The synergistic effect of Paeonia spp and Glycyrrhiza glabra on polycystic ovary induced in mice

Paeonia spp and Glycyrrhiza glabra were traditionally used to treat female hormonal problems. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of root extract of these plants on ovarian follicles after induction of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 25-day-old NMRI mice were divided into 4 groups: control, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and DHEA plus 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg plant extract. Animals in the DHEA group received a daily dose of 6mg/100 g.b.w dissolved in 0.05ml sesame oil for 20 consecutive days through subcutaneous injection (0.2ml); the control group received sesame oil and saline only through i.p; and the other two groups received herbal extracts through i.p. At the end, blood samples were taken to examine hormonal changes and isolate ovarian tissue. There was a significant difference in the level of testosterone and fasting insulin between the polycystic group and treatment groups (50 and 100mg/kg doses). The results showed a significant difference between the control and DHEA treated groups in terms of the number of graph and primary follicles (P<0.05). The results of this study indicated that the mixture of paeonia spp and glycyrrhiza glabra extracts with the administered dosage had positive effects on the status of follicles in the ovaries in polycystic ovary syndrome.