Beneficial effect of Curcumin in Letrozole induced polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract Objective To investigated beneficial effect of Curcumin (a phenolic curcuminoid derivative from Curcuma longa) in Letrozole induced PCOS in female Wistar rats. Methods Letrozole (1 mg/kg) was administered per orally (p.o) for a period of 21 days for the induction of PCOS, followed by dose of Curcumin (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, p.o) for 15 days using 0.5% w/v CMC as vehicle. Results The administration of Letrozole led to abnormalcy in serum sex steroid profile, lipid profile, glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels and depletion in antioxidant activity. Curcumin was able to successfully exert its protective effect by restoring all the parameters to normal and disappearance of cysts in ovaries. Conclusion Curcumin showed beneficial effects in Letrozole induced PCOS in female Wistar rats. Its effect was comparable to that of Clomiphene citrate, most widely used treatment for ovulation induction in PCOS condition.