Asian Journal
Of Traditional Medicines

Abstract: New options are needed to treat the hormonal disorders associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The objective of the
study was to investigate the effect of Amorphophallus campanulatus Roxb. (AC), a herbal remedy, for the treatment of polycystic
ovary syndrome (PCOS) in a Letrozole-induced PCOS rat model and to compare the protective effect of Clomiphene citrate with
AC. PCOS was induced in albino Wistar female rats by daily oral administration of Letrozole for 21 days. A low (250 mg/kg), mid
(500 mg/kg) and high dose (1000 mg/kg) of AC was given orally to the PCOS induced rats for 15 days post Letrozole induction to
determine the effective dose of AC for the treatment of PCOS. The biomarkers of ovarian function, plasma testosterone, estrogen
and progesterone, were analyzed to determine the fluctuations in sex steroid levels in rats with PCOS induced by Letrozole. The
plasma testosterone levels were found to be significantly increased in rats with PCOS whereas plasma estrogen and progesterone
levels were found to be decreased. When compared with controls, the PCOS rats were characterized by the high incidence of
ovarian cysts with a diminished granulosa layer, significantly atretic follicles and absence of corpora lutea. All the end points
assessed were significantly improved by a high dose of AC and reached almost normal levels. The high dose (1000 mg/kg) of
AC was found to be effective for the treatment of PCOS induced by Letrozole in rats. This effect of AC prevented ovarian
histopathologic, endocrine and biochemical alterations induced by hyperandrogenism. Thus, AC was found to have the potential
to be a very good alternative therapy for the treatment of PCOS.

Key words: Amorphophallus campanulatus Roxb., Letrozole, polycystic ovary syndrome, Clomiphene citrate