Abstract

THE PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF LEAVES OF ERYTHRINA VARIEGATA LINN., ON METABOLIC SYMPTOMS OF EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN DISEASE

Shalini Karunanithi*, Vijaya Bharathi Rajkishore and Radha Ramalingam

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the beneficial effect of Ethanolic extract of Erythrina variegata Linn., in decreasing the major metabolic symptoms associated with Letrozole induced Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD or PCOS) using female rat model. Erythrina variegata Linn., is commonly known as Indian coral tree belongs to the family of Fabaceae. Female wistar albino rats were grouped into five groups with six animals each. All rats were daily administered with letrozole (1mg/kg b.tw.) for 21 days except control, and during this period, changes in estrus cycle were observed. After letrozole treatment, group 2 was considered negative control, group 3 was considered standard, group 4 and 5 were treated orally with Ethanolic extract of Erythrina variegata Linn., 200 mg/kg b.wt. and 400 mg/kg b.wt., respectively, for 4 weeks (7 consecutive estrus cycles). Various parameters such as estrus cycle, blood sugar level, lipid profile and weights of reproductive system were determined. The characteristic of ovary and uterus were evaluated by histopathological studies.

Keywords: PCOD, Letrozole, Histopathological, Fabaceae.