Ocimum kilimandscharicum L. restores ovarian functions in letrozole - induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in rats: Comparison with metformin

Abstract

Introduction and aim: Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common causes of female infertility, affecting 5-10% of the population. Women with PCOS manifest hyperandrogenism, hyperinsulinemia, low-grade systemic inflammation, and polycystic ovaries. Unfortunately, current available medications are only symptomatic without relevant reported treatment. Therefore, a pressing need for alternative safe approaches is necessitated. To this end, the present study is designed to investigate therapeutic merits of the edible plant: Ocimum kilimandscharicum (Ok), in a letrozole PCOS rat model, and compare it to metformin.

Material and methods: PCOS rats were treated with Ok total extract and its different fractions at 100 mg/kg orally for 10 consecutive days. Moreover, phytochemical characterization was applied using HPLC/PDA/ESI-MS to identify different secondary metabolites in the bioactive fractions.

Key findings: Results revealed that the total extract (Ok) and ethyl acetate (EA) fraction improved insulin sensitivity and restored normal hormonal and lipid profiles as well as normal morphological structure of the reproductive system. Furthermore, elevation of SOD and reduction of VEGF levels in comparison with metformin were recorded.

Significance: These results suggest that Ok extract and EA fraction halt letrozole-induced reproductive dysfunctions and restore normal morphological and physiological functions in PCOS rats, even superior to metformin.

Keywords: Letrozole; Metformin; Ocimum kilimandscharicum; PCOS; VEGF.