Evaluation of estrogenic potential by herbal formula, HPC 03 for and .

HPC 03 is herbal formula that consists of extracts from , Makino and Presl. The present study evaluated the estrogenic potential of HPC 03 by using and models. The regulatory mechanisms of HPC 03 in estrogen-dependent MCF-7 cells were assessed. HPC 03 induced the proliferation of estrogen receptor-positive MCF-7 cells, and the proliferation was blocked by the addition of the estrogen antagonist tamoxifen. The estrogen receptor luciferase activities were significantly increased by HPC 03 treatment, which also increased the mRNA expression of the estrogen-responsive genes , and Also, we evaluated the ameliorative effects of HPC 03 on menopausal symptoms in ovariectomized rats. HPC 03 treatment in OVX rats significantly affected the uterine weight, increased the expression of estrogen-responsive genes and in uterus, increased bone mineral density loss in the femur and inhibited body weight increase. Serum E2, collagen type 1 and osteocalcin were significantly increased, while serum LH, FSH and ALP were decreased compared with OVX rats. HPC 03 may be a promising candidate for the treatment of menopause, but further research is necessary to determine whether the observed effects also occur in humans.