Structural changes in the kidney associated with ovariectomy and diosgenin replacement therapy in adult female rats

The use of over the counter progesterone creams is on the rise and is thought to be a safe and effective means for controlling menopausal symptoms. The active ingredient in these preparations is the compound diosgenin. Diosgenin, which is synthetically derived from wild yams, is converted to human progesterone, aldosterone, cortisol and estrogen through a series of enzymatic steps. The efficacy and safety of these products has not been fully investigated in vivo. The objective of this study was to supplement ovariectomized rats with sustained release of diosgenin for 47 days and evaluate its effect on kidney structure. A total of 15 animals were randomly divided into three equal groups. Animals in group I served as intact control, animals in groups II were ovariectomized and animals in group III were ovariectomized and supplemented with a TCPL capsule containing 500 mg of diosgenin. Blood and body weights were recorded weekly and at the end of 47 days kidneys were collected and analyzed morphometrically. The results indicated significant increases (p < 0.05) in the body weight of ovariectomized animals compared to control and diosgenin treated animals. Significant increases were observed in the kidney wet weights of ovariectomized animals. Further analysis of the kidneys showed remarkable changes in both the glomerular length and area in ovariectomized animals. The results suggest that diosgenin was able to protect the kidney from morphological changes associated with ovariectomy. The mechanism is most likely responsible for this protection is the conversion of diosgenin to progesterone.