Role of Essential Oil of Mentha Spicata (Spearmint) in Addressing Reverse Hormonal and Folliculogenesis Disturbances in a Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in a Rat Model

Purpose: Given the antiandrogenic effects of spearmint, in this study we evaluated the effects of its essential oil on polycystic ovarian syndrome in a rat model. Methods: Female rats were treated as follows: Control, normal rats which received 150 mg/kg spearmint oil or 300 mg/kg spearmint oil, or sesame oil; and PCOS-induced rats which received 150 mg/kg spearmint oil or 300 mg/kg spearmint oil, or sesame oil. Then the animals were killed and the levels of LH, FSH, testosterone and ovarian folliculogenesis were evaluated. Results: Spearmint oil reduced body weight, testosterone level, ovarian cysts and atretic follicles and increased Graafian follicles in PCOS rats. Conclusion: Spearmint has treatment potential on PCOS through inhibition of testosterone and restoration of follicular development in ovarian tissue.