Volume 168, 20 June 2015, Pages 25–30
Thuja occidentalis L. and its active compound, α-thujone: Promising effects in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome without inducing osteoporosis
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance
Thuja occidentalis
L. (Cupressaceae) has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of
rheumatism, amenorrhea, cystitis, and uterine carcinomas, and as an
abortifacient and contraceptive.
Aim of the study
The present study aimed to determine whether T. occidentalis oil and α-thujone could be beneficial in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Materials and methods
T. occidentalis
oil and α-thujone were administered to rats with letrozole-induced PCOS
for 21 days. At the end of 21 days, the rats were sacrificed and blood
samples were taken by cardiac puncture. The levels of serum
gonadotropins, steroids, blood lipid, leptin, and glucose and the values
of antioxidant parameters were measured.
Results
The
results demonstrated that estradiol and progesterone levels
significantly increased, while luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone
levels decreased in the T. occidentalis- and
α-thujone-administered groups. The plasma low-density
lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), leptin, and glucose concentrations were
also significantly decreased in the T. occidentalis and α-thujone groups when compared to the control group. Histopathological findings demonstrated that the T. occidentalis and α-thujone groups displayed good healing. According to the phytochemical analyses, 25 compounds were identified in the T. occidentalis
oil. The main constituents of the oil were the monoterpene ketones α-
and β-thujone, fenchone, and sabinene, as well as the diterpenes
beyerene and rimuene.
Conclusion
T. occidentalis essential oil and its active component, α-thujone, can be used for the treatment of PCOS without inducing osteoporosis.
Graphical abstract
Keywords
- PCOS;
- Thuja occidentalis;
- α-Thujone;
- Cupressaceae;
- Osteoporosis
- Corresponding author. Tel.:
+90 312 2023185; fax: +90 312 2235018.
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