Effects of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry Aqueous Extract on the Letrozole-Induced Model of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the leading cause of infertility induced by ovarian disorders. The promising pharmacological activities of clove buds in gynecological disorders have been mentioned in traditional Persian medicine and in recent studies. Since no studies have been conducted on the role of clove aqueous extract (CAE) in the management of PCOS, this study was designed to evaluate its effects on some biochemical and histopathological parameters in letrozole-induced PCOS in rats. Methods: Thirty-six rats were used for this study: 6 were in the control group, and in the other 30, PCOS was induced by letrozole (1 mg/kg/day). After 3 weeks of induction, PCOS was approved by conducting vaginal smears. Then PCOS-induced rats were divided into five groups, letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), clomiphene citrate 1 mg/kg/day (CLO), and CAE50, 100, 200, which received 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day of standardized clove aqueous extract based on eugenol, respectively. The treatment kept going for 30 days. Estrous cyclicity, body weight, oxidative stress-related markers, sex hormones, and ovarian histological parameters were measured. Results: Disrupted estrous cyclicity, increased body weight, follicular cyst, ovarian level of malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone levels, as well as decreased estradiol, progesterone, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels, were demonstrated in PCOS group. The aforementioned parameters were improved following the CAE administration. The estrous phase was observed in the vaginal smear following all doses of CAE administration. The serum level of LH (at doses 50 and 200 mg/kg), LH/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (at all doses), testosterone (at doses 100 and 200 mg/kg) and estradiol (at doses 100 and 200 mg/kg) was significantly decreased. The serum level of progesterone (100 and 200 mg/kg) was increased significantly following CAE administration. Moreover, CAE reduced cystic follicles and ameliorated oxidative parameters. Conclusions: In conclusion, clove can be a complementary medicine for PCOS patients, but clinical studies are needed to demonstrate its efficacy and safety.