Histological and molecular evaluation of Mentha arvensis extract on a polycystic ovary syndrome rat model

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the impact of Mentha arvensis on a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: The PCOS rat model was made by the daily subcutaneous injection of testosterone enanthate (250mg/kg) for 21 days. Thirty rats were divided into five groups, including a healthy control group and four PCOS groups treated with various concentrations of hydroalcoholic extract of Mentha arvensis (0, 50, 100 and 200mg/kg). LH and FSH were measured in the blood. The ovaries were used for histological investigation, Cyp17 and Ptgs2 genes expression and total antioxidant capacity. RESULTS: Our results indicated that the level of LH and FSH hormones in treated PCOS rats with various concentrations of M. arvensis were reduced in comparison with the untreated PCOS group (p<0.01). Mentha arvensis in the highest concentration (200mg/kg) decreased the number of cysts in this group in comparison with the untreated PCOS group (p<0.01). The expression of Cyp17 and Ptgs2 genes in the treated group with the highest concentration of hydroalcoholic extract were decreased in comparison with the untreated PCOS group (p<0.05). Moreover, the antioxidant capacity in the rats receiving Mentha arvensis hydroalcoholic extract was significantly increased in comparison with that from the untreated PCOS rats (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, Mentha arvensis hydroalcoholic extract proved to reduce some polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms. In the present experiment, a dose of 200mg/kg of Mentha arvensis hydroalcoholic extract was regarded as the most efficient dose.