Effects of Plantago Major on Serum Lipid Profile and Histopathological Changes of Ovaries in Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Female Rats

Abstract

Background:    About 4-8% of women of reproductive age have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also known as Stein-Leventhal syndrome. PCOS is a heterogeneous endocrine condition.
Objective:    To investigate the impact of Plantago major (P. major) leaves extract on the lipid profile and histological picture of the ovary in female rats with induced PCOS, and to contrast the impact of P. major leaves extract with that of Metformin.
Methods:    Female rats were divided into six groups: apparent healthy group, PCOS induction group, Metformin-treated group, high-dose P. major group (1500 mg/kg/day), low-dose Plantago major group (1000 mg/kg/day), and a combination group treated with P. major (500 mg/kg/day) and Metformin. The measured parameters included serum lipid profile {total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C)} and histopathological evaluation of ovarian tissue.
Results:    Except for HDL-C, which was significantly increased compared to the induction group, the lipid profile parameters were significantly reduced in the P. major treated groups. Ovarian histology revealed recovery of ovulation in rats treated with Plantago major.
Conclusion:    In comparison to Metformin, Plantago major treatment groups showed better effects in terms of easing PCOS symptoms in female rats.
Keywords:    Plantago major, leaves, polycystic ovary syndrome, female rats, lipid profile.
Citation:    Al-Jawadi AD, Gatea FK. Effects of Plantago major on serum lipid profile and histopathological changes of ovaries in induced polycystic ovary syndrome in female rats. Iraqi JMS. 2025; 23(2): 317-327. doi: 10.22578/IJMS.23.2.15