Therapeutic Effects of Eugenol in Polycystic Ovarian Rats Induced by Estradiol Valerate: A Histopathological and A Biochemical Study.

In this experimental study, thirty adults female Wistar rats weighing between 180 and 200 g were used. Estradiol valerate-induced PCOS rats (4 mg/rat) were treated with eugenol (12 and 24 mg/kg) for 28 days. The effects of eugenol were studied on levels of glucose, lipid profile, liver enzymes, reproductive hormones, oxidative stress, and the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (Ppar-α) genes, using biochemical analysis of blood and histopathological evaluation of ovaries.<br />Results: Estradiol valerate-induced PCOS resulted in the formation of cystic follicles in the ovaries, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hyperandrogenism, and anovulation. It altered the Cox-2 and Ppar-α gene expression and increased oxidative stress and activities of liver enzymes. Eugenol treatment improved the PCOS-associated endocrine and metabolic disorder and histopathological alterations, mostly through antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti hyperlipidemic, and anti-androgenic properties. It showed beneficial effects on serum glucose, serum insulin, fat profile, reproductive hormones, liver activity, oxidative stress, expression of Cox-2 and Ppar-α genes, as well as restoration of normal ovulation in the PCOS animals.<br />Conclusion: Eugenol could represent a promising natural product to prevent PCOS or reduce its symptoms.