Polycystic ovaries and herbal remedies: A systematic review

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#female #humans #polycystic-ovary-syndrome #hirsutism #infertility

Polycystic ovaries and herbal remedies: A systematic review

Manouchehri et al., 2023 | JBRA Assist Reprod | Systematic Review

Citation

Manouchehri Aliasghar, Abbaszadeh Saber, ... Dastyar Neda. Polycystic ovaries and herbal remedies: A systematic review. JBRA Assist Reprod. 2023-Mar-30;27(1):85-91. doi:10.5935/1518-0557.20220024

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects one in every 15 women worldwide. This disorder is mainly characterized by increased levels of male hormones (androgens), acne, and hirsutism, and can lead to long-term insulin resistance, miscarriage, or even infertility in women. PCOS is a disorder that can be treated with natural and allopathic remedies that work against the PCOS mechanism. The present study reviews previous studies on the treatment of PCOS using natural drugs. METHODS: The data in this study were collected from articles published in reputable databases including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, and SID in the field of medicinal plants from 1990 to 2021. RESULTS: A review of the literature showed that plants such as aloe vera and chamomile improve fertility by increasing the number of ovarian follicles. Besides, Vitex agnus-castus and octane reduce hirsutism by reducing testosterone and androgen levels. It was also shown that liquorice, ginseng, cinnamon, and de chiro Inositol improve the adverse effects of diabetes caused by PCOS by lowering lipid and blood glucose levels. Moreover, Stachys lavandulifolia and fennel are effective in changing endometrial tissue parameters in PCOS by reducing estrogen and hyperplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Various studies have shown that herbal medicines can improve PCOS symptoms in women with minimal side effects but a longer treatment cycle.

Key Findings

A review of the literature showed that plants such as aloe vera and chamomile improve fertility by increasing the number of ovarian follicles. Besides, Vitex agnus-castus and octane reduce hirsutism by reducing testosterone and androgen levels. It was also shown that liquorice, ginseng, cinnamon, and de chiro Inositol improve the adverse effects of diabetes caused by PCOS by lowering lipid and blood glucose levels. Moreover, Stachys lavandulifolia and fennel are effective in changing endometrial

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition diabetes

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  • Hirsutism
  • Infertility
  • Complementary Therapies

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: ginseng

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09