Abstract
Background and aims: PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is the most common endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by amenorrhea, hyper androgens, hirsutism, chronic anovulation and infertility. The aim of the present study was determining the effects of ginger extract, and 6-gingerol on hormonal levels and ovarian follicles in induced PCOS rats, and comparing the ameliorating effects of these two substances for treatment of PCOS.
Methods: In this experimental research, 42 adult female Wistar rats weighting between 160 g-180 g were divided into six groups of 7 animals. PCOS control that received no injection. PCOS received intraperitoneal injections of 100 mg/kg of ginger extract (for 28 days). Statistical analyses with SPSS, one-way ANOVA, T-test and Duncan test were used to compare groups.
Results: In comparison with PCOS control, the treatment of PCOS rats with ginger extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) and 6-gingerol (200 and 400 µg/kg) led to significant decrease in LH levels. There was a decrease in FSH levels, but the significant one was only in the 6-gingerol treated group (400 µg/kg). In PCOS treated groups with ginger extract and 6-gingerol, the serum levels of estradiol decreased significantly compared to control and PCOS control groups (P<0.001). Progesterone levels in PCOS groups injected with ginger extract and 6-gingerol showed a significant increase (P<0.05). In PCOS treated groups with ginger extract and 6-gingerol, testosterone levels decreased significantly (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05).
Conclusion: 6-gingerol and ginger extract may be a useful treatment for improving the PCOS through reduction of estrogen, testosterone, LH and FSH, and improvement of ovulation. In fact, because of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ginger components, especially 6-gingerol, they can cause to improve PCOS.