Curcumin is comparable to metformin for the treatment of PCOS in rats: a preclinical study

Background: Ploy cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynecological disorder affecting between 4–20% of females worldwide. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric (Curcuma longaZingiberaceae) is a yellow polyphenol with a wide range of pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, neuroprotective and cardioprotective properties. Methods: Letrozole was used to induce PCOS in female Wistar rats. Curcumin, metformin, or a combination of both was given to assess their therapeutic effects. Body weight, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and glucose levels were measured after disease induction and at the conclusion of treatment. Additionally ovarian histomorphology was examined after sacrificing the animals and removal of the ovaries. Results and conclusion: Weight was significantly reduced in the curcumin, metformin and curcumin and metformin combination groups. Testosterone was decreased, progesterone was increased, and normal ovarian morphology was restored in the three groups. Conclusions: curcumin is therapeutically effective for PCOS and is comparable to metformin.