Effect of glycyrrhiza glabra roots in combating poly cystic ovarian syndrome (pcos) in letrozole induced inflammation in rats

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hyper androgenic disorder associated with chronic oligo-anovulation and polycystic ovarian morphology.Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. Commonly known as Licorice is one of the most widely used herb from the ancient medical history of Ayurveda, both as a medicine and as a flavouring agent. Letrozole induction was reported to cause an inflammatory condition which may contribute to insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia leading to metabolic syndrome. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract in the treatment of letrozole induced PCOS in female wistar rats. Administration of letrozole led to an increase in the levels of CRP, TBARS and Liver marker enzymes in rats treated with letrozole. Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract treatment significantly decreased thelevels which were found to be elevated in PCOS rats induced by letrozole. The effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra was found to be comparable with clomiphene citrate, which is being used as a major medicine in the treatment of PCOS. The findings of the present study suggested that the Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract could be used as an adjunct therapy for the management of PCOS.