Background: The aim of this study was to explore the estrogenic effects of the extracts\nfrom Chinese yam and its effective compounds. Methods: The activity of the yam was investigated\nby the uterine weight gain of mice and a proliferation assay of breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 cell);\nthe estrogenic activity was comprehensively evaluated by a serum pharmacology experiment.\nThe levels of estradiol (E2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH)\nwere also measured. Western blot analysis and antagonist assays with faslodex (ICI182,780),\nmethylpiperidino-pyrazole (MPP), Delta (9) ââ?¬â??tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and G-15 were used\nto explore the mechanism of the effects of the yam. To find the effective compounds of the yam which\nplay a role in its estrogen-like effects, we used the same methods to study the effects of adenosine\nand arbutin. Results: The Chinese yam and two main compounds, adenosine and arbutin, have\nestrogen-like effects. The mechanism of the yam which plays a role in its estrogen-like effects was\nmainly mediated by the estrogen receptors ERÃ?±, ERÃ?², and GPR30; that of adenosine was mainly\nmediated by estrogen receptors ERÃ?± and ERÃ?², and that of arbutin was mainly mediated by estrogen\nreceptors ERÃ?² and GPR30. Conclusions: The Chinese yam has estrogen-like effects; adenosine and\narbutin are two of the effective compounds in the yam which play a role in its estrogen-like effects.
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