The effect of curcumin on the estradiol valerate-induced polycystic ovary in rats

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a syndrome with complex endocrine and metabolic disorders, which is characterized by chronic anovulation, polycystic ovary and hyperandrogenism. Curcumin is a substance with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to examine the therapeutic effect of curcumin on polycystic ovary syndrome in adult rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, PCOS was induced in adult female Wistar rats (170 g) by subcutaneous injection of estradiol valerate (2 mg/kg). The control group received no injection. At the end of 60th day, the rats were divided into control, PCOS and curcumin-treated PCOS (100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/kg) groups. After 14 days of intraperitoneal curcumin treatment, blood and ovary samples of all groups were taken for histological and serological studies. Results: The thickness of the theca layer, primordial follicles and number of cysts were significantly decreased in high-dose curcumin treated ovaries compared to the PCOS group. Moreover, the appearance of corpus luteums as the main sign of recurrent ovulation was established. The serological analyses showed an increase in FSH and progesterone and a decrease in LH, estradiol and testosterone compared to the PCOS. Conclusion: The results indicate that curcumin may be a useful agent for improving the PCOS and initiation of ovulation through its various antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.