Effects of perinatal exposure to alcoholic extract of hops (Humulus lupulus) flowers on sexual puberty and some reproductive parameters in female mice

Humulus lupulus (Hops) is well-known throughout the world as the raw material in the brewing industry. In addition, hops have been found to have estrogenic and antioxidant properties. The object of this study aimed to examine the effects of hops during gestation and lactation on the onset of puberty, estrus cycle, reproductive organ weights and fertility index in female mice.
10 pregnant mice were exposed to hops at doses of 0 (control), 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg/ day, by gavage, from gestational days 7 to postnatal day 7. Female offspring (n=10) were analyzed for vaginal opening day, estrus cycle regularity, weights of the uterus and ovaries, and fertility index. Statistical analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey tests (p Vaginal opening day was significantly advanced by 100 (p The present study results showed that perinatal exposure to hops advanced the puberty, disrupted estrus cycle and decreased fertility in female offspring.