Background & aim: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder which effects 15.6 %  of women in Iran. Licorice (Glycyrrhizaglabra L.) has phytoestrogenic and anti-diabetic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hydro-alcoholic Licorice root extract on blood sugar, triglycerides and cholesterol in the rats with PCOS.

Methods: In the present experimental study, 50 female puber Sprague dawley (180±20 gr) rats with regular sexual cycle were entered in the study.  Studied groups included: first, the Normal group, receiving carrier (normal saline) (2 ml/kg) daily orally for 21 days. Then, the letrozole group which received letrozole (1 mg/kg) dissolved in normal saline (2 ml/kg) for 21 days and then normal saline (2 ml/kg) daily orally for 30 days. The last groups, Treatment groups 1 and 2, which received letrozole (1 mg/kg) dissolved in normal saline (2 ml/kg) for 21 days then hydroalcoholic extract of Licorice root (200 and 400 mg/kg) dissolved in normal saline (2 ml/kg) daily, orally for 30 days respectively. To conclude, blood samples were collected from the heart and also the serum level of blood sugar, triglyceride and cholesterol was measured. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA (p< 0.05).

Results: The mean serum level of blood sugar increased in the Letrozole group compared to the normal group and decreased in the treatment groups compared to Letrozole group (p< 0.05). No statistically significant differences were seen in mean of serum level of triglyceride and cholesterol between all groups.

Conclusion: The licoricecan extract improved the adverse side-effects caused by diabetese in polycystic ovary syndrome However, its effect on dyslipidemia in patients requiring further investigations.