Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder due to decreased thyroid hormone production. This endocrine disorder significantly affects the menstrual cycle and fertility. The aim of this present study was to assess the efficacy of Panax ginseng, one of traditional Chinese medicine, in ameliorating the gonadal hormonal dysfunction and lowering oxidative stress accompanied with hypothyroidism in adult female albino rats. After confirming regularity of the oestrus cycle in the female rats in this study, hypothyroidism was induced by using daily 5.0 mg kg-1 oral dose of Neo-mercazole. The hypothyroid rats were randomly grouped into two groups; hypothyroid group (H): did not received any treatment, group II (H+G) was treated with Panax ginseng extract for one months after hypothyroidism induction. Another two groups were included in the study, a negative control group (Euthyroid group) and a positive control group; received Panax ginseng extract only. Hypothyroidism resulted in irregularity of oestrus cycle accompanied with decrease in luteinizing hormone (LH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E 2 ), while prolactin (PRL), progesterone (P) and testosterone (T) hormone were significantly elevated. Hypothyroidism elevated capsae-3 and 8OH-deoxy guanosine expression and increased secretion of corticosterone and ERK1/2. This study showed that Panax ginseng improved hypothyroid-induced deterioration in trophic and gonadal hormones through free radicals' scavenger.

Hordeum vulgare (Barley) and Panax ginseng have antioxidant activity referring to their diverse phytonutrient. Hypothyroidism in adult female rats was induced by pituitary-gonadal-adrenal disturbance, depleting the serum FSH levels with the elevation of corticosterone, prolactin, progesterone and testosterone hormones as well as (ERK1/2). Hypothyroidism evoked an oxidative stress status by increasing 8-hydroxy guanosine, which initiated apoptosis by uplifting apoptotic marker Caspase-3 both in serum and brain tissues. This is confirmed by the increase in the percentage of DNA-damage in the brain tissues. Significant decrease in all monoamines’ levels in different brain areas, downregulation of dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors transcription, with a significant increase in excitatory amino acids was noted. Barley and ginseng renormalized cortisol and oxidative stress markers by increasing cellular resistance to stress and potentiated the role of the immune system through phytosterol and ginsenosides, so they considered potent free radical scavengers. Barley and Panax ginseng ameliorate the hormonal and neural dysfunction resulting from hypothyroidism, so they are recommended for relieving stress and improving mood and depression.