Effect of Aloe vera (Barbadensis Mill) on Letrozole Induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Swiss Albino Mice

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the predominant endocrine abnormality in premenopausal women characterised by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, metabolic disturbances such as, insulin resistance and obesity. AIM: The key objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Aloe vera as a treatment drug to identify the factors among female Swiss albino mice (PCOS) models displaying ovarian and metabolic abnormalities and serum sex steroids that are associated with insulin sensitivity. STUDY SETTING AND DESIGN: The laboratory breed 4 months adult virgin female Swiss albino mice showing regular estrous cycle and weighing about 20–30 g were employed in present study under CPCSEA guidelines with ethical clearance from the institutional ethical committee. These mice were categorized into two groups with 10 mice in each as control and test animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mice which were categorised into two groups with 10 mice in each. Carboxy methyl cellulose control and letrozole were induced for 21 days followed by 30 days treatment with distilled water for control, Diane as standard drug and Aloe vera gel formulation. Body weight, estrous cycle, biochemical estimations, hormone assay and histopathology were the parameters studied. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: IBM SPSS version 20.0 was used for the mean and standard error calculations of biochemical and antioxidants estimation. RESULTS: During the induction period, we observed a significant increase in the body weight, decrease in the number of estrous cycle, and the concomitant increase in diestrous. The biochemical estimations showed changes in the regular activity; hormonal imbalance was observed in hormone assay and cyst formation was also observed in the histopathological study. After the treatment of Aloe vera and Diane, all the parameters showed considerable good results. CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study provide a baseline data for designing further investigations on the therapeutic benefits of Aloe vera as an adjunct therapy in the management of PCOS.