Effectiveness of Moringa oleifera Leaves on TNF-α Expression, Insulin Levels, Glucose Levels and Follicle Count in Rattus norvegicus PCOS Model

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a syndrome characterized by ovulation disorders accompanied by hyperandrogens. Women with PCOS are prone to develop insulin resistance which has metabolic characteristics similar to type 2 diabetes and leads to disturbance of follicular formation. PCOS is also known to increase the concentration of proinflammatory cytokines, namely TNF-α. Moringa oleifera leaves have been shown to have compounds that can reduce insulin levels and glucose levels in diabetes mellitus and should be able to reduce TNF-α and follicle count. PURPOSE: This study aims to prove the effectiveness of Moringa oleifera leaf in reducing insulin, glucose levels, TNF-α and follicle count in PCOS. METHODS: The three-month-old white rats Wistar (Rattus norvegicus) 150–170 grams were divided into four groups (n = 10), namely normal rats, PCOS model rats, PCOS model rats given metformin, and PCOS rats given 500mg of Moringa oleifera. The method of this study is taking PCOS model rats by injecting the 100mg/kg BW hormone testosterone propionate for 21 days. After 21 days of therapy, we analyzed insulin, glucose levels, TNF-α and follicle count. RESULTS: The PCOS control group showed an increase in insulin level, glucose levels, TNF-α expression, and a decrease in the follicle count compared to the normal control group. The insulin level, glucose level, TNF-α and follicle count in the Moringa oleifera 500 mg/kg BW treatment group were significantly lower than in the PCOS control group. CONCLUSION: Moringa oleifera leaves have the potential in reducing insulin levels, blood glucose levels, TNF-α and follicle count in PCOS patients.