Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Gundelia tournefortii Aqueous Extract on the Liver and Kidney of PCOS Mice

Background Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder associated with increased risk of kidney and liver damage. Current treatments have shown contradictory outcomes, and their long-term use causes unwanted side effects. G. tournefortii could serve as a complementary medicine to current PCOS treatments. Purpose This study evaluates the effect of G. tournefortii in alleviating liver and kidney damage induced by PCOS via the regulation of oxidative stress pathways. Study Design PCOS was induced in female Balb/c mice using dehydroepiandrosterone over 21 days. They included a Sham group, a Vehicle group, a group treated with the extract only, and an untreated PCOS mice group. Positive Controls were treated with Metformin. The other PCOS groups were either co-treated while inducing PCOS or treated with the extract post-disease induction. Methods Histological analysis was performed. Serum liver and kidney biochemical markers, levels of oxidative stress, and two pro-inflammatory markers were measured. NLRP3 and its associated genes (caspase-1 and ASC) gene expression was assessed. Results The extract restored normal kidney and liver histology post-PCOS induction. It decreased ALT and AST levels by 50% and the oxidant marker malondialdehyde (MDA) by 65% ( P < .05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD)/catalase (CAT) activities were normalized in PCOS treated group. IL-1β/TNF-α significantly decreased (80% and 68%, respectively, P < .05) in the post-treated group. NLRP3 genes decreased in kidney tissues post-treatment with G. tournefortii extract. Conclusion G. tournefortii reduced oxidative stress by modifying the ASC/caspase-1/IL-1β signaling pathway, thus protecting livers and kidneys highlighting the herb as a potential preventative and complementary agent in mitigating PCOS associated damage.