Pharmacological Investigation of Thalictrum foliolosum Against Letrozole Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Female Wistar Rats

Abstract

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, anovulation, and infertility. Current treatments such as metformin and clomiphene citrate are effective but limited by adverse effects, leading to an increasing interest in safer herbal alternatives. The present study investigated the pharmacological potential of ethanolic extract of Thalictrum foliolosum against letrozole-induced PCOS in female Wistar rats. PCOS was induced by administering letrozole (1 mg/kg, p.o.) for 21 days, followed by 28 days of treatment with either metformin (200 mg/kg) or Thalictrum foliolosum extract at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses. Six groups (n = 6) were studied: normal control, PCOS control, standard, two extract-treated, and extract control groups. Evaluations included body weight, estrous cycle cytology, biochemical (glucose and lipid profile), hormonal (LH, FSH, LH/FSH ratio, testosterone, estradiol, insulin), oxidative stress markers (SOD, CAT, GSH, MDA), and ovarian histopathology. The extract showed dose-dependent therapeutic effects, significantly restoring estrous cyclicity, biochemical and hormonal balance, and improving antioxidant status in PCOS rats (p < 0.05–0.001). Histopathological examination revealed recovery of ovarian architecture, reduction in cystic follicles, and reappearance of corpora lutea, indicating normalization of ovulation. The 400 mg/kg dose exhibited effects comparable to metformin. No signs of toxicity or behavioral changes were observed. In conclusion, Thalictrum foliolosum demonstrated significant anti-PCOS, antioxidant, and hormonal regulatory effects, validating its traditional use and suggesting its potential as a safe, natural alternative for the management of PCOS.

Keywords: Thalictrum foliolosum; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; PCOS; Letrozole; Wistar rats; Anti-androgenic activity; Estrous cycle; Insulin resistance; Oxidative stress.