Extract of Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt protects ovarian follicle reserve of mice against in vitro deleterious effects of dexamethasone

The present study aims to investigate if Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt extract (CIMI) reduces deleterious effects of dexamethasone (DEXA) in ovaries cultured vitro. Mouse were collected and DMEM+ only or supplemented with 5 ng/mL CIMI, 4 DEXA, both CIMI DEXA. at 37.5°C 5% CO2 for 6 days. Ovarian morphology, follicular ultrastructure, the levels mRNA Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3 evaluated. results showed that DEXA reduced percentage morphologically normal follicles, while prevented caused by In addition, negatively affected stromal cellular density, these adverse effects. Ovaries similar compared those control medium, had increased expression above genes. Additionally, ultrastructure was well preserved. Thus, able prevent on mouse ovaries.