Chitosan/Alginate‐Loaded Astragalus hamosus Shows Ameliorative Effects on Lipid Profile, Inflammatory and Hormonal Parameters, and Reduces miRNA‐222 Expression in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Rats

Purpose This study investigated the therapeutic effects of Chitosan/Alginate‐loaded Astragalus hamosus extract (Chn/Al‐AH) on the expression of miRNA‐222 and ESR1 genes, inflammatory cytokines, lipid profile, and reproductive hormones in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) induced by estradiol valerate (EV). Methods Twenty‐five female Wistar rats, weighing an average of 180 g, were divided into control and PCOS groups. The PCOS model was induced by a single intramuscular injection of EV (4 mg/kg). After 28 days of PCOS induction, the rats were orally administered Chitosan/Alginate‐loaded AH at 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg. Following 4 weeks of treatment, histological and biochemical parameters, pro‐inflammatory cytokines, body weight, and the expression of miRNA‐222 and ESR1 genes were evaluated. Results EV‐induced PCOS rats showed increased body weight, dyslipidemia, elevated inflammatory cytokines, disrupted sex hormone levels, upregulation of miRNA‐222 , and decreased ESR1 expression. Treatment with Chn/Al‐AH significantly ameliorated these alterations by improving metabolic and endocrine profiles, reducing miRNA‐222 expression, enhancing follicular development, decreasing cystic follicles, and promoting corpus luteum formation. Conclusions Chn/Al‐AH demonstrates therapeutic potential in mitigating hormonal, inflammatory, and genetic disruptions associated with PCOS in rats.