Hormone deficiency in postmenopausal women is a major risk factor for osteoporosis. The study assessed the effects of Lepidium Sativum (LS) and flaxseed (FS) enriched meals on hormones and osteoporosis in lab ovariectomized rats.
The study included two parts, the first part: A total of 40 rats were divided into eight equal groups, each with a weight ranging from 200±10g.Group (1) was a control, while seven groups underwent OVX surgery, while group (2) was fed a basal diet post-ovariectomy, group (3) was fed experimental diets for eight weeks .Rats' body weights were monitored during feeding, urine samples were taken to estimate calcium and phosphorus levels, and blood samples were collected to assess estrogen, progesterone, TSH, calcium, phosphorus, bone Alkaline Phosphatase, and osteocalcin levels. Femur bones were dissected and analyzed for histological and DEXA purposes. The results of Lepidium Sativum and flaxseed have nutraceutical effects that improve body weight gain and uterine weight induced by ovariectomy. These diets increase estrogen and progesterone levels, improved TSH level normalize serum calcium, and decrease urinary excretion of calcium and phosphorus. They also improve bone density in the femur. The second part: preparation seven samples of a food product (energy bars) with different percentages of with Lepidium Sativum and Flaxseed Generally in different combinations, the results of total score of sensory evaluation demonstrated that, all the energy bars were acceptable. The study recommends incorporating Lepidium Sativum and flaxseed into diets and food items for hormonal imbalance and postmenopausal osteoporosis treatment in women.