Herbal medicine for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism; a review of the laboratory evidence for effects with corroborative clinical findings

Susan Arentz, Jason Anthony Abbott, Caroline Anne Smith & Alan Bensoussan · BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies · 2014 December 18

DOI 10.1186/1472-6882-14-511

Objective

The aim of this review was to identify consistent evidence from both pre-clinical and clinical research, to add to the evidence base for herbal medicine in PCOS (and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism) and to inform herbal selection in the provision clinical care for these common conditions.

Conclusions

Preclinical and clinical studies provide evidence that six herbal medicines may have beneficial effects for women with oligo/amenorrhea, hyperandrogenism and PCOS.

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Insights

There are potential benefits of herbal medicine in addressing the complex symptoms of PCOS, supported by both pre-clinical and clinical evidence.

The study examined pre-clinical and clinical research on the reproductive endocrine effects of herbal medicines for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), oligo/amenorrhea, and hyperandrogenism. It included 18 pre-clinical and 15 clinical studies, showing potential benefits of herbal extracts like Vitex agnus-castus, Cimicifuga racemosa, and others in regulating hormones, improving ovulation, and fertility outcomes. While some herbal medicines demonstrated promising effects, the quantity and quality of evidence varied. Strongest evidence was found for Vitex agnus-castus and Cimicifuga racemosa in managing PCOS-related issues, while other herbal medicines showed potential but require further research to validate their effects.