Evaluating the Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of <i>Tragopogon graminifolius</i> DC in Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Female Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic condition affecting women during their reproductive years, often characterized by symptoms such as acne, hirsutism, alopecia, and seborrheic dermatitis. The development of the condition is linked to disturbances in hormonal production, maturation of ovarian follicles, regulation of neuroendocrine signals, metabolic pathways, insulin action and resistance, adipose tissue function, inflammatory mechanisms, and the stability of the autonomic nervous system. Tragopogon graminifolius DC (Sheng plant) exhibits both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and prior studies have indicated its potential to reduce glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Objectives: This research investigates how a hydroalcoholic extract derived from the Sheng plant influences PCOS induced by testosterone in a rat model. Methods: Twenty-five young female Wistar rats were evenly distributed into five experimental groups using a randomization method: (1) Healthy control, (2) PCOS model, (3) metformin-treated, (4) Sheng extract at 100 mg/kg, and (5) Sheng extract at 200 mg/kg. The PCOS was induced using the androgenized rodent model. After completing the regimen, the rats were subjected to anesthesia, and blood was drawn to assess hormone levels and blood glucose concentrations. Ovarian tissues were also examined histopathologically. Results: The hydroalcoholic extract of the Sheng plant reduced testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels while increasing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Blood glucose concentrations declined following treatment. Histopathological analysis revealed normalization of granulosa cells and the presence of mature follicles with intact granulosa layers in the treated groups. In general, the administration of Sheng extract at both low (100 mg/kg) and high (200 mg/kg) doses significantly contributed to the restoration of sex hormone balance and improvement of ovarian structure. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the hydroalcoholic extract of the Sheng plant may have a therapeutic role in improving PCOS by modulating sex hormone levels and restoring ovarian function. Further studies are warranted to explore its clinical applicability.