Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders among the women. Abnormal ovarian cycle is the result of increased LH and relatively decreased FSH along with overproduction of ovarian androgens. According to the previous studies, Melia azedarach L. seed has anti-steroidogenic properties. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of these seeds on the PCOS induced in female rats.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, PCOS was induced in 30 adult female Wistar rats using the subcutaneous injection of estradiol valerate. The extract of plant material was made using the percolation method. Rats were divided into PCOS, sham and 3 experimental groups (n=6). Rats in the experimental groups were treated with 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg/ip injections of Melia azedarach L. seed hydro-alcoholic extract for 10 days. The sham group received NaCl 0.9% as the vehicle. Serum concentrations of LH, FSH, testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) were measured using the ELISA method.

Results: Serum concentrations of LH in all experimental groups (P<0.01), and T concentrations in the group with the highest dose (P<0.05) were significantly decreased compared to those of the PCOS group. While the FSH concentrations in two groups (50 and 75 mg/kg) were increased compared to the PCOS group (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively), and E2 concentrations were decreased in the two groups (P<0.01).

Conclusion: It seems that the hydroalcoholic extract of Melia azedarach L. seed may lead to a normal ovarian cycle through reducing the androgen concentration.