Evolution on effects of licorice root hydroalcoholic extract on female mice ovarian histology with letrozole- induced hyperandrogenism

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate how hyperandrogenism- induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) effects in ovarian histology parameters. 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 histology study. Histological studies were done by Hematoxylin and Eosin staining were examined in a period of 72 hours. This parameters included was counting different types of follicles like normal and atresia follicles and etc. Results: The results of this study showed that all parameters of histology study in HA group reduced. HA mice had more atretic follicule and some cyctic ones. Also number and quality of oocytes of this group were decreased. Different licorice root extract doses could protect atresia 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 ovarian histology parameters. Also licorice hydroalcoholic root extract could improve ovarian histology parameters in hyperandrogen mice.

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