Therapeutic Potential of an Apicultural Product as a Natural Alternative for Estrogen Deficiency

Abstract

Estrogen deficiency induced by ovariectomy (OVX) in rats is a widely employed experimental model to study the effects of menopause and to evaluate therapeutic options. This study investigated the effect of a mixed apicultural product (MAP) on serum 17β-estradiol levels, short- and long-term memory performance in the passive avoidance test, and uterine morphology using a HE histological analysis in Wistar ovariectomized rats. In addition, the composition of the MAP was characterized by FTIR Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and optical absorption. Physicochemical analysis showed that the FTIR profile of the MAP exhibited characteristic signals of carbohydrates, proteins, and phenolic compounds, while the optical absorption spectrum revealed strong interaction with UV–Vis radiation, attributable to the presence of flavonoids and natural pigments. Oral administration of MAP (0.4 mg/kg/day) for 28 days in Control, APM, OVX, and OVX+APM groups demonstrated that ovariectomy significantly reduced serum 17β-estradiol levels (24.40 ± 2.80 pg/dL) compared with the control group (49.0 ± 6.9 pg/dL; ***p < 0.001). However, MAP treatment in OVX rats partially restored these levels (43.13 ± 2.14 pg/dL; *p < 0.05 vs. OVX). Cognitive performance was evaluated using the passive avoidance test in ovariectomized rats treated for 28 days with APM. The treatment reduced latency in both short- and long-term memory compared with the OVX group (***p < 0.0001), indicating improvements in information acquisition and retention. Statistical analyses confirmed the robustness of the effect [F(3,28)=154.7 and 458.3]. These findings suggest that MAP promotes the recovery of cognitive functions impaired by estrogen deficiency and represents a promising natural alternative against menopause-associated cognitive decline. Histological analysis of the uterus revealed that OVX induced endometrial atrophy, epithelial thinning, and decreased gland density, whereas MAP treatment partially restored tissue architecture, showing epithelial thickening, increased glandular number, and better organization of the myometrium. Overall, these findings suggest that APM exerts a modulatory effect on 17β-estradiol levels and uterine cytoarchitecture under estrogen-deficient conditions, supporting its potential as a natural alternative for managing disorders associated with estrogen deficiency.