Abstract: ObjectiveTo explore the effects of phytoestrogens(soy germ products)and estradiol on body weight, serum lipids,and ghrelin levels in ovariectomized rats.MethodsOvariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a basic diet,a diet supplemented with phytoestrogens(0.4 g/kg diet or 1.6 g/kg diet),and a diet with 17-βestradiol(0.15 g/kg diet),respectively,for 12 weeks.The serum lipids,low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDL-C),high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol,free fatty acid,ghrelin,and adipokins levels were measured.ResultsDuring the experiment,the body weight of control rats and the rats receiving soy germ phytoestrogens increased significantly,whereas the body weight of rats receiving 17-βestradiol maintained in a stable level.The increment of body weight of the rats receiving 1.6 g/kg diet of phytoestrogens(48.67 g)and 17-βestradiol(2.10 g)were significantly lower than those of control rats(95.29 g)and the rats receiving 0.4 g/kg diet of phytoestrogens(89.54 g)(P<0.05).The uteri index in the rats receiving 17-βestradiol was significantly higher than that of control rats(P<0.001).The serum ghrelin level in the rats receiving high dose of soy germ phytoestrogens(3.54±0.82 ng/ml)and 17-βestradiol(2.78±0.27 ng/ml)was significantly lower than that of control group (5.03±1.49 ng/ml,P<0.05).No effect of phytoestrogens and 17-βestradiol on serum lipids,lipoproteins and adipokins levels was found.ConclusionSoy germ phytoestrogens and 17-βestradiol may reduce ghrelin levels and thus decrease body weight increment in ovariectomized rats.