Ovarian cysts disappear after 14-day oral regimen of Korean red ginseng extract in letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome

Abstract

Hormonal and inflammatory mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is a prevalent metabolic disorder among women of reproductive age. We aimed to evaluate the comparative efficiency of short-term oral administration of Korean red ginseng extract (KRGE) and the standard treatment on PCOS by focusing on the histopathological parameters and serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), folliclestimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Methods A PCOS rat model was established by oral gavage of letrozole (1 mg/kg) for 21 days. The serum levels of LH, FSH, testosterone, and NF-κB were measured, and the morphological features and differences of the ovaries were examined in each group using a light microscope before and after 14 days of treatment with oral regimens-KRGE, oral contraceptives (OCPs), KRGE+OCPs, and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Results OCPs alone could not normalize the mean ovarian weights of PCOS rats despite the 14-day oral regimen, but they were more effective in reducing the number and size of cysts compared to others. KRGE alone and in combination with OCPs was effective in normalizing abnormal ovarian weights, decreasing LH serum levels, and dissipating the ovarian cysts in PCOS rats. However, when combined with the standard regimen, KRGE showed additional therapeutic effects by efficiently reducing serum testosterone and NF-κB levels. Conclusion Our necropsy and histopathological evidence suggests the efficacy of KRGE as a novel integrative medicine against abnormal multiple follicular cysts. However, antiandrogenic and anti-inflammatory effects were only seen in animals that were administered a combination of KRGE and the standard regimen.

Possible cognition changes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a narrative review

“…In recent years, the incidence of PCOS has increased, resulting in higher disability-adjusted life-years [104]. There are different therapeutic approaches for management of PCOS [105][106][107]. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to the development of PCOS are multifactorial; PCOS is more than one reproductive disorder [108].…”

Ginseng alleviates folliculogenesis disorders via induction of cell proliferation and downregulation of apoptotic markers in nicotine-treated mice

“…reported elevation of both numbers and size of primordial follicles in ovaries of three-month-old female rat infants born to diabetic mothers, which was treated with ginseng extract [ 22 ]. A recent study has reported the disappearance of ovarian cysts after a 14-day oral regimen of Korean red ginseng extract in an animal model [ 57 ]. Similarly, genistein, a phytoestrogen that binds to the ERs, protects ovarian follicles against radiotherapy and increases primordial, preantral, and antral follicles, and reduces atretic follicle counts through inhibition of apoptosis markers and upregulation of ERs in the ovary [ 58 ].…”

“…Similarly, ginseng can protect gonadal function in hypothyroid female rat models; maintaining FSH, LH, and testosterone in the normal range [ 78 ]. Ginseng also protects ovarian follicles in letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome [ 57 ].…”

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

“…A decrease in aromatase activity, which is typically expressed in the ovary, could increase the intraovarian production of androgens, which simultaneously decreases estrogen levels, leading to the development of polycystic ovaries. The oral administration of letrozole to adult rats for at least 21 consecutive days induces acyclicity [ 21 ] and irregular estrus cycles [ 1 ]. Endocrine disturbances, including elevated LH and testosterone levels and decreased FSH levels reflecting the accumulation of endogenous ovarian androgen secretion, can be seen in this animal model, mimicking human PCOS.…”