الملخص

This study  aimed to investigate the protective effects of  ethanolic extract of Urtica dioica on the ovarian physiological state in chemically induced menopausal rats.   Menopause was induced in female rats using 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD)  at dose160 mg/kg/d     via IP for 20 days, after which they were divided into four groups, each group contains 10 rats: a control group, a group treated with Urtica dioica leaves ethanolic extract, a group treated with VCD, and a group receiving both VCD and Urtica dioica extract.   The Urtica dioica extract was administered at a dosage of 100 mg/kg body weight via gastric gavage for 20 consecutive days throughout a total study period of 52 days. Blood samples were collected at three separate time points to assess reproductive hormone levels, while histological studies of the ovary and hypothalamus were performed at the conclusion of the study.  The results showed that the a significant increase ( P≤0.05) in serum concentrations of LH, FSH hormone, as well as a Significant  decline   (p≤ 0.05) in serum concentrations of Testosterone and Estradiol in the VCD group, but when administered animals Urtica Dioica ethanolic extract demonstrated an improvement in the parameters. Histopathological analysis of both the ovary and hypothalamus revealed extensive  damage in the VCD group, Whereas when given  Urtica Dioica ethanolic extract in fourth group were effective in arresting histopathological alterations . In contrast, The observations suggest that Urtica dioica may possess protective  potential in mitigating ovarian malfunction and neuroendocrine abnormalities associated with menopause.