Keywords
Phyllanthus muellerianus; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS); Hormonal assays; Estradiol; Ovarian histology; Letrozole-induced model
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of Phyllanthus muellerianus roots extracts on hormonal levels and ovarian histology in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) induced by letrozole (LTZ). Female rats were treated with aqueous and ethanolic extracts of P. muellerianus at varying doses (30, 60, and 120 mg/kg bwt) for 21 days. Hormonal assays, including the measurement of serum estradiol, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, were conducted using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Results revealed a significant increase in estradiol levels in all treated groups compared to the positive control, while testosterone levels significantly decreased in all treated rats, indicating a potential estrogenic effect and androgen reduction. However, LH and FSH levels remained unaffected by the treatment. Histological examination of ovaries showed significant improvements in follicular development and structural integrity in rats treated with P. muellerianus, particularly at 30 mg/kg bwt of the aqueous extract, which demonstrated nearly complete restoration of normal ovarian architecture. These findings suggest that Phyllanthus muellerianus possesses potential therapeutic properties in modulating reproductive hormones and improving ovarian histology in a PCOS model, supporting its traditional use in the management of reproductive health disorders.
Citation
Chukwuezie AC, Ogunbiyi OJ, Appah J, Enoh E (2025) Ameliorative Effects of Phyllanthus muellerianus (Kuntze) Exell Roots Extracts on Hormonal Imbalances and Ovarian Histology in Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Rats. SM J Reprod Health Infertil. 2025; 6(1): 1009