Comparing The Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra Root Extract, A Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitor (Celecoxib) and A Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analog (Diphereline) In A Rat Model of Endometriosis

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice), Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitor (Celecoxib®) and gonadotropin releasing hormone analog (Diphereline®) to a control group on endometrial implants in rats. MaterialsAndMethods Endometriosis was induced in rats by auto transplantation and after confirmation, the rats were divided into 4 groups that were treated for 6 weeks by normal saline (0.5 ml/day, orally), licorice (3000 mg/kg/day, orally), celecoxib (50 mg/kg, twice a day, orally) or diphereline (3 mg/kg, intramascular injection), respectively. At the end of treatments, the mean area, volume, histopathology and Hemosiderin-laden macrophage (HLM) counts of the endometrial implants were evaluated and compared between the four groups. Results The mean area, volume and HLM counts of the implants in the licorice group were significantly less than the control group (p=0.000). The histopathologic grading of endometrial implants was significantly decreased by licorice compared to the control group (p=0.000). There was no significant change in the mentioned parameters in rats treated by celecoxib compared to the control group. Diphereline was the most potent agent for suppressing the growth of endometrial implants in all of the above mentioned parameters. Conclusion Licorice decreased the growth and histopathologic grading of auto transplanted endometrial implants. However, Celcoxib had no significant effect and dipherelin had the most potency to decrease the endometrial growth. Licorice may have the potential to be used as an alternative medication for the treatment of endometriosis.