Study the effects of Spearmint Mentha Spicata Extracts on Mammary Gland in Female Rats

This study was carried out to investigate the effect that result from taking of the 5.25 ml of aqueous extract of spearmint Mentha spicata leaves in the growth and development of mammary glands during virgin , pregnancy and lactating stages for 14 days. Forty five (45) rats were used in this experiment divided into nine groups, three groups at maturity stages, three groups at pregnancy stages and three groups at lactating stages (5 rats\groups). The following studies were decided: histological, biochemical and morphometrical studies for each group. Microscopic examination of mammary gland in the virgin rats that treated with spearmint showed more growth in the size of lobules and alveoli. In pregnant, the treated groups showed more branching of alveoli with more flattened epithelium. In lactating treated group showed the lobules were expanded and contained more branching alveoli with discontinuous flattened epithelium. The biochemical studies showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in the serum reduced glutathione concentration with decrease in the malondialdehyde concentration in the three physiological statges that treated with spearmint compared with control. The morphometrical study indicated a noticeable increase in the alveolar diameters and numbers in all groups of animals for the three physiological stages (virgin, pregnant and lactating).