Effects of aqueous extract of <i>Viscum album (Linn.) </i>leaf on some biochemical parameters and ovarian morphology of oestradiol valerate-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome rats

Abstract

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) has a worldwide prevalence of 15-20% in women of reproductive age group and account for 75% anovulatory infertility cases in them. Aqueous extract of Viscum album leaf was evaluated for its therapeutic effects on oestradiol valerate – induced PCOS rats. Female rats (176. 96 ± 2.01) g were assigned to groups A – G, (n=10) each. Group A (Control) were administered 0.5 ml of distilled water. Groups B, C, D, E, F and G were PCOS-induced with single intramuscular injection of oestradiol – valerate, each group then received 0.5 ml of distilled water, 2.4 mg/kg body weight of metformin, 10, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively for 30 days. Vaginal smear cytology, serum follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, testosterone, progesterone and polycystic ovarian morphology were assessed. Aqueous extract of Viscum album leaf significantly (p<0.05) reversed PCOS related increased serum concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone and decreased concentration of luteinizing hormone towards the control values. Persistent oestrus cells and cystic follicles in the ovaries of PCOS-induced rats were restored towards control. Aqueous extract of Viscum album leaf ameliorated some clinical, biochemical and ovarian features of polycystic ovarian syndrome rats. Keywords: Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Testosterone, vaginal smear, antihypertensive, antidiabetic.