HISTOLOGICAL STUDIES OF THE EFFECT OF LICORICE ROOT HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT ON THE STRUCTURE OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME IN MICE FOLLOWING HYPERANDROGENISM INDUCED BY LETROZOLE

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by chronic anovulation, polycystic ovaries and pathological conditions such as hyperandrogenism. Increase in the level of estrogen is an important symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome. This study aimed to investigate how hyperandrogenism-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects the histological structure of ovaries. Sixty adult female mice were divided into six groups: Control group, Experimental group that Hyperandrogenism (HA) was induced by oral administration of 2mg/kg letrozole and protective effect of licorice root was studied in three doses: 150, 300, 450 mg/kg by gavage for 21 consecutive days. About 450mg/kg licorice extract was administered to the sixth group. Each group had 14mice and only 8 of them were used for histological studies. Ovaries were separated and samples were analyzed in Bouin's solution. Histological and histomorphometrical studies were done by Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. Results showed that histological parameters in hyperandrogen ovaries were greatly reduced and Licorice root extract had a protective effect. Finally, it can be concluded that administration of appropriate doses of licorice root extract improved antioxidant ingredients and affected the histological structure of reproductive system in females with hyperandrogenism.