Anti-hyperprolactinemic effect of Ficus pumila Linn extract in rats

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the anti-hyperprolactinemic effect of Ficus pumila Linn. extract (FPLE) in rats. Methods: Hyperprolactinemic rats were generated by subcutaneous injection of metoclopramide dihydrochloride (50 mg/kg). A high dose (800 mg/kg), moderate dose (400 mg/kg), or low dose (200 mg/kg) of FPLE was administered into the stomach of hyperprolactinemic rats for 30 days, after which serum sex hormones and pituitary prolactin-positive cell number and mRNA expression were measured. Results: FPLE had a significant effect on measures of hyperprolactinemia. Compared with hyperprolactinemic rats without FPLE treatment, hyperprolactinemic rats that received a high dose of FPLE showed altered serum estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels (p < 0.05), as well as decreased pituitary prolactin-positive cell number (p < 0.05) and mRNA expression (p < 0.05). Conclusion: FPLE can potentially be used as an anti-hyperprolactinemia treatment but further studies are required to ascertain its suitability.