The effect of fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-Gracecum) supplementation on glycemic status, androgens, and lipid profile in letrozole induced polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) model

Introduction: PCOS the most common endocrinopathy of reproductive-aged females is hallmarked by characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome and biological hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinism. Fenugreek seeds have proven to be beneficial in the treatment of PCOS because of their antiandrogenic and anti-hyperglycaemic effects. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of fenugreek seed in PCOS rats. Materials and method: Twenty-four female Wistar rats were divided into two groups: Group 1 served as a (control group, n=10) received saline (0.9%NaCl) while Group 2 (PCOS control group, n=30) received letrozole (1mg/kg) to induce PCOS. After 21 days, PCOS-induced rats were divided into two groups. One group was treated with the aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds and another group was treated with metformin (300mg/Kg) for 21 consecutive days while the control group continued to receive saline. At the end of the experiment ovaries were removed for histological examination and blood collected for the estimation of Insulin, Testosterone, and Lipid profile. Result: Compared with the control group, Letrozole administration in rats exhibited significant alterations in serum testosterone, insulin activity, glucose and Lipid profile (P<0.001). Acyclicity of the estrus cycle with cysts were also detected. In Fenugreek and metformin groups restoration of normal ovarian stroma, normalization of estrous cycle with reduced levels of testosterone (P<0.001), insulin (P<0.001), glucose (P<0.001), and cholesterol (P<0.0001) were observed. Discussion: These findings suggest that aqueous extract of fenugreek showed better amelioration in the regulation of impaired insulin resistance, hyperandrogenaemia, and ovarian dysfunction in PCOS