The joint effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of nettle root and metformin on ovarian tissue of diabetic model of Wistar rat

Diabetes mellitus is known to be resistant to insulin, to dysfunction of beta cells and to increase liver glucose production. Poor glucose control during hyperglycemia causes damage to the tissues and creates dangerous consequences, such as infertility. Chronic hyperglycemia has harmful effects on the growth of follicles, which is essential for normal female sexual function. Metformin is the most widely prescribed drug in diabetes, but chemical drugs, despite their undeniable benefits, have destructive effects, so alternative strategies for current modern diabetes medications are essential. Herbal medicines are widely used by patients, based on non-medical recommendations and as blood-glucose-lowering agents, including the nettle. Nettle contributes to lower plasma glucose levels by secreting insulin and increasing the proliferation of beta cells in the pancreas. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of nettle extract as a supplement of metformin on ovarian tissue of diabetic model. In this experimental study, 30 female Wistar rats were used. Animals were weighed and randomly divided into 5 groups (n=6).  1) control group  2) diabetic group who were diabetic with intravenous injection of alloxan (150 mg / kg)  3) diabetic group + Nettle root extract (150 mg / kg)  4) diabetic + metformin (150mg / kg)  5) Diabetic group + Metformin(150 mg / kg) + Nettle root extract(150 mg / kg). At the end of treatment, the effect of metformin and nettle root extract on ovarian tissue and biochemical factors such as blood glucose and sex hormones were compared and the data obtained were analyzed by SPSS. Hyperglycemia and body weight loss after metformin and nettle root increased for 4 weeks. Simultaneous administration of metformin and extracts of nettle root significantly increased the primordial, primary, secondary, and corpus luteum and reduced the atretic follicles and significantly increased FSH, LH and testosterone levels as compared with metformin alone. The results of this study showed that the root of nettle with its antioxidant compounds and other properties could be a complement to metformin with a corrective effect on hyperglycemia and the improvement of ovarian disorders.