Effects of Lepidium meyenii Walp and Jatropha macrantha on Blood Levels of Estradiol-17 β, Progesterone, Testosterone and the Rate of Embryo Implantation in Mice

Abstract

The effects of two Peruvian folk medicines, Lepidium meyenii Walp and Jatropha macrantha, on mouse sex steroid hormones and embryo implantation were investigated. Progesterone levels increased significantly in mice that received L. meyenii Walp, while testosterone levels increased significantly in mice that received L. meyenii Walp as well as in those that received both L. meyenii Walp and J. macrantha. However, there were no marked changes in blood levels of estradiol-17β or the rate of embryo implantation.