological Parameters of Male Albino Rats

Abstract

Background: phytoestrogens are a diverse group of plant-derived compounds that structurally or functionally mimic mammalian estrogens. They have been investigated at the epidemiological, clinical and molecular levels to determine their potential health benefits. Aim: the present study was carried out to investigate some biochemical effects of fenugreek oil and soymilk on male albino rats. Materials and Methods: eighteen (18) animals were divided randomly into three groups with 6 animals per group. Group “1” received normal saline 1 mL/kg body weight orally for four weeks. Group “2” rats were treated with oral dose of soymilk 1 ml/kg body weight/day once daily for four weeks, while rats in group “3” were treated with oral dose of fenugreek 1 ml/kg body weight/day once daily for four weeks. Blood samples were collected on the last day of the experiment for biochemical analysis. Results: the fenugreek oil and soymilk induced highly significant decrease (p<0.01) in total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein high-density lipoprotein ratio (LDL/HDL) and a significant increase (p<0.05) in high-density lipoprotein. The results also showed highly significant decrease in follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone and sperm count compared to normal control group. Conclusion: the results of this study suggest that high levels of fenugreek and soymilk intake can cause hormonal disturbance and decrease sperm count.