Safranal's therapeutic effects in rat models of polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the leading causes of female infertility in reproductive age. In this work, the protective effects of safranal against letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome in rats were examined. For this purpose, 32 Wistar albino female rats were split into four groups. Each group received the following treatments for 21 days: Group 1 received carboxymethylcellulose (1%, 2 ml/kg); Group 2, letrozole (1 mg/kg), Group 3, safranal (200 mg/kg); and Group 4 letrozole and safranal via oral gavage. We identified estrus cycles in the rats and analyzed various parameters in their serum and ovarian tissues, as well as histopathologic findings. The parameters studied included C-reactive protein, glucose, total cholesterol, triacylglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, and luteinizing hormone levels in serum. Additionally, the study measured malondialdehyde, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase levels in ovarian tissue. We also examined tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1beta parameters in serum and ovarian tissues, as well as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 and heme oxygenase-1 protein levels. In the letrozole group, the estrus cycle was disrupted, and all parameters, except for glutathione and glutathione peroxidase, showed impairments compared to the control group. The findings showed that glucose, triacylglyceride, catalase, and heme oxygenase-1 levels slightly improved after safranal treatment, however, other parameters showed statistically significant improvements. Furthermore, safranal treatment reduced the development of cystic follicles while preserving tissue architecture, as revealed by histopathologic findings. Based on the results obtained, it may be argued that safranal’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, along with its ability to regulate sex hormone levels and manage dyslipidemia, make it a promising solution for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Graphical abstract