Chromatographic and Spectroscopic Characterisation of Bioactive Compounds from Diplocyclos palmatus for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Management

Abstract

Aim: Polycystic ovary syndrome is a prevalent endocrine disorder that arises from hormonal imbalance, typically presenting with excessive androgen production, disrupted ovulatory cycles, and various metabolic abnormalities. Current pharmacological options often cause side effects and show inconsistent efficacy, highlighting the need for safer alternatives. The present study aimed to investigate the phytoconstituents of Diplocyclos palmatus (L.) C. Jeffrey methanolic seed extract and evaluate their therapeutic efficacy against Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in a letrozole-induced rat model. Materials and Methods: Methanolic seed extract of D. palmatus was subjected to phytochemical screening, chromatographic separation, and structural characterisation using Reverse Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance techniques. The isolated bioactive compounds, quercetin and vanillic acid, were evaluated in a letrozole-induced rat model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome to assess their effects on hormonal balance, ovarian histoarchitecture, and metabolic parameters. Results: Both quercetin and vanillic acid demonstrated significant therapeutic activity by restoring hormonal balance, improving ovarian morphology, and normalizing metabolic parameters through modulation of endocrine function and reduction of oxidative stress. Among the two, quercetin exhibited a more pronounced effect, indicating superior efficacy in alleviating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-associated alterations compared to vanillic acid. Conclusion: The findings validate the traditional use of D. palmatus and identify its bioactive constituents as effective candidates for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome therapy. Quercetin and vanillic acid are both found to be promising compounds for the development of safe, plant-based therapeutics in PCOS management.