Thymoquinone Versus Metformin in Letrozole-Induced PCOS: Comparative Insights into Metabolic, Hormonal, and Ovarian Outcomes
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of thymoquinone (TMQ) on metabolic, hormonal, and ovarian dysfunctions in a letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rat model and compare its efficacy with metformin, which is widely recognized as the first-line pharmacological treatment for PCOS. Methods: Thirty-two female Wistar Albino rats were randomly assigned into four groups: control (I), PCOS (II), PCOS + metformin (III), and PCOS + Thymoquinone (IV). PCOS was induced using 1 mg/kg/day letrozole for 21 days, followed by treatment with either metformin (500 mg/kg/day) or thymoquinone (50 mg/kg/day) for 30 days. Metabolic (glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, lipid profile), hormonal (estrone, estradiol, testosterone, androstenedione), and histopathological parameters were assessed. Results: PCOS induction resulted in significant metabolic, hormonal, and ovarian dysfunctions. Final body weight was significantly higher in PCOS (309.0 ± 7.5 g) vs. control (275.3 ± 8.2 g, p p p p p p p p p p p p p Conclusions: TMQ exerts metabolic, hormonal, and ovarian protective effects comparable to metformin, supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic alternative for PCOS management. Given that metformin is already established as a first-line pharmacological therapy, our findings suggest that TMQ may provide a promising complementary or alternative approach. Further clinical studies are warranted to evaluate its safety and efficacy in human PCOS patients.
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