An Observational Study of Estrous Cycle Modulation by Paathadikwath in Wistar Albino Rats with Letrozole-Induced PCOS

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a widespread medical condition that affects multiple aspects of women’s overall health, with long term consequences. PCOS is characterized by chronic anovulation, polycystic ovaries, hyperandrogenism leading to symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, acne and hirsutism. Menstrual irregularities are due to any causes and among them one is disturbance in reproductive hormones like LH, FSH and GnRh, any irregularities of these hormones in longer time will further manifest in development of PCOS. Irregularities of these hormones also make changes per vagina too. Interpretation of vaginal cytological changes which are influenced by alteration of these hormones modifying estrous cycle which is observed for evaluation of test drug PaathadiKwath in wistar albino rats with letrozole-induced PCOS in this study.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of PaathadiKwath to regulate estrous cycle in letrozole induced PCOS in wistar albino rats.

Methods: Twenty-four healthy female Wistar Albino rats divided into four groups-control, disease control, standard drug and test drug groups consisting of 6 rats in each group. PCOS is induced in all groups with letrozole through oral gavage for 21 days except in the control group. After inducing PCOS, control and disease control groups are treated with normal saline, while standard drug and test drug groups are treated with clomiphene citrate and PaathadiKwath respectively for next twenty-one days. Vaginal smears of all the groups were taken every day and screened for changes in vaginal cytology to screen regularization of estrous cycle changes.

Results: Results of the study shows the changes of estrous cycle which begins to revert after 1-week of administration of Test drug and standard drug groups, compared to control and disease control groups.  Findings of the study concludes that Test drug administered in letrozole induced PCOS, shows evidence of regulation of estrous cycle seen through vaginal smear findings.