ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the impact of Mentha arvensis on a rat model
of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).MethodsThe PCOS rat model was made by the daily subcutaneous injection of
testosterone enanthate (250mg/kg) for 21 days. Thirty rats were divided into
five groups, including a healthy control group and four PCOS groups treated
with various concentrations of hydroalcoholic extract ofMentha
arvensis(0, 50, 100 and 200mg/kg). LH and FSH were measured in
the blood. The ovaries were used for histological investigation, Cyp17 and
Ptgs2 genes expression and total antioxidant capacity.ResultsOur results indicated that the level of LH and FSH hormones in treated PCOS
rats with various concentrations ofM. arvensiswere
reduced in comparison with the untreated PCOS group
(p<0.01). Mentha arvensis in the highest concentration
(200mg/kg) decreased the number of cysts in this group in comparison with
the untreated PCOS group (p<0.01). The expression ofCyp17andPtgs2genes in the treated
group with the highest concentration of hydroalcoholic extract were
decreased in comparison with the untreated PCOS group
(p<0.05). Moreover, the antioxidant capacity in the rats
receivingMentha arvensishydroalcoholic extract was
significantly increased in comparison with that from the untreated PCOS rats
(p<0.05).ConclusionsFor the first time,Mentha arvensishydroalcoholic extract
proved to reduce some polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms. In the present
experiment, a dose of 200mg/kg ofMentha arvensishydroalcoholic extract was regarded as the most efficient dose.