[Objective]This study aimed to investigate the effects of different mulberry extracts on sex hormone and hypothalamic neurotransmitter in naturally aged female rats and reveal the mechanism and material basis of anti-aging effect of mulberry. [Method]Fourteen-month-old SD female rats were selected and randomly divided into model group,positive control group,high-dose and low-dose water extract groups,high-dose and low-dose 50% ethanol extract groups,and high-dose and low-dose 95% ethanol extract groups; four-month-old SD female rats were used as blank control group. After eight weeks of drug administration,the levels of 17β-estradiol( E2),follicle-stimulating hormone( FSH) and luteinizing hormone( LH) in serum and beta-endorphin( β-EP) in hypothalamus were determined by radioimmunoassay; the levels of norepinephrine( NE),dopamine( DA),5-hydroxy tryptamine( 5-HT) and 5-HIAA in hypothalamus were determined by fluorescence spectrometry. [Result] Water extract of mulberry can increase the level of E2and reduce levels of FSH and LH in serum,and increase the level of β-EP and reduce levels of DA,5-HT and 5-HIAA in hypothalamus of naturally aged female rats. Water extract of mulberry exhibited higher effects than 50% ethanol extract and 95% ethanol extract. [Conclusion] Mulberry could significantly improve the function of hypothalamic peptide neurotransmitter in naturally aged rats,correct disorders of hypothalamic monoamine neurotransmitter,and treat perimenopausal syndrome by regulating reproductive endocrine function,which might be related with its water-soluble components and require further investigation and development.
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