Protective role of kaempferol against estradiol valerate-induced polycystic ovary syndrome in rats

Protective role of kaempferol against estradiol valerate-induced polycystic ovary syndrome in rats Dr. Rajendra Gode Institute of Pharmacy, University Mardi Road, Amravati - 444 603, India Sagar Narendra Ande Preeti Shrivastava Mihirkumar B. Suthar M. Kavitha Manasi Khadanga E. Joel Mart Sarvesh Kumar Neha Baryah Mata Jijabai Govt, PG Girls College Lal Bagh Road, Indore - 452 004, India Department of Zoology, K. K. Shah Jarodwala Maninagar Science College, BJLT Campus, Rambaug, Maninagar, Ahmedabad - 380 008, India SNS Academy Fingerprint School, 538, Thudiyalur - Saravanampatti Road Vellakinar, Coimbatore - 641 029, India Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Jhanjeri, Mohali - 140 307, India Jeypore College of Pharmacy, Rondapalli, Koraput - 764 002, Odisha, India Vels Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) PV Vaithiyalingam Rd, Velan Nagar, Krishnapuram, Pallavaram, Chennai - 600 117, India DBS School of Pharmacy and Research, DBS Global University Mi-122, Behind Pharma City, Selaqui, Dehradun - 248 011, India

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine-metabolic disorder characterized by hormonal imbalance and ovarian dysfunction, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic agents. Kaempferol, a natural flavonoid, possesses documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its efficacy in PCOS remains underexplored. This study investigated the protective role of kaempferol against estradiol valerate (EV)-induced PCOS in rats. Thirty female Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n=6): Control (vehicle), PCOS control (EV, 4 mg/rat single dose), Standard (EV + Metformin, 500 mg/kg/day), and two treatment groups (EV + Kaempferol at 50 or 100 mg/kg/day). PCOS was induced via a single intramuscular EV injection, followed by a 30-day treatment period. Parameters assessed included serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone; ovarian oxidative stress markers (SOD, CAT, GSH, MDA); and histopathological examination of ovarian tissues. EV induction successfully established a PCOS phenotype, manifesting as elevated LH, testosterone, and LH/FSH ratio, decreased FSH and progesterone, increased oxidative stress (lowered SOD, CAT, GSH; elevated MDA), and cystic ovarian morphology. Kaempferol treatment, particularly at the 100 mg/kg dose, significantly reversed these alterations. It normalized gonadotropin and steroid hormone levels, restored antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced lipid peroxidation, and markedly improved ovarian histoarchitecture by reducing cystic follicles and promoting corpus luteum formation. The efficacy of high-dose kaempferol was comparable to metformin. The findings demonstrate that kaempferol effectively attenuates EV-induced PCOS in rats by restoring hormonal balance, mitigating oxidative stress, and reversing ovarian pathology. Its therapeutic potential is comparable to first-line treatment metformin, suggesting kaempferol as a promising complementary phytotherapeutic agent for PCOS management, likely mediated through its antioxidant and endocrine-modulating activities.
12 24 2025 11 15 2025 623 631 10.51470/jez.2026.29.1.623 https://www.connectjournals.com/pages/articledetails/toc040414