The protective effect of alcoholic extract of Dactylorhiza lancibracteata roots on the liver tissue in adult rats with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Abedi, Hassanali; Koohpeyma, Farhad; Mikaeiliagah, Elmira; Shafiei Jahromi, Nazanin; Abdollahzadeh, Pegah; Haghshenas, Hoda; Mahjor, Amirashkan; Kargar Jahromi, Hossein; Ebrahimi, Bahareh

doi:10.22038/ajp.2026.28013

The protective effect of alcoholic extract of Dactylorhiza lancibracteata roots on the liver tissue in adult rats with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

¹ Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran

² shiraz university of medical science

³ West Virginia University, Morgantown, USA

⁴ Department of Biology, Jahrom Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Jahrom, Iran

⁵ Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, jahrom, Iran.

⁶ Department of Pathobiology, Kazeroun Barnch, Islamic Azad University, Kazeroun, Iran.

⁷ Research Center for Noncommunicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran

⁸ Shiraz geriatric research center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

10.22038/ajp.2026.28013

Abstract

Objective: The role of oxidative stress in PCOS-related non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is well recognized. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Salep root (Dactylorhiza lancibracteata) alcoholic extract on liver tissue in adult female rats with PCOS.
Materials and Methods: Fifty-six female Wistar rats were divided into seven groups including control, PCO, Salep 320mg/kg, and PCO groups treated with Salep extract (orally) at 40, 80, 160, or 320 mg/kg. PCOS was induced by intramuscular injection of estradiol-valerate (4mg/kg). Water-soluble extract was administered from day 61, once a day for 28 days. Liver function and oxidative stress markers were measured, and stereological analysis was conducted.
Results: PCOS significantly increased aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triglycerides, glucose, and oxidative stress markers (total oxidant capacity and malondialdehyde, while reducing antioxidant capacity (total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase). Salep extract dose-dependently ameliorated these changes, with the 320mg/kg showing the greatest effects. Histological and stereological analyses confirmed reduced hepatic damage and inflammation in treated groups.
Conclusion: Salep root extract demonstrated significant hepatoprotective and antioxidative effects in PCOS rats by restoring oxidant–antioxidant balance. These findings support its potential as a natural therapeutic supplement for managing PCOS-associated liver dysfunction, warranting future clinical investigations.

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