Therapeutic potential of sesamol and daidzein in letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome model in Wistar rats

Abstract

Current PCOS treatments may cause adverse effects and inadequately address endocrine and metabolic disturbances, warranting safer multitarget phytochemicals. This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of sesamol and daidzein in a letrozole-induced PCOS model in female Wistar rats. Acute oral toxicity studies were conducted in accordance with OECD guideline 425, based on which treatment doses were selected. PCOS was induced through a 21-day administration of letrozole (1 mg/kg body weight), followed by 14 days of treatment with sesamol (10 and 50 mg/kg) and daidzein (10 and 50 mg/kg), administered orally. Therapeutic potency was estimated through analysis of oestrous cycle regulation, fasting blood glucose, serum hormone concentrations, lipid profiles and histopathological examination of ovarian tissues. 1593 mg/kg was estimated as the LD₅₀ of sesamol. Within the 14-day treatment period, sesamol and daidzein reduced elevated testosterone levels, improved oestrous cyclicity, and decreased ovarian cyst formation. At lower doses, oestrogen levels improved more noticeably, whereas changes in fasting blood glucose and lipid profile remained modest and inconsistent. Daidzein and sesamol especially revived hormonal balance and ovarian function, with limited impacts on metabolic parameters.