Ameliorative Potentials of <i>Vernonia amygdalina</i> in High-fat Diet and Letrozoleinduced 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.