Evaluation of therapeutic action of <i>Pisum sativu</i> m in management of polycystic ovarian syndrome and formulating its sustained release tablet

Objectives: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrine disorder marked by hormonal imbalance, anovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology. Although clomiphene citrate is primarily prescribed for women with PCOS seeking fertility treatment, aligning with its established clinical indication for ovulation induction. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of the methanolic extract of Pisum sativum seeds (MEPS) in a letrozole-induced PCOS rat model and to assess its bioactive composition and interaction with estrogen receptors. Materials and Methods: PCOS was experimentally induced using oral letrozole (1 mg/kg/day) for 21 days. Rats were subsequently treated with MEPS at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, and the standard group received clomiphene only for 15 days. Phytochemical constituents were identified via standard tests and thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and in silico docking assessed ligand binding to estrogen receptors. Antioxidant potential was evaluated using the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl assay. Biological assessments included hormonal assays (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone), insulin levels, hepatic enzyme activity, lipid profiling, body weight monitoring, estrous cycle analysis, and ovarian histopathology. Results: Phytochemical testing confirmed the presence of flavonoids and phenolics. TLC analysis indicated the presence of quercetin, catechin, and epicatechin. Docking studies demonstrated strong binding of these compounds with estrogen receptors. MEPS administration significantly improved hormonal balance, restored estrous cyclicity, reduced insulin and liver enzyme levels, and normalized ovarian architecture. The 400 mg/kg dose showed comparable outcomes to clomiphene citrate. Conclusion: MEPS effectively counteracted PCOS-related alterations in the rat model, likely through its phytoestrogenic and antioxidant mechanisms.