The Effect of an aqueous root extract of Iranian native edible asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) on the serum concentration of progesterone and LH hormone in female rats

Asparagus with high antioxidant properties that could be an effective alternative to chemical drugs. This study aims to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of asparagus on serum level of progesterone and LH hormones in the female rats. This experimental study was conducted on 40 adult female Wistar rats. The rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of 8 each, including the control group, the sham group and the three experimental groups receiving of 100,200 and 400 mg/kg aqueous extract of asparagus. All the administration was done by gavage for 28 days. At the end of the experimental term, phlebotomizing the hearts of the animals was performed and LH and progesterone levels were measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA statistical test. The mean concentration of LH in the experimental group 400 mg/kg dose of asparagus extract and the mean serum level of progesterone in three experimental groups receiving asparagus extract showed a significant increase compared to the control group (p<0/05). Amino acid, saponin and steroidal compounds in aqueous extract of asparagus, probably caused to stimulate the secretion of LH and progesterone hormones.