Quercetin-3-Glucoside from Ocimum basilicum ameliorates polycystic ovary syndrome by targeting the IL-6/JAK-STAT3 signaling axis
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is a key contributor to the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), disrupting hormonal signaling and ovarian function. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of Quercetin-3-Glucoside (Q3G), a bioactive flavonoid from Ocimum basilicum (OB), against PCOS-associated inflammation. An integrated approach of network pharmacology and molecular docking predicted Q3G interaction with key inflammatory targets IL6, STAT3, and BCL2, predominantly through the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. These predictions were validated in a letrozole-induced PCOS mouse model. Mice were divided into control, PCOS, PCOS+OB (125 mg/kg), OB-only, and PCOS+metformin groups over six weeks. The PCOS group exhibited increased body weight, hyperglycemia, elevated white blood cell count, hormonal imbalance (increased testosterone and LH/FSH ratio), disrupted estrous cyclicity, and ovarian morphological damage. Treatment with the OB ethanolic extract significantly ameliorated these metabolic, endocrine, and reproductive deficits. Furthermore, OB administration reduced oxidative stress by modulating SOD, catalase, and MDA levels, and downregulated the gene expression of IL6 and STAT3 while upregulating BCL2 in ovarian tissue. These findings demonstrate that Ocimum basilicum and its active component Q3G protect ovarian function in PCOS likely by suppressing the IL-6/JAK-STAT3 signaling axis, highlighting its promise as a natural therapeutic strategy.
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