Effects of Moringa oleifera on insulin levels and folliculogenesis in polycystic ovary syndrome model with insulin resistance

Background: Insulin resistance is a frequent metabolic disorder in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Moringa oleifera has been shown to increase insulin expression and decrease the degree of insulin in diabetes mellitus, therefore it is expected that Moringa oleifera could decrease insulin levels and increase folliculogenesis in PCOS. Objective: To prove the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract in various doses might decrease the insulin levels and increase folliculogenesis in female PCOS-insulin resistant rats. Methods: The three month old white rat of Wistar strain (Rattus norvegicus) 100-130 grams were divided into five groups (n=8) including normal control, PCOS-insulin resistance, PCOS-insulin resistance given metformin and PCOS-resistance insulin were given Moringa oleifera leaf extract in two doses. Then, the PCOS model-insulin resistance by injection of testosterone propionate for 28 days. After 14 days treatment, we analysed insulin levels and folliculogenesis. Results: The PCOS control group showed a significant increase in insulin levels compared to the normal control group. The insulin levels from group treatment with Moringa oleifera leaf extract of 250 mg/kgBW was significantly lower than the PCOS control group. Ovarian histology analysis found that the number and diameter of follicle of PCOS control group showed a significant decrease compared to normal control group. In addition, the treatment with metformin and leaf Moringa oleifera dose 250 mg/kgBW and 500 mg/kgBW showed significant increase of folliculogenesis compared to PCOS control group. Conclusions: Moringa oleifera could lowering the blood insulin levels, subsequently decreasing the androgen thus allowed the increasing of folliculogenesis in PCOS.