Effect of Prunus dulcis and Salvia hispenica in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome in Wistar rats

OBJECTIVE: Research has shown that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of infertility in women. The drugs used to treat PCOS tend to manage the symptoms rather than cure the disease. Furthermore, these drugs have severe side-effects and influence the quality of life for the patients. There is therefore a need for natural medicine that can effectively treat PCOS without side-effects. METHOD: PCOS was induced in adult female Wistar rats by daily oral administration of letrozole (1 mg/kg) for 21 days. From day 22 until the end of the experiment (day 36), these rats were given a daily oral dose of either Prunus dulcis (walnut) or Salvia hispenica (chia seed) alone, or in combination. Animals were subsequently examined for morphological, biochemical, and histopathological changes. RESULT: When compared with the control and standard groups, rats who had consumed P. dulcis and S. hispenica, either as individual agents or in combination, had significantly lower body and ovarian weights, and hormone concentrations were maintained at healthy levels. The presence of polyphenolic compounds in these substances induced ovulation in the PCOS model animals. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that animals fed with P. dulcis and S. hispenica either individually or in combination were able to overcome infertility. Hormone levels and metabolism were restored in these animals. Therefore, P. dulcis and S. hispenica can be used as therapeutic agents to treat patients who are infertile due to suboptimal oocyte competence and anovulation.