Ameliorative Potentials of Vernonia amygdalina in High-fat Diet and Letrozole-induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Female Wistar Rats

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic and reproductive disorder that disrupts the female reproductive cycle, resulting in infertility. There is a need for safer and more effective options for managing this disorder. Therefore, this study explored the effects of Vernonia amygdalina (VA) extract administration on insulin levels, inflammation markers, oxidative stress, and reproductive hormones in PCOS rats. Twenty-five female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 5) namely: PCOS untreated, normal control, treatment groups (400 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of VA extract, respectively), and standard group (metformin and clomiphene citrate). PCOS was induced with 1 mg/kg letrozole coupled with a high-fat diet for 28 days. The treatment groups were orally administered with VA extract for 2 weeks. Blood samples were obtained for insulin, oxidative stress markers, lipid profile, inflammatory markers, and reproductive hormone level analysis, and data were analyzed. Extracts of VA significantly reduced insulin and luteinizing hormone levels; increased follicle-stimulating hormone and progesterone levels in comparison with the PCOS untreated group. Serum IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α levels were lower in the treatment groups compared to the PCOS untreated group. A significant reduction in malondialdehyde level was observed, with no significant difference in catalase and superoxide dismutase levels in comparison to the PCOS untreated group. Groups administered VA had significant reductions in triglycerides and LDL-C levels, while HDL-C levels was significantly increased in comparison to the PCOS untreated group. Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina could be therapeutic in PCOS management.