Piper longum (Linn.) restores ovarian function in Letrozole induced PCOS in Rats: Comparison with Metformin and Clomiphene citrate

This study evaluates the prospective use of an herbal plant Piper longum in letrozole induced polycystic ovary syndrome using a rat model. The study used female wistar rats, which were divided into 9 groups, each containing 6 animals. Group I (Control) daily received 1% Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC)as a vehicle control. Letrozole (1mg/kg) was administered by oral route for period of 21days for induction of PCOS in group (II-IX). During experimental period, vaginal smear of all females were collected daily for the estrous cycle determination. During 28 days of letrozole administration, changes in estrous cycle of females were observed and studied. This study showed that PCOS was induced. After Letrozole treatment, 6 animals from group III-IX treated orally with, standard drugs Metformin (300mg/kg/oral route), Clomiphene citrate (100mg/kg/oral route), plant drug Piper longum L. at a concentration of 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg, drug interaction groups: Metformin + Piper longum L, 800mg/kg and Clomiphene citrate +Piper lonum L., 800mg/kg body weight and studied for consecutive estrous cycles. Vaginal smear were examined, it showed that hydro alcoholic extract of fruits of Piper longum Linn. group has potential effect on PCOS bringing estrous cycle to normalcy. Also, after Letrozole treatment ovary and reproductive weights of normal rats increased which is normalizes with plant drug treatment. Further studies of hydroalcoholic extract of fruits Piper longum Linn. need to be carried out to check other related parameters of PCOS.