ABSTRACT
Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS] is the most common endocrine disorder in women which affect fertility. Clomiphene citrate is used as first-line treatment for this disorder, which is associated with some complications and therapeutic resistance
Objective: In this research, we compare the effectiveness of ginger with clomiphene on sexual hormones such as Luteinizing hormone [LH], Follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], estrogen and progesterone in order to treat PCOS effectively with fewer side effects
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 63 adult female rats [170-200 gr] were studied and divided randomly into 9 groups as control [not received any interventional substance for 60 and 89 days], sham [were given distilled water and ethyl alcohol intraperitoneally daily for 60 and 89 days], and 7 experimental groups receiving estradiol valerate [PCOS inducing agent, intramuscular] alone and with 100 mg/kg clomiphene or different doses of ginger extract [175 and 350 mg/kg] orally daily for 60 and 89 days. Sexual hormones were analyzed and compared in different groups
Results: Our results showed that in the PCOS-induced group, LH and estrogen concentration increased while progesterone and FSH concentration decreased remarkably [p<0.05] as compared to control group. Furthermore, in groups receiving clomiphene and ginger extract, we demonstrated significant [p<0.05] improvement in hormonal secretion as compared to the PCOS-induced group. Clomiphene, compared with the lower dose of ginger extract, had a better improving effect on balancing sexual hormones in PCOS. Moreover, ginger extract at higher doses has better effects in improving PCOS
Conclusion: As the long-term administration of clomiphene citrate has some side effects, the use of ginger as a herbal medicine without any side effects at high doses can be an effective and good alternative in improving PCOS