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Review
. 2023 Jan 3;12(1):4.
doi: 10.3390/biotech12010004.

Herbs as a Source for the Treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Affiliations
Review

Herbs as a Source for the Treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Jada Naga Lakshmi et al. BioTech (Basel). .

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a neuroendocrine metabolic disorder characterized by an irregular menstrual cycle. Treatment for PCOS using synthetic drugs is effective. However, PCOS patients are attracted towards natural remedies due to the effective therapeutic outcomes with natural drugs and the limitations of allopathic medicines. In view of the significance of herbal remedies, herein, we discuss the role of different herbs in PCOS.

Methods: By referring to the Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Crossref and Hinari databases, a thorough literature search was conducted and data mining was performed pertaining to the effectiveness of herbal remedies against PCOS.

Results: In this review, we discuss the significance of herbal remedies in the treatment of PCOS, and the chemical composition, mechanism of action and therapeutic application of selected herbal drugs against PCOS.

Conclusions: The present review will be an excellent resource for researchers working on understanding the role of herbal medicine in PCOS.

Keywords: herbal medicine; infertility; insulin and obesity.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Differentiation between a normal and polycystic ovary.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Pathogenesis of polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Mechanisms through which different herbal secondary metabolites are active in the treatment of PCOS.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Terpenoidal lactone and flavonoids of Vitex agnus castus responsible for improving ovulatory cycle.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Curcuminoids seen in Curcuma longa responsible for improving the PCOS condition.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Flavonoids of liquorice that show beneficial effects in PCOS through anti-androgenic activity.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Lignans and polyunsaturated fatty acids present in Linum usitatissimum with anti-androgenic activity.
Figure 8
Figure 8
An array of different secondary metabolites of Mentha spicata that possess anti-androgenic activity.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Triterpenoids of Cocos nucifera that possess anti-androgenic activity.
Figure 10
Figure 10
Phenolics present in Punica granatum having anti-androgen properties.
Figure 11
Figure 11
Phenylpropanoids of Cinnamomum cassia that exhibit enzymatic activity.
Figure 12
Figure 12
Secondary metabolites of Aloe vera responsible for altering enzymatic activity, which could be beneficial in PCOS.
Figure 13
Figure 13
Vitamins and phenylpropanoids of Foeniculum vulgare that possess usefulness in PCOS.
Figure 14
Figure 14
Useful anti-PCOS ginsenosides present in Panax ginseng.
Figure 15
Figure 15
Phenylpropanoids present in Cimicifuga racemosa.
Figure 16
Figure 16
Phenylpropanoids present in Pimpinella anisum L. that possess anti-PCOS activity.
Figure 17
Figure 17
Terpenes and terpenoids of Trigonella foenum-graecum that suppress cyst formation.
Figure 18
Figure 18
Resinous substances of Zingiber officinalis.
Figure 19
Figure 19
Saponins and flavonoids present in Tribulus terrestris that have positive effects on PCOS by inducing ovulation.

References

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