Therapeutic Potential of Phyllanthus muellerianus Root Extracts in Managing Lipid Imbalances and Metabolic Alterations in Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Rats

Abstract

This study examined the impact of Phyllanthus muellerianus root extracts on lipid profiles in rats with letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of P. muellerianus were prepared using maceration and infusion methods. Forty-two adult female Wistar rats were divided into groups and treated for 21 days with letrozole to induce PCOS. After confirmation of PCOS, the rats were further treated for 14 days with distilled water, clomiphene citrate, metformin, or P. muellerianus root extracts at doses of 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg/day. Serum and ovarian lipid profiles, including total cholesterol (T-CHOL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides (TRIG), were assessed. The results revealed that treatment with aqueous extracts of P. muellerianus significantly reduced T-CHOL levels in rats with PCOS, particularly at doses of 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg/day, compared to the positive control, while treatment with ethanolic extract at 30 mg/kg/day also showed a reduction in T-CHOL levels. However, no significant changes were observed in LDL and TRIG levels across the groups. The study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of P. muellerianus root extracts in addressing lipid imbalances in PCOS. The aqueous extract exhibited partial efficacy, particularly at certain doses, in improving lipid profiles, though results for oxidative stress biomarkers were inconclusive. These findings suggest that P. muellerianus may serve as a promising candidate for managing lipid-related metabolic dysfunctions in PCOS, with further research needed to clarify its broader effects.