Ameliorative effects of Guilandina bonduc L. aqueous seed extract on letrozole induced polycystic ovary syndrome in female wistar albino rats

The current study aims to identify the phytochemical constituents of Guilandina bonduc L. aqueous seed extract to evaluate their antioxidant potential through in vitro and in vivo toxicity models in female wistar albino rats. Phytochemical screening and in vitro antioxidant activities of G. bonduc aqueous seed extract (GBASE), were evaluated using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical along with the estimation of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Three different doses (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) were used for the proposed study to evaluate the efficacy against Letrozole induced PCOS in rats. Renal toxicity and hepatotoxicity were evaluated by quantifying the serum levels of Kidney Function Test (KFT) and Liver Function Test (LFT). Histopathologic changes of kidney and liver were also evaluated. In vitro studies revealed that G. bonduc seed extracts strongly scavenging the DPPH with an IC₅₀ value of 276.95 μg/ml and hydroxyl scavenging radical with an IC₅₀ value of 296.34 μg/ml. Our phytochemical evaluation reveals the presence of phenolic compounds (2.834 ± 0.09 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g dried extract) and flavonoids (0.905 ± 0.01 mg of catechol equivalents/g dried extract) content. In vivo activity was evaluated in rats as an PCOS model, when compared to control and vehicle group, a normal arrangement of the hepatocyte sheath and central vein was observed. The letrozole induced by PCOS groups also exhibited no remarkable changes in hepatic histology but a minor irregularity in hepatocyte arrangement was observed. In the treatment group, the histopathological evaluation of the kidneys showed a prevalent control-like morphology with a sufficient mobile structure and a standard atrophy free glomerulus. Moreover, the treated animals showed significant changes in their liver and kidney weights. The biochemical evaluation shows elevated levels of serum AST and it indicates harm to the liver due to necrosis, inflammation, or bruising, indicating ill health. The aqueous seed extracts of 200 mg/kg exhibited a significant response compare favorably to that of the standard drug treated group (PCOS + Pioglitazone) which also had substantially reduced KFT and LFT levels in their serum when compared to the PCOS induced group. Herbal medications strengthen the immune system and help regulate the menstrual cycle. The results suggest that G. bonduc L. could be considered as an important candidate for its possible role in the treatment of PCOS and for the future drug discoveries.