Phytochemical and Pharmacological Evaluation of Coccinia grandis Leaf Extract on Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Female Rats

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, hormonal imbalance, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and associated metabolic abnormalities. The limitations associated with long-term conventional management have stimulated interest in medicinal plants with multiple pharmacological properties. Coccinia grandis is a traditionally used medicinal plant with reported hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic activities. The present study was designed to evaluate the phytochemical composition and pharmacological effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Coccinia grandis (ECG) in a letrozole-induced PCOS rat model. Fresh leaves of Coccinia grandis were collected, authenticated, shade-dried, powdered, and extracted using 95% ethanol by Soxhlet extraction. Preliminary phytochemical screening and estimation of total flavonoid content (TFC) and total phenolic content (TPC) were performed. Female Wistar albino rats were used for the experimental study. PCOS was induced by oral administration of letrozole (1 mg/kg) in 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose for 21 days. Animals were subsequently treated with metformin (70 mg/kg), ECG 200 mg/kg, or ECG 400 mg/kg for 15 days. Body weight, reproductive organ weights, reproductive hormones, lipid profile, blood glucose, antioxidant parameters, and ovarian histopathology were evaluated.