Study of protective effects of Palm meristem\'s hydroethanolic extract on polycystic ovary syndrome in female Wistar rats induced with estradiol valerate

Background and Aim: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder of women of reproductive ages. The treatment of this disease with chemical drugs is associated with various side effects. Some medicinal plants have chemical compounds that can prevent the occurrence or development of this syndrome. The purpose of this study is to investigate the protective effect of hydroethanolic extract of palm meristem (HEPM) in female rats with polycystic ovary syndrome. Methods: In this experimental study, 42 adult female Wistar rats (180-200 g) were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=7): Control group: (injection of 0.25 ml of normal saline subcutaneously, 0.25 ml of normal saline by gavage, daily). Positive control group: (500 mg/kg HEPM as gavage, daily). Estradiol valerate group: (single subcutaneous injection of estradiol valerate, 2 mg/kg in a volume of 0.25 ml of olive oil). Sham group: (single subcutaneous injection 0.25 ml of olive oil).Treatment group 1 (Estradiol valerate 2 mg/kg in a volume of 0.25 ml of olive oil + HEPM 250 mg/kg as gavage, daily).Treatment group 2 (Estradiol valerate 2 mg/kg in a volume of 0.25 ml of olive oil + HEPM 500 mg/kg as gavage, daily). At the end of experiments all animals were anesthetized with ketamin hydrochloride (50mg/kg) and blood samples were collected from inferior vena cava. The blood samples were centrifuged and serums were separated for biochemical and hormonal studies. The testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, FSH & LH of samples were analyzed. All data were statistically analyzed and compared with control group. The p