Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, disrupted folliculogenesis, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation, resulting in ovarian dysfunction and anovulatory infertility. Zingiber officinale has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, suggesting potential as a phytotherapy for PCOS. This study investigated the protective actions of Zingiber officinale ethanolic extract on ovarian oxidative stress markers (NRF۲ and SOD), inflammatory mediators (NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-۶), and follicular development in testosterone propionate-induced
PCOS in Rattus norvegicus. Additionally, phytochemical profiling, in vitro antioxidant activity (DPPH assay), and anti-inflammatory activity (albumin denaturation assay) were evaluated. Rattus norvegicus were randomly assigned to five groups: control, PCOS, and
PCOS treated with
Zingiber officinale extract (۲۰۰, ۴۰۰, and ۸۰۰ mg/kg).
PCOS was induced by intraperitoneal testosterone propionate (۱۰۰ mg/kg). NRF۲, SOD, and NF-κB expression were analyzed by flow cytometry; TNF-α and IL-۶ levels by ELISA. Ovarian histology was examined using hematoxylin–eosin staining. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins. The
Zingiber officinale extract exhibited moderate antioxidant activity (IC۵۰ = ۲۰۶.۳۱ µg/mL) and anti-inflammatory activity (IC۵۰ = ۱۴۳.۶ µg/mL).
PCOS induction significantly decreased NRF۲ and SOD expression and increased NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-۶ levels, accompanied by cystic follicular alterations. Treatment with
Zingiber officinale extract improved these parameters in a dose-dependent manner. The ۸۰۰ mg/kg dose significantly enhanced NRF۲ and SOD expression, suppressed NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-۶ levels, and restored normal follicular architecture (p<۰.۰۵). These findings demonstrate that Zingiber officinale ethanolic extract, prepared using a green chemistry-based extraction approach, attenuates ovarian dysfunction in
PCOS by regulating oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling pathways.
