Pharmacological Potential of Hippophae rhamnoides L. Nano-Emulsion for Management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Animals’ Model: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

The most common female endocrinopathy, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), generally affects women of childbearing age. Hippophae rhamnoides L. has been traditionally used to improve menstrual cyclicity. Gas chromatography by flame ionization detection analysis showed that it contained various phytoconstituents such as omega-3 fatty acid, phytosterols, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. H. rhamnoides L. (HR) nano-emulsion was also formulated. HR and its encapsulated nano-emulsion (HRNE) were evaluated for the treatment of PCOS. Thirty-five healthy female adult albino rats were acquired and divided into seven groups (n = 5). Letrozole (1 mg/kg) was used for 5 weeks to induce the disease. To confirm disease (PCOS) induction, the animals were weighed weekly and their vaginal smears were analyzed daily under a microscope. After PCOS induction, animals were treated with metformin, HR, and HRNE with two different doses (0.5/kg and 1 g/kg, p.o.) for 5 weeks. At the end of the treatment, animals were euthanized, and blood was collected for hormonal assessment, lipid profiling, and liver functioning test assessment. Both the ovaries were preserved for histopathology and liver for the purpose of assessment of antioxidant potential. The results revealed that HR and HRNE at both doses improved the hormonal imbalance; follicle-stimulating hormone, estrogen, and progesterone levels are increased, while luteinizing hormone surge and testosterone level are controlled. Insulin sensitivity is improved. Ovarian histopathology showed that normal ovarian echotexture is restored with corpus luteum and mature and developing follicles. HR and HRNE also improved the lipid profile and decreased lipid peroxidation (MDA) with improved antioxidant markers (SOD, CAT, and GSH). Results were statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and were considered significant only if p < 0.05. In conclusion, it can be postulated that H. rhamnoides L. proved effective in the management of PCOS and its nano-emulsion effects were statistically more significant, which might be due to better bioavailability.