Abstract:Objective To explore the effect of berberine on d-galactose-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in mice. Methods 20-week-old ICR mice were injected with d-galactose intraperitoneally according to the Poretsky modeling method, then PCOS model was constructed for 21 consecutive days and berberine was administered for 21 days. The changes in diet and weight of mice were monitored; blood glucose was measured; estrus cycle and ovulation were monitored; ovarian tissue was taken to observe the ultrastructure and morphological changes. Results Compared with d-galactose model group, berberine group had no significant difference in food intake and blood glucose (P > 0.05), but significantly reduced body weight (P < 0.05). Berberine can ameliorate the estrous cycle disorder and ovarian tissue structure in d-galactose induced polycystic ovary syndrome model mice. The number of lipid drops in luteal cells decreased, the cytoplasmic organelles in granulosa cells were intact, the number of lipid drops in follicular membrane cells and rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum were significantly reduced, and a small number of apoptotic follicular membrane cells were observed. Conclusions Berberine has therapeutic effect on d-galactose-induced polycystic ovary syndrome in mice.