Effects of aqueous methanolic extract of Flax seeds on serum estradiol, progesterone and some biochemical metabolites in immature female rats were investigated. Thirty six immature female rats were divided into 3 equal groups. Rats of group A served as controls, while those of groups B and C were given crude extract of Flax seeds orally @ 500 mg/kg and estradiol @ 40 µg/kg body weight, respectively, daily for 14 days. After 7 days, 6 rats from each group were euthanized, while the remaining 6 rats in each group were killed 14 days after treatment. Blood samples were taken for serum biochemical analysis, while ovaries were used for the determination of ovarian cholesterol contents and histological studies. Body weight of rats given Flax seeds extract was higher (P<0.05) compared to control rats and those given estradiol. Serum estradiol, progesterone, total proteins and total cholesterol contents were higher (P<0.05) in rats given Flax seeds extract and estradiol compared to controls. The ovarian cholesterol contents were reduced in rats of both treatment groups (P<0.05). Serum ALT and AST activities were higher in Flax seeds treated rats compared to control, while it was not so in estradiol treated group. There was no difference in serum urea concentrations among rats of three groups. In conclusion, aqueous methanol extract of Flax seeds increased serum estradiol, progesterone, total proteins, total cholesterol, ALT and AST activity, and decreased ovarian cholesterol levels, while it had no effect on kidney function in immature female rats.

Key words: Estradiol, Female rats, Flax seeds, Progesterone, Serum biochemistry