The Synergistic Effect of Curcumin and Ziziphora Extract Due to Their Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties on Ovarian Tissue Follicles

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the synergistic effect of curcumin and Ziziphora extract due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties on ovarian tissue follicles in the rat model of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 60 female Wistar rats randomly divided into 6 groups of 10. The sham group (receiving curcumin and Ziziphora solvents), the control group (without injection), the PCOS group (injection of 2 mg of estradiol valerate to each rat) and the experimental groups that received intraperitoneal injection of curcumin (600 mg/kg), Ziziphora extract (300 mg/kg) and the combined curcumin and Ziziphora extract after syndrome induction. After 14 days of treatment, the animals were sacrificed by chloroform to collect blood and ovary specimens for histological and serological studies. Results: The PCOS caused a significant decrease in body weight and ovaries (p<0.001), follicular and granulosa sheath thickness, number of corpus luteum (p <0.001) compared to control group. However, there was no significant difference in tissue changes in experimental ovaries compared to the control. A decrease in LH, estradiol and testosterone, and an increase in FSH and progesterone were significant in the experimental groups compared to the PCOS group (p<0.001). Also, in the PCOS group, the LH, estradiol and testosterone levels were increased significantly, while the FSH and progesterone levels were decreased. In addition, the serum lipid profiles in the experimental group were significantly higher than the PCOS group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Curcumin and Ziziphora extract due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were effective in reducing cysts and modifying the hormonal levels in the polycystic ovary syndrome.