Abstract

EVALUATION OF CITRULLUS COLOCYNTHIS (L) SCHRAD. FRUIT EXTRACT IN LETROZOLE INDUCED POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN DISEASE IN FEMALE RATS

Sowmiya M. and Dr. Sudha K.M.*

ABSTRACT

Polycystic ovary disease is an endocrine disorder of child bearing age in women and is recognised as the primary cause of infertility. The study was conducted to evaluate the phytochemical constituents of various fruit extracts of Citrullus colocynthis (L) Schrad (CCT) and beneficial effect of ethanolic extract in Letrozole induced polycystic ovarian disease in female wistar rats. 30 rats were divided into five groups of six rats each. Group I – control, group II- disease control, group III- standard, group IV- low dose of ethanolic extract, group Vhigh dose of ethanolic extract. All the experimental animals except control group, were orally administered with Letrozole (1mg/kg) dissolved in 0.25% CMC once daily for 21 days, followed by ethanolic extract of CCT (50mg/kg and 100mg/kg) and Metformin (100mg/kg) for 30 days. Changes in serum LH, testosterone, insulin, lipids and glucose level were observed. Vaginal smears were taken daily. Histopathological examination of ovary revealed a significant reduction in the number of cystic follicles in CCT and Metformin treated groups. The extract of CCT showed promising effect by restoring hormones level compared to disease control group. The effects observed with CCT were similar to metformin group.

Keywords: Citrullus colocynthis, Poly cystic ovarian disease, Letrozole.