Journal of

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders and most important cause of anovulation. High levels of inflammatory cytokines cause deterioration of polycystic ovary syndrome. Glycyrrhizic acid is the most important saponins from licorice. Considering the hypoandrogenic and antioxidant properties of licorice, aim of this study was to determine the effect of glycyrrhizic acid on gonadotropins, estradiol, testosterone and inflammatory cytokines in polycystic ovarian syndrome rat model.

Methods: In this experimental study, 32 wistar female rats were divided into 4 equal groups of control (saline solution, 24 days, ip), PCOS control (saline solution, 24 days, ip) and two PCOS groups under treatment with glycyrrhizic (25 and 50 mg/kg, 24 days, ip). Polycystic ovarian syndrome was induced by single intramuscular injection of estradiol valerate (4 mg/kg). At the end of treatment period, serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, LH, FSH, estradiol and testosterone were measured using ELISA. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Post Hoc Tukey statistical tests (p<0.05).

Results: Compared to the PCOS control group, serum levels of LH, estradiol, testosterone, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in treated groups with 25 and 50 mg/kg glycyrrhizic acid dose-dependent significantly decreased. Also, serum level of FSH dose-dependent significantly increased (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Glycyrrhizic Acid by decreases serum levels of inflammatory cytokines has favorable effect on improving hormonal parameters in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome.