Evaluation of leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera Lam. On testosterone enanthate-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in mice

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrinological and metabolic disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is often associated with hyperandrogenism, obesity, anovulation, infertility and insulin resistance. In this study, the imminent efficacy of MoLP (Moringa oleifera leaf powder) and MoLE (M. oleifera leaf extract) in treating PCOS in female albino mice was explored. Female albino mice were injected with testosterone enanthate [1.0 mg/100 g body weight (b.w.)] for 35-days to induce PCOS. For the treatment, mice were administered with M. oleifera leaf powder (250 and 500 mg/kg b.w.), M. oleifera leaf extract (250 and 500 mg/kg b.w.), and metformin (250 mg/kg b.w.) for 14 days. Following the intervention, body weight, blood glucose, c-peptide, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and stages of the estrus cycle were measured at 0, 7 and 14 days. The ovaries were examined stereologically to determine the number and diameter of follicles. Results indicated that MoLP, MoLE (500 mg/kg b.w.) and metformin (250 mg/kg b.w.) significantly decreased body weight, blood glucose, c-peptide, testosterone and LH levels while increasing FSH levels and ovary weight over time compared to PCOS-induced mice. Additionally, regulation of the estrus cycle and folliculogenesis in PCOS-induced mice was observed. Overall, the present study revealed that M. oleifera may have the potential as a therapeutic intervention for PCOS.