Phytochemical Composition and Antihyperplasic Effect of Fructus Hordei G in Rats

Purpose: To investigate the phytochemical profile and antihyperplasic effect of ethanol extract of Fructus hordei. G (FHE) on hyperplasia of mammary gland (HMG) in rats. Methods: The Fructus hordei. G extract (FHE) was obtained by a rotary vacuum evaporator. The total flavonoids, total alkaloids and total phenolic compounds in FHE were assayed by aluminum chloride colorimetric method, acid-dye colorimetry and Folin-Ciocalteu method, respectively. HMG model rats were prepared for the experiments by injecting estradiol and progesterone. After oral administration with 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg of FHE for 30 days, breast nipple height, and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde (MDA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), prolactin (PRL), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) levels of the rats were measured by ELISA kits. The pathological morphology of mammary gland tissues was examined by optical microscopy. Results: The ethanol extract of FHE contained 1.88 ± 0.05 mg total flavonoids/g as quercetin equivalent (QE), 21.93 ± 0.06 mg hordenine equivalent (HE) of total alkaloids/g extract and 70.64 ± 0.11 mg total phenols/g gallic acid equivalent (GAE). The extract significantly diminished breast nipple height, MDA, 5-HT, E2, PRL, FSH and GnRH levels, and increased SOD, GSH-Px, P and LH levels (p < 0.05). FHE inhibited the alveolus, lobules and secretion of the mammary gland. Conclusion: Fructus hordei extract has significant antihyperplasia effect on mice mammary gland by regulating serum sex hormones.