Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39984989›Full record

ArticleBMC complementary medicine and therapies2025

Exploring the therapeutic potential of marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) in polycystic ovary syndrome: insights from serum metabolomics, network pharmacology and experimental validation.

Aliaa M Elfiky, Reham S Ibrahim, Amira R Khattab, Mai O Kadry, Naglaa M Ammar, Eman Shawky

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Article in BMC complementary medicine and therapies, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.

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0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Aliaa M Elfiky *Central Administration of Pharmaceutical Care, General Administration of Pharmaceutical Vigilance, Egyptian Drug Authority, Cairo, Egypt.
Reham S Ibrahim *Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt.
Amira R KhattabPharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Alexandria, 1029, Egypt.
Mai O KadryTherapeutic Chemistry Department, National Research Center, Al Bouhouth Street, Dokki, Giza, 12066, Egypt.
Naglaa M AmmarTherapeutic Chemistry Department, National Research Center, Al Bouhouth Street, Dokki, Giza, 12066, Egypt.
Eman ShawkyDepartment of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt. eman.m.shawky@alexu.edu.eg.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder with significant metabolic and hormonal dysregulation. Marjoram (Origanum majorana L.), known for its medicinal properties, has potential in managing PCOS through various bioactive compounds.

objectiveThis study aims to evaluate the effects of marjoram on PCOS symptoms using serum pharmacochemistry, network pharmacology, and molecular docking in a DHEA-induced rat model.

methodsPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) was induced in rats using dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Marjoram's therapeutic effects were evaluated by analyzing oxidative stress biomarkers, hormone levels, and ovarian histopathology. Untargeted serum metabolomics, conducted with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC TQD-MS/MS), identified key bioactive compounds. These compounds were then examined through network pharmacology to map their interactions with PCOS-related pathways, with findings validated via molecular docking.

resultsMarjoram treatment significantly reduced oxidative stress by decreasing nitric oxide (NO) and increasing total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Hormonal analysis revealed that high-dose marjoram (100 mg/kg) normalized progesterone, estradiol, testosterone and FSH levels. Body weight gain was also reduced with marjoram treatment, especially at the higher dose. Histopathological evaluation showed fewer ovarian cysts and improved follicular structure with marjoram administration. Network pharmacology analysis highlighted the steroid hormone biosynthesis and estrogen signaling pathways as critical targets, with apigenin and oleic acid identified as active compounds. Molecular docking confirmed strong interactions of these compounds with core PCOS-associated proteins, further supporting marjoram's potential in modulating PCOS symptoms.

conclusionThis study reveals that marjoram contains a diverse range of active compounds that can modulate crucial biochemical and histological markers related to PCOS. By combining serum pharmacochemistry with network pharmacology, the research highlights marjoram's potential as a natural supplement to help alleviate PCOS symptoms and slow the syndrome's progression. These findings support further investigation into marjoram's role as a complementary therapy for managing PCOS.

Indexed as

OriganumPlant ExtractsPolycystic Ovary SyndromeAnimalsDisease Models, AnimalFemaleMetabolomicsMolecular Docking SimulationNetwork PharmacologyOxidative StressRatsRats, Sprague-DawleyPlant ExtractsMarjoramNetwork pharmacologyPolycystic ovary syndromeSerum pharmacochemistryUPLC-MS/MS

Identifiers

PMID39984989
PMCPMC11846456

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.