Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Parquetina nigrescens Ameliorates Reproductive Dysfunction, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Ovarian Histopathology in a Rat Model of Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome
Abstract
Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is a prevalent endocrine–metabolic disorder and a leading cause of anovulatory infertility among women of reproductive age. It is characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic disturbances. Although pharmacological therapies are available, their effectiveness may be limited by adverse effects, treatment resistance, and accessibility challenges. Parquetina nigrescens is widely used in African traditional medicine for managing reproductive disorders, but its therapeutic potential in PMOS remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Parquetina nigrescens in a testosterone enanthate-induced rat model of PMOS. Female Wistar rats were assigned to normal control, extract-only (200 and 400 mg/kg), PMOS control, extract-treated PMOS (200 and 400 mg/kg), clomiphene–letrozole-treated PMOS, and vehicle control groups. Reproductive hormones, oxidative stress biomarkers, inflammatory cytokines, liver enzymes, ovarian weight, and histomorphological changes in ovarian and hepatic tissues were assessed following treatment. Testosterone enanthate successfully induced PMOS-like features, including ovarian enlargement, hormonal imbalance, oxidative stress, inflammation, and histopathological abnormalities. Treatment with P. nigrescens significantly improved follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, oestradiol, and progesterone levels. The extract reduced ovarian enlargement, restored follicular architecture, decreased cystic follicles, and enhanced corpus luteum formation. It also lowered malondialdehyde concentrations, improved antioxidant status, reduced tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β levels, increased interleukin-10 concentrations, and ameliorated hepatic dysfunction and tissue damage. The 400 mg/kg dose produced the greatest therapeutic effects. Parquetina nigrescens exhibits reproductive-modulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties in experimental PMOS, supporting its potential as a complementary therapeutic agent for PMOS-associated infertility and endocrine dysfunction.