Effects of Moringa oleifera on Insulin Levels and Folliculogenesis in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Model with Insulin Resistance

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance is a frequent metabolic disorder in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Moringa oleifera has been shown to increase insulin expres-sion and decrease the degree of insulin in diabetes mellitus, therefore it is expected that Moringa oleifera could decrease insulin levels and increase folliculogenesis in PCOS. OBJECTIVE: To prove the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract in various doses might decrease the insulin levels and increase folliculogenesis in female PCOS-insulin resistant rats. METHODS: The three month old white rat of Wistar strain (Rattus norvegicus) 100-130 grams were divided into five groups (n=8) including normal control, PCOS-insulin re-sistance, PCOS-insulin resistance given metformin and PCOS-resistance insulin were giv-en Moringa oleifera leaf extract in two doses. Then, the PCOS model-insulin resistance by injection of testosterone propionate for 28 days. After 14 days treatment, we analysed insulin levels and folliculogenesis. RESULTS: The PCOS control group showed a significant increase in insulin levels compared to the normal control group. The insulin levels from group treatment with Moringa oleifera leaf extract of 250 mg/kgBW was significantly lower than the PCOS control group. Ovarian histology analysis found that the number and diameter of follicle of PCOS control group showed a significant decrease compared to normal control group. In addition, the treatment with metformin and leaf Moringa oleifera dose 250 mg/kgBW and 500 mg/kgBW showed significant increase of folliculogenesis compared to PCOS control group. CONCLUSIONS: Moringa oleifera could lowering the blood insulin levels, subsequently decreasing the androgen thus allowed the increasing of folliculogenesis in PCOS.