Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part H (2025)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that disrupts the menstrual cycle and causes infertility. Considering the increasing use of medicinal plants, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Medicago sativa on letrozole-induced PCOS in female rats. Five groups of rats were evaluated. The control group received 0.5% carboxy methyl cellulose as vehicle, while the Four other groups received letrozole 1 mg/kg orally for 21 days. After PCOS induction, the rats were orally administered Medicago sativa extract100, and 200 mg/kg) or metformin (70 mg/kg) for 21 days. Subsequently, body and ovarian weights and serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone were measured. Finally, the ovarian tissues were isolated for histological examination. There were no significant changes in weekly body weight in any group. After 21 days of letrozole administration, PCOS induction was confirmed by estrous cycle irregularities and increased LH and testosterone levels. After treatment with the hydroalcoholic extract of Medicago sativa, testosterone and LH levels were significantly reduced in all groups.