Exploring of the Ameliorative Effects of Ethanolic Extract of the Wheatgrass (Triticumaestivum L.) on Surgically Induced Endometriosis Rat Model

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the healing effects of an ethanolic wheatgrass (WG) extract obtained from young wheat leaves on a surgically induced endometriosis rat model. 30 female Wistar albino rats with endometriosis were randomly organized into five groups (N = 6): Control, Letrozole a reference drug for endometriosis (0.2 mg/kg/day), WG-25 (25 mg/kg/day WG extract), WG-100 (100 mg/kg/day WG extract) and WG-400 (400 mg/kg/day WG extract). WG-100 extract and Letrozole caused a significantly decrease in adhesion score compared to the control. Additionally, treatment with WG extracts resulted in a significant reduction of endometrial cyst volumes compared to the control group. IL-6 cytokine levels in peritoneal fluid of WG-100 and Letrozole groups were importantly lower than the control. Matrix metallopeptidase 9, VEGF and kinase insert domain receptor genes were expressed in endometrial cysts. According to LC-MS/MS analysis, aconitic acid was the major phenolic acid (54.004 mg analyte/g extract) in the WG extract. Additionally, quinic acid (3.687 mg analyte/g extract) and protocatechuic acid (0.014 mg analyte/g extract) were determined in the WG extract. Moreover, the WG extract had vitamin E (5.49 +/- 0.08 mg/g extract) and vitamin C (7.42 +/- 0.13 mg/g extract). As conclusion, WG extract obtained from young leaves of wheat has ameliorative effects on surgically induced endometriosis due to its rich phytochemical content.