الملخص

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted endocrine disorder characterized by a wide range of clinical symptoms. While its precise etiology remains uncertain, evidence points to an interplay of genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, and lifestyle influences in its development. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) ethanol extract in alleviating Letrozole-induced PCOS, with particular attention to biochemical and physiological recovery. Methodology: The research was conducted at the College of Veterinary Medicine/University of Kerbala, from October 2024 to February 2025. The animals were divided into three groups. Each group consists of 8 female rats negative control group (GroupI), positive control group (Group II) and VAC ethanol treatment group (Group III). To assess its effects, study analyzed key reproductive hormones like, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone; alongside inflammatory markers Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-8 (IL-18) across experimental groups. Results: The study found that, there were significant differences (p = 0.0001) in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone levels between the negative control (GI) and the positive control (GII) groups, as well as between (GII) and the treatment group (GIII), which administered VAC extract. As Similar, according to the levels of both IL-6 and IL-18.  The comparisons between the negative (GI) and positive (GII) control groups, as well as between (GII) and the treatment group (GIII), revealed statistically significant variations (p = 0.0001). Conclusion: These findings suggested that, VAC ethanol extract exhibited promising therapeutic effects in managing PCOS, likely throughout modulation of reproductive hormones and inflammatory responses. The results align with existing literature that supporting the plant’s role in hormonal balance and anti-inflammation activity. This study added to the growing evidence for the potential integration of herbal medicine, such as VAC into PCOS strategies of treatment.