The protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Ephedra pachyclada leaves on ovarian damage induced by cyclophosphamide in rat: An experimental study

Background: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an anticancer drug that acts as alkylation agent after metabolism in the liver. CP has toxic effects on body’s cells, especially reproductive system’s function, and causes infertility. Moreover, medicinal plants have few side are psychologically acceptable to patients.
 Objective: This study aimed investigate impact of Ephedra pachyclada hydroalcoholic extract (EPHE) ovarian tissue hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis rats treated with CP.
 Materials Methods: In this experimental study, 48 adult female Wistar (180-200 gr, 9-10 wk) were randomly assigned 6 groups (n = 8/each): (a) control; (b) sham; (c) CP; (d) CP+250 mg/kg EPHE; (e) CP+500 (f) CP+1000 EPHE. On 29th day experiment, serum was collected; concentration luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating estrogen, progesterone, antioxidant activity measured. The number follicles also counted.
 Results: groups, concentrations hormone significantly increased, estrogen progesterone decreased (p ≤ 0.05). EPHE compensated for complications caused by 1000 had greatest effect. Antioxidant reduction enhanced EPHE, at higher doses primordial, primary, secondary, Graafian showed a significant decrease increase compared CP. more effective than other 0.05).
 Conclusion: addition proving effect axis, our investigation properties, which can be factor CP-treated rats.
 Key words: Ephedra, Cyclophosphamide, Ovary, Follicles, Hydroalcoholic extract.