Protective effects of passiflora incarnata on ovarian ischemia/reperfusion damage in rats with ovarian torsion

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate whether Passiflora Incarnata (PI) has a protective effect against ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced oxidative and inflammatory ovarian damage. METHODS: The effects of PI on ovarian ischemia-reper fusion injury were investigated in female Wistar albino rats. The animals were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1 (sham), Group 2 (IR), and Group 3 (IR+PI). RESULTS: The mean levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Myeloperoxidase (MPO), and Total Oxidant Status (TOS) were higher in the IR group (p=0.025, p<0.001, and p=0.016, respectively). The Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) levels were lower in the IR group (p=0.005). Immunostaining revealed significant differences across the groups for Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha): 13.84%, 49.51%, and 22.51% for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p<0.01). Bax: 10.53%, 46.74%, and 26.46% for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p<0.01). Annexin V: 12.24%, 44.86%, and 23.28% for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p<0.01). The mean scores for hemorrhage, inflammation, follicular degeneration, and congestion showed significant variations among the groups, all registering p<0.001. CONCLUSION: Passiflora Incarnata exhibited antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, promoting cell survival, histologically protecting ovarian tissue, and ameliorating IR injury by reducing oxidative stress.