Effect of Pelargonium sidoides extract on a few endocrine and oxidative stress parameters in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome

The potential role of Pelargonium sidoides extract in reducing oxidative stress was assessed in rats with experimentally induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Five groups were formed: control group without treatment; Carboxymethyl Cellulose group receiving 1% carboxymethyl cellulose; group given P. sidoides extract (30 mg·kg–1·day–1 for 3 days -d-); PCOS group administered letrozole (polycystic ovary syndrome agent) (1 mg·kg–1·day–1 for 21 d); and PCOS + P. sidoides group, in which the extract was applied during the last 3 d of letrozole administration. In this study, malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione levels, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione–S–transferase activities were determined in blood and ovarian tissues. Additionally, hormones and biomarkers such as follicle–stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, insulin, cholesterol and glucose were also determined in serum. Rats in the PCOS group showed significantly elevated malondialdehyde levels in both plasma and ovarian tissues, indicating increased oxidative stress. Conversely, when compared to controls, reduced glutathione levels and antioxidant enzyme activity were significantly lower. In the PCOS + P. sidoides group, ovarian reduced glutathione levels increased significantly, however, no alteration was observed in plasma reduced glutathione levels. malondialdehyde levels decreased in both tissues, and antioxidant enzyme activities improved significantly, suggesting a partial restoration of oxidative balance. Endocrine evaluations showed that PCOS rats had higher serum LH, testosterone, insulin, and cholesterol, with decreased FSH levels, while glucose remained unchanged. In the PCOS + P. sidoides group, many parameters approached control values, and no significant differences were detected compared with healthy rats, except for testosterone. Compared with the PCOS group, the serum significantly reduced LH, testosterone, and insulin levels and increased FSH, while glucose remained unaffected. Overall, the findings indicate that PCOS induces oxidative stress in plasma and ovarian tissues and disrupts key hormonal and metabolic biomarkers. P. sidoides extract, with its antioxidant effects, may alleviate oxidative and hormonal alterations associated with PCOS, suggesting its potential supportive role in mitigating PCOS – related complications.