The effect of 96% ethanol extract of turmeric (<i>Curcuma longa</i> L. syn. <i>Curcuma domestica</i> Val.) on estrogen hormone levels

Estrogen is essential for maintaining the structure and function of the female reproductive system, and its decline during menopause triggers various symptoms. While Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is commonly used, long-term use increases the risk of certain cancers. Consequently, natural alternatives like turmeric (Curcuma longa L. syn. Curcuma domestica Val.) are being investigated for their phytoestrogenic potential. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 96% ethanol extract of turmeric on estrogen hormone levels in female rats. An experimental study was conducted using 15 female Sprague-Dawley rats over 30 days, divided into five groups: control (0 mg/kg BW), contraceptive pill (10 mg/kg BW), and turmeric extract at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg BW. The extract was administered orally. On day 31, blood serum was collected, and estrogen levels were measured using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Estrogen levels increased in all treatment groups compared to the control (647 ng/L), with levels of 691 ng/L (25 mg/kg), 709 ng/L (50 mg/kg), and 617 ng/L (100 mg/kg). However, these differences were not statistically significant. Turmeric extract showed a dose-dependent effect, with moderate doses indicating phytoestrogenic benefits. The decline at high doses suggests a dual action—beneficial at moderate levels, inhibitory at excess. Despite non-significant results, the trends support turmeric’s potential as a natural HRT alternative, warranting further studies with larger cohorts and mechanistic evaluations to define optimal dosage, safety, and reproductive implications.