Effect of ethanol, normal hexane, and ethyl acetate extracts of marsilea crenata leaves on erβ expressions of neurons in estrogen-deficient female mice

Marsilea crenata Presl. (Marsileaceae) is used in East Java Province, Indonesia, as folk medicine to prevent osteoporosis. Previous studies proved the antiosteoporosis activity of leaf extracts, and detected phytoestrogen constituents in the extracts. Many studies found the interaction of phytoestrogen with estrogen receptor (Er) β of neurons in menopausal women. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ethanol, normal hexane, and ethyl acetate extracts of Marsilea crenata leaves through interaction with Erβ of neurons in estrogen-deficient female mice. Dose of ethanol extract was 2.4 mg/20 g body weight (BW), normal hexane extract was 1.54 mg/20 g BW, and ethyl acetate extract was given in 3 doses, 0.23 mg/20 g BW, 0.46 mg/20 g BW, and 0.92 mg/20 g BW. IHC slides of brain tissue were examined the Erβ expressions through the use of light microscopy. Result showed expressions of Erβ of ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts. Increase trend of expression was observed in higher doses of ethyl acetate extracts. It is concluded that ethanol, normal hexane and ethyl acetate extracts showed expressions of Erβ of neurons, due to interaction with chemical contents of the extracts. Marsilea crenata might be considered as natural phytoestrogen source.