Endocrine Abstracts

Background and aim: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age with an estimated prevalence of 5–10%, is one of the most common causes of female infertility. The therapeutic options for PCOS are limited. Thereby, traditional knowledge of Ayurveda has been exploited to identify an herbal therapeutic target for PCOS. Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies on bioactive constituents of herbal drugs provide valuable information on bio-transformed metabolites, dosage form, doses and potential herb–drug interactions. Thereby, the aim of the study was to study the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of the non-polar phytocomponents of Aloe vera gel and their role as an endocrine modulator in PCOS pathology.

Methodology: PCOS was induced in rat using letrozole and validated for structural and metabolic characteristics of PCOS. Blood and tissues (ovaries, adrenal, hypothalamus, pituitary, uterus and liver) were collected upto 48 h after petroleum ether extract of dried Aloe vera gel (1.0 g) were administered orally to rats. Metabolites of Phytosterols were identified using GC/MS and quantified using HPLC. Progesterone and estradiol were analysed using ELISA. Steroidogenic enzymes as well as important enzymes responsible for biotransformation were evaluated along with the toxicity parameters.

Results: PCOS animals demonstrated altered estrus cyclicity, serum testosterone levels and oral glucose tolerance test profile when compared to controls. An increase in the estradiol (P<0.01) and progesterone levels (P<0.05) were observed in the plasma after 24 h. Several phytosterols and their modified oxysterols were identified in the plasma and tissues which could be well-correlated with the functional changes observed in hormone profile.

Conclusion: This study elucidates the bioavailability and functionality of phytosterols/oxysterols obtained from Aloe vera gel towards management of PCOS. This study will be helpful in identification of a naturally derived drug target and add to its economic viability at national and international level.