Herbal Medicine: Promising Treatment for Chemotherapy-Induced Ovarian Dysfunction

Abstract

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a disorder that occurs before the age of 40 among women and characterized by amenorrhea. POF usually occurs due to autoimmune disorders, X-chromosome disorders, viral infections, or after chemotherapeutic treatment. POF can be discovered either by histopathology or by using molecular techniques such as real-time PCR to measure the expression of miRNAs that has a role in POF development. Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a well-known chemotherapy used in the treatment of leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer, but it has many harsh side effects on many body organs such as the heart, liver, and gonads, especially after high doses administration. Cyclophosphamide-induced POF usually ends with a loss of follicles and granulose cell damage. Herbal medicine is the promising therapeutic approach of POF especially because of its great safety, availability, and low cost. Moringa oleifera (MO) is a plant distributed all around the world; cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas. It has antioxidant and antimicrobial activity and high nutritional and medicinal values and it is also used in different industries as cosmetics and lubricants for machines. Different parts of its plant are used in the treatment of edema, skin infections, inflammations, rheumatism, fever, anemia, bronchitis, and digestive problems. Furthermore, MO has a great promising effect on treating the toxicity of ovaries caused by chemotherapy or heavy metals. On the other side, Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is also a herb with great medical importance that is cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical countries, and it has anti-cancer activities, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. It plays a role in regulating the hormonal balance and enhancing the gonads activity by increasing the ovaries' weight. It enhances immunity due to its high antioxidant activities. Ashwagandha can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, it can reduce the symptoms of COVID-19. The leaves and roots are used in treating fever and joint inflammation, and roots have also been nominated among the drugs that neutralize the effect of snake venom.