Beneficial effects of Teucrium polium hydroalcoholic extract on letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in rat model

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that disrupts the menstrual cycle and causes infertility. Considering the increasing use of medicinal plants, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Teucrium polium L. on letrozole-induced PCOS in female rats. MethodsSix groups of rats (n=7 each) were evaluated. The control group received 1% carboxy methyl cellulose as vehicle, while the five other groups received letrozole 1 mg/kg orally for 21 days. After PCOS induction, the rats were orally administered T. polium extract (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) or metformin (200 mg/kg) for 28 days. Subsequently, body and ovarian weights and serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone were measured. Finally, the ovarian tissues were isolated for histological examination. ResultsThere were no significant changes in weekly body weight in any group. After 21 days of letrozole administration, PCOS induction was confirmed by estrous cycle irregularities and increased LH and testosterone levels. After treatment with the hydroalcoholic extract of T. polium, testosterone and LH levels were significantly reduced in all groups (P<0.05). Histological studies of ovaries in the metformin and T. polium groups exhibited normal follicular development with fewer and smaller cystic follicles than those in the PCOS group. ConclusionThe hydroalcoholic extract of T. polium improves serum levels of sex hormones, restores ovarian morphology in PCOS-induced rats, and is a good candidate for further clinical trials.

Curcumin Mitigates Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Mice by Suppressing TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway Activation and Reducing Intestinal Mucosal Permeability

“…In this study, we explored the therapeutic e cacy of curcumin in PCOS treatment. By employing various conventional indicators such as pathological examination, weight loss, improvement of insulin resistance (IR), and normalization of abnormal hormone levels, we established that curcumin possesses the potential to ameliorate PCOS symptoms, consistent with prior research ndings 24,25,26,27,28,29 . Our intervention demonstrated promising preventive and therapeutic effects, suggesting a viable avenue for PCOS management.…”

<i>Artocarpus Communis</i> Seed Regulates P53, IRS, HsD17β2, FTO, and CYP11a Genes in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Rats

“…This could be due to the reduced level of LH and improved estradiol concentration, indicating that Artocarpus communis seed aqueous extract can effectively treat menstrual irregularity. Increased testosterone and LH levels, low progesterone, FSH, and estradiol concentrations are hormonal hallmarks of PCOS diagnosis [46]. In this study, the letrozole-induced PCOS group showed significantly elevated LH and testosterone levels but decreased FSH and estradiol concentration in comparison to the control group.…”