Study on effects of licorice root hydroalcoholic extract on female mice fertility improvement with hyperandrogenism induced by letrozole

IIntroduction: This study aimed to investigate how hyperandrogenism- induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects in vitro fertilization (IVF). Materials and Methods: Hyperandrogenism (HA) was induced by oral administration of 2mg/kg letrozole and protective effects of licorice root were studied in three doses: 150, 300, 450 mg/kg by gavage for 21 consecutive days. The sixth group was administrated by 450mg/kg licorice extract alone. Each group had 14mice which 10 of them were used for IVF study. In IVF method oocyte quality, fertilization rate and perimplantation embryo development were examined in a period of 72 hours. Results: The results of this study showed that all parameters of IVF reduced in HA group and Different licorice root extract doses could protect and increase IVF parameters especially in the dose of 300mg/ kg. Administration of licorice alone had no significant effect except in antioxidant capacity. Conclusion: It is concluded that excess of androgens decrease fertility. Also licorice hydroalcoholic root extract could improve fertility in hyperandrogen mice.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Hyperandrogenism, mice, letrozole, licorice, IVF