The Effect of V<i>itex agnus-castus L</i>. Medium on in Vitro Oocyte Maturation Rate

In vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes offers a possible alternative to traditional in vitro fertilization (IVF) for individuals susceptible to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The use of plant-derived bioactive composites as supplements in culture media has attracted attention for their potential to enhance oocyte developmental competence in the absence of synthetic hormones. This investigation aims to examine the effect of Vitex agnus-castus L. (VAC) aqueous extract on the in vitro maturation rate of murine oocytes. A total of 16 mature female mice were divided into two groups, 8 animals in each group. Immature oocytes were collected and cultivated for 24 hours in either normal DMEM/Ham’s F12 medium (control group) or the same mixture augmented with 0.5 mg/mL aqueous VAC extract (treatment group). The maturation rate to Metaphase II (MII) was evaluated microscopically. An independent samples t-test in SPSS version 26 was used to conduct a statistical study. VAC treated group had a mean maturation rate of 63.30% ± 5.64% higher than the control group 49.92% ± 7.33%. The difference between the two groups was 13.38% (p = 0.002). VAC extract enhances the nuclear maturation of oocytes during in vitro maturation (IVM) in mice. More research is required to make sure it works and is safe for people to use.