The Therapeutic Effect of Methanolic Extract Bryonia dioica Jacq. in a Female Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine diseases that affects 5%–10% of women of childbearing age. Several factors contribute to the development of PCOS such as dysfunction of the hypothalamic–pituitary axis and ovarian function, as well as increased insulin levels. The manifestations of the disorder include a wide range of symptoms, including menstrual disorders, acne, infertility, and increased body fat. Currently, the most well-known treatments for PCOS are clomiphene, metformin, letrozole, and tamoxifen. Due to their side effects, the identification of substitute drugs is essential. One of the traditional medicines, which is usually used in different parts of the world, particularly in Western Europe, is Bryonia dioica Jacq. (B. dioica). This plant is used in the treatment of disease due to its active ingredients like polyphenols.

Induction PCOS in a female rat (3 weeks old) was performed through subcutaneous injection of testosterone enanthate (1mg/100g) daily for 35 days. The effects of B. dioica (30 and 60mg/kg) root methanolic extract on PCOS-induced was evaluated after 28-day treatment. On the last day, the serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), glucose, low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein (LDL/HDL), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone and histological studies (hematoxylin and eosin [H&E] staining) were measured.

Results showed that FSH and LH levels (P < 0.05) as well as glucose (P < 0.001) in the B. dioica groups normalized significantly compared to the PCOS group. LDL levels decreased in rats and the LDL/HDL ratio decreased in all treatment groups. In histologic assay, metformin and B. dioica restricted the effects of testosterone in the ovaries of rats.

The data indicate that methanolic extract of B. dioica recovers hormonal factors in PCOS.