INVESTIGATING THE SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS OF VERNONIA AMYGDALINA AND TAMARINDUS INDICA ON METABOLIC PROFILE IN LETROZOLE-AND HIGH-FAT DIET-INDUCED POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME RATS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, often associated with metabolic dysfunctions such as disorders in glucose metabolism, alterations in lipid metabolism and weight gain. This study investigated the potential synergistic effects of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) and Tamarindus indica (tamarind) on metabolic parameters in a Letrozole and High- Fat High-Fructose Diet-Induced PCOS rat model. A total of Forty-eight wistar rats were included in this study and were randomly assigned to eight groups, each consisting of six animals. Group 1 served as the control group, Group 2 and 3 served as the Negative and positive control respectively, while Group 4 to 8 served as the extracts treated groups. All groups except Group 1 were administered Letrozole to induce PCOS, followed by treatment of High-Fat High-Fructose Diet, while Group 4 to 8 where also treated with extracts of V. amygdalina, T. indica, and their combination. At the end of treatment the animals were fasted over night and sacrificed by cervical dislocation, Blood samples were collected and was used for Biochemical analysis. Biochemical analyses were conducted to assess changes in lipid profile, glucose, and insulin levels, and body weight. The results demonstrated that letrozole- and HighFat High-Fructose induced-PCOS rats exhibited significantly (p ≤ 0.05) elevated body weight, fasting blood glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL levels, with only a minor decrease in HDL. Treatment with Tamarindus indica and Vernonia amygdalina extracts, particularly at 400 mg/kg, T. indica and the combination of 200 mg/kg V. amygdalina + 200 mg/kg T. indica, significantly improved metabolic parameters. These treatments reduced body weight, fasting glucose, insulin, and LDL concentrations, while moderately increasing HDL levels. Though total cholesterol and triglyceride changes were not statistically significant, numerical reductions were observed in treated groups, especially with the standard treatment and 400 mg/kg Tamarindus indica. These findings suggest that extracts of Tamarindus indica and Vernonia amygdalina, alone or in combination, possess promising anti-PCOS properties, offering beneficial effects on metabolic dysfunctions associated with PCOS. Further studies are needed to explore their mechanisms and potential for therapeutic application.