Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as the most important reason for anovulation and is the most prevalent endocrine disorder in reproductive-aged women. Glycyrrhizic acid is the most important saponins from licorice. Considering the hypoandrogenic and antioxidant properties of licorice, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of glycyrrhizic acid on ovarian follicle in polycystic ovarian syndrome mice model.

Materials & methods: In this experimental study 28 mice were divided into 4 equal groups. Control, PCOS control and experimental PCOS treated with glycyrrhizic acid (25 and 50 mg/kg, ip). PCOS was induced by a single intramuscular injection of estradiol valerate in PCOS control and experimental PCOS groups. Glycyrrhizic acid was intraperitoneally injected into experimental PCOS groups for 16 days. Saline solution was injected to the animals of control and PCOS control groups. At the end of injection, ovarian tissue samples were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin and histologic changes were examined. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, and Tukey statistical tests.

Findings: The number of preantral follicles, antral follicles and corpus luteum in the PCOS group treated with 50 mg/kg glycyrrhizic acid compared to the PCOS control group significantly increased and the number of cystic follicles significantly decreased (p<0.05).

Discussion & conclusions: Glycyrrhizic acid with protective effect on ovarian tissue is effective in improving follicular symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome.