Skip to content
2000
Volume 3, Issue 1
  • ISSN: 2210-299X
  • E-ISSN: 2210-3007
file format pdf download PDF
file format text download EPUB
side by side viewer icon HTML

Abstract

Introduction

Among fertile women, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent metabolic and endocrine condition. This disorder is characterised by hyperandrogenism (high levels of male hormones), recurrent anovulation (ovulation failure), and polycystic ovaries. Infertility, hirsutism, and irregular menstruation are typical symptoms. The primary objective of this review is to provide a current and comprehensive approach to treating PCOS.

Methods

The databases PubMed, Frontiers, ScienceDirect, Springer, Wiley, and MDPI were utilised for the literature search. We used keywords, such as PCOS, hirsutism, medicinal plants, obesity, anovulation, and related variations to identify relevant articles and materials.

Results

The findings indicated that several herbal remedies, such as , , , , , and , as well as various natural compounds, including glycosides, anthraquinones, chlorogenic acid, apigenin, epigenin, and flavonoids, show preliminary evidence supporting their potential in the management of PCOS.

Discussion

Herbal treatments are appealing because they are natural and may have fewer side effects. Several herbs have shown promise in managing PCOS symptoms. While traditional treatments for PCOS remain important, the growing interest in complementary and alternative therapies highlights the need for further research into the efficacy and safety of medicinal plants. Alternative approaches may include lifestyle modifications, nutritional supplements, and the use of herbal remedies.

Conclusion

This review primarily focuses on evaluating the efficacy of herbal medicines in the management of PCOS. The drawbacks of traditional therapy are driving an increase in interest in alternative treatments for PCOS management. New scientific findings and their application in conventional therapy suggest that they may play a crucial role in the overall treatment of this complex illness.

© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Bentham Science Publishers.
This is an open access article published under CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode
Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/journals/cis/10.2174/012210299X366423250818074707
2025-08-26
2025-10-30

  • From This Site

    /content/journals/cis/10.2174/012210299X366423250818074707
    dcterms_title,dcterms_subject,pub_keyword
    -contentType:Contributor -contentType:Concept -contentType:Institution
    10
    5
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

/deliver/fulltext/cis/3/1/CIS-3-E2210299X366423.html?itemId=/content/journals/cis/10.2174/012210299X366423250818074707&mimeType=html&fmt=ahah

References

  1. BulsaraJ. PatelP. SoniA. AcharyaS. A review: Brief insight into polycystic ovarian syndrome.Endocr. Metab. Sci.2021310008510008510.1016/j.endmts.2021.100085
     [Google Scholar]
  2. BarryJ.A. Exploration of biological causes of psychological problems in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Unpublished Doctoral thesis, City University London2011Available from: https://openaccess. city.ac.uk/id/eprint/7790/#:~:text=Conclusions%3A%20The%20findings%20suggest%20the
    [Google Scholar]
  3. NehraH. Ayurveda and modern perspective on poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): Review base on literary study.Himal J Health Sci20194291210.22270/hjhs.v4i2.38
     [Google Scholar]
  4. 2016Available from: https://europepmc.org/article/pmc/6129510
  5. ChaudhuriA. Polycystic ovary syndrome: Causes, symptoms, pathophysiology, and remedies.Obes. Med.20233910048010.1016/j.obmed.2023.100480
     [Google Scholar]
  6. RodgersR.J. AveryJ.C. MooreV.M. DaviesM.J. AzzizR. Stener-VictorinE. MoranL.J. RobertsonS.A. SteptoN.K. NormanR.J. TeedeH.J. Complex diseases and co-morbidities: Polycystic ovary syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus.Endocr. Connect.201983R71R7510.1530/EC‑18‑050230763275
     [Google Scholar]
  7. LimS.S. HutchisonS.K. Van RyswykE. NormanR.J. TeedeH.J. MoranL.J. Lifestyle changes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.Cochrane Libr.201920193CD00750610.1002/14651858.CD007506.pub430921477
     [Google Scholar]
  8. GanieM.A. SaharT. RashidA. WaniI.A. NisarS. SathyapalanT. VishnubhatlaS. RamakrishnanL. ParvezT. GeerI. Comparative evaluation of biomarkers of inflammation among indian women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) consuming vegetarian vs. non-vegetarian Diet.Front. Endocrinol.20191069910.3389/fendo.2019.0069931781027
     [Google Scholar]
  9. WaltersK.A. GilchristR.B. LedgerW.L. TeedeH.J. HandelsmanD.J. CampbellR.E. New perspectives on the pathogenesis of PCOS: Neuroendocrine origins.Trends Endocrinol. Metab.2018291284185210.1016/j.tem.2018.08.00530195991
     [Google Scholar]
  10. ZeinaliF. Circulating microRNA-122, microRNA-126-3p and microRNA-146a are associated with inflammation in patients with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case control study.PLoS One2021166e025169710.1371/journal.pone.025169734077450
     [Google Scholar]
  11. BaillargeonJ.P. JakubowiczD.J. IuornoM.J. JakubowiczS. NestlerJ.E. Effects of metformin and rosiglitazone, alone and in combination, in nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome and normal indices of insulin sensitivity.Fertil. Steril.200482489390210.1016/j.fertnstert.2004.02.12715482765
     [Google Scholar]
  12. SpritzerP.M. MarchesanL.B. SantosB.R. FigheraT.M. Hirsutism, normal androgens and diagnosis of PCOS.Diagnostics2022128192210.3390/diagnostics1208192236010272
     [Google Scholar]
  13. FitzgeraldS. DiVastaA. GoodingH. An update on PCOS in adolescents.Curr. Opin. Pediatr.201830445946510.1097/MOP.000000000000063629782382
     [Google Scholar]
  14. ShahD. BansalS. Polycystic ovaries – Beyond menopause.Climacteric201417210911510.3109/13697137.2013.82868723895379
     [Google Scholar]
  15. KazemiM. McBreairtyL.E. ZelloG.A. PiersonR.A. GordonJ.J. SerraoS.B. ChilibeckP.D. ChizenD.R. A pulse-based diet and the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes diet in combination with health counseling and exercise improve health-related quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.J. Psychosom. Obstet. Gynaecol.202041214415310.1080/0167482X.2019.166682031558086
     [Google Scholar]
  16. SinghR.K. ChangH.W. YanD. LeeK.M. UcmakD. WongK. AbroukM. FarahnikB. NakamuraM. ZhuT.H. BhutaniT. LiaoW. Influence of diet on the gut microbiome and implications for human health.J. Transl. Med.20171517310.1186/s12967‑017‑1175‑y28388917
     [Google Scholar]
  17. WilsonA.S. KollerK.R. RamaboliM.C. NesenganiL.T. OcvirkS. ChenC. FlanaganC.A. SappF.R. MerrittZ.T. BhattiF. ThomasT.K. O’KeefeS.J.D. Diet and the human gut microbiome: An international review.Dig. Dis. Sci.202065372374010.1007/s10620‑020‑06112‑w32060812
     [Google Scholar]
  18. De LeoV. MusacchioM.C. CappelliV. MassaroM.G. MorganteG. PetragliaF. Genetic, hormonal and metabolic aspects of PCOS: An update.Reprod. Biol. Endocrinol.20161413810.1186/s12958‑016‑0173‑x27423183
     [Google Scholar]
  19. YadavK. GhadgeP. LangehA. KalbhareS. PhadtareP. BhoiteR. A review on herbal medicinal plant for treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).Asian J. Pharm. Res. Dev.2020848387
     [Google Scholar]
  20. CappelliV. MusacchioM.C. BulfoniA. MorganteG. De LeoV. Natural molecules for the therapy of hyperandrogenism and metabolic disorders in PCOS.Eur. Rev. Med. Pharmacol. Sci.2017212 Suppl152928724177
     [Google Scholar]
  21. Moini JazaniA. Nasimi Doost AzgomiH. Nasimi Doost AzgomiA. Nasimi Doost AzgomiR. A comprehensive review of clinical studies with herbal medicine on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Daru201927286387710.1007/s40199‑019‑00312‑031741280
     [Google Scholar]
  22. NahidiF. Ramezani TehraniF. GhodsiD. JafariM. MajdH.A. AbdolahianS. The impact of a lifestyle promotion program on anthropometric and clinical manifestations in adolescents with polycystic ovarian syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.BMC Womens Health202424163710.1186/s12905‑024‑03455‑839633341
     [Google Scholar]
  23. PapakonstantinouE. KechribariI. MitrouP. TrakakisE. VassiliadiD. GeorgousopoulouE. ZampelasA. KontogianniM.D. DimitriadisG. Effect of meal frequency on glucose and insulin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomised trial.Eur. J. Clin. Nutr.201670558859410.1038/ejcn.2015.22526862008
     [Google Scholar]
  24. KulshreshthaB. SharmaN. PantS. SharmaL. PahujaB. SinghP. PCOS patients differ in meal timings rather than total caloric or macronutrient intake in comparison to weight matched controls.Eur. J. Obstet. Gynecol. Reprod. Biol.2022270111610.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.12.02335007973
     [Google Scholar]
  25. KatteMM Development of aloe vera beverage to prevent/combat PCOS among women of reproductive age.Int J Pure Appl Biosci20186419920210.18782/2320‑6693
     [Google Scholar]
  26. ManouchehriA. AbbaszadehS. AhmadiM. NejadF.K. BahmaniM. DastyarN. Polycystic ovaries and herbal remedies: A systematic review.JBRA Assist. Reprod.2023271859110.5935/1518‑0557.2022002435916457
     [Google Scholar]
  27. AbasianZ. RostamzadehA. MohammadiM. HosseiniM. Rafieian-kopaeiM. A review on role of medicinal plants in polycystic ovarian syndrome: Pathophysiology, neuroendocrine signaling, therapeutic status and future prospects.Middle East Fertil. Soc. J.201823425526210.1016/j.mefs.2018.04.005
     [Google Scholar]
  28. BellverJ. Rodríguez-TaberneroL. RoblesA. MuñozE. MartínezF. LanderasJ. García-VelascoJ. FontesJ. ÁlvarezM. ÁlvarezC. AcevedoB. Polycystic ovary syndrome throughout a woman’s life.J. Assist. Reprod. Genet.2018351253910.1007/s10815‑017‑1047‑728951977
     [Google Scholar]
  29. TomouE.M. BardaC. SkaltsaH. Genus Stachys: A review of traditional uses, phytochemistry and bioactivity.Medicines20207106310.3390/medicines710006333003416
     [Google Scholar]
  30. MohammadiB. Effects of combination therapy with Buniumpersicum and Foeniculum vulgare extracts on patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.Adv. Biomed. Res.202211174410.4103/abr.abr_163_21
     [Google Scholar]
  31. JelodarG. MasoomiS. RahmanifarF. Hydroalcoholic extract of flaxseed improves polycystic ovary syndrome in a rat model.2018Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC6015245/
    [Google Scholar]
  32. WulandariL.P. HapsariA. The effect of Moringaoleifera leaf extract on theca cell in polycystic ovary syndrome model with insulin resistance.Indones. J. Vet. Sci.2020143
     [Google Scholar]
  33. ShamsiM. GanjiA. Chamomile and Urticadioica extracts improve immunological and histological alterations associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome in DHEA -induced mice.BMC Complement. Med. Ther.202323110.1186/s12906‑023‑03936‑737013510
     [Google Scholar]
  34. AbbasiSA Efficacy studies of fenugreek seeds against polycystic ovarian syndrome.Texila Int J Public Health20197410.21522/TIJPH.2013.07.04.Art020
     [Google Scholar]
  35. HaiderF. RiazS. ShakeelR. HafeezK. Investigation of phytoestrogens found in sesame seeds via computational and translational approaches.Bio Scientific Review.2023545368
     [Google Scholar]
  36. PatelS.V. MaruH. ChavdaV.K. ShahJ.N. PatelS.S. Ethanolic extract of Azadirachta indica ameliorates ovarian defects through phosphoinositide-3 kinase inhibition in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome.Asian Pac. J. Reprod.2021101212810.4103/2305‑0500.306434
     [Google Scholar]
  37. TamadonAmin How to choose the suitable animal model of polycystic ovary syndrome?.Tradit Med Mod Med2018129511310.1142/S2575900018300047
     [Google Scholar]
  38. ShamsiM. NejatiV. NajafiG. Khajeh PourS. Protective effects of licorice extract on ovarian morphology, oocyte maturation, and embryo development in PCOS-induced mice: An experimental study.Int. J. Reprod. Biomed.2020181086587610.18502/ijrm.v13i10.777133134799
     [Google Scholar]
  39. AtashpourS. Kargar JahromiH. Kargar JahromiZ. MaleknasabM. Comparison of the effects of Ginger extract with clomiphene citrate on sex hormones in rats with polycystic ovarian syndrome.Int. J. Reprod. Biomed.201715956156810.29252/ijrm.15.9.56129662964
     [Google Scholar]
  40. Identification of phytoconstituents for combating polycystic ovarian syndrome through in silico techniques.Indian J. Biochem. Biophys.2023
     [Google Scholar]
  41. PriyaGupta The combined effect of nagakesara (Mesua ferrea Linn.) & puga (Areca catechu Linn.) in PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome): A comprehensive review.Int Ayurvedic Med J20237656057210.46607/iamj10p7062023
     [Google Scholar]
  42. ZhengY. WangQ. ZhuangW. LuX. MironA. ChaiT.T. ZhengB. XiaoJ. Cytotoxic, antitumor and immunomodulatory effects of the water-soluble polysaccharides from lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) seeds.Molecules20162111146510.3390/molecules2111146527827862
     [Google Scholar]
  43. HugarA.L. KanjikarA.P. LondonkarR.L. A novel potential reproductive effects of pterocarpus marsupium methanolic extract on testosterone propionate induced polycystic ovary syndrome in female albino rats.Endocr. Metab. Immune Disord. Drug Targets201717431732310.2174/187153031766617091215393428901866
     [Google Scholar]
  44. SuriyakalaaU. RamachandranR. DoulathunnisaJ.A. AseervathamS.B. SankarganeshD. KamalakkannanS. KadalmaniB. AngayarkanniJ. AkbarshaM.A. AchiramanS. Upregulation of Cyp19a1 and PPAR-γ in ovarian steroidogenic pathway by Ficus religiosa: A potential cure for polycystic ovary syndrome.J. Ethnopharmacol.202126711354010.1016/j.jep.2020.11354033152430
     [Google Scholar]
  45. GoelR.K. GhildiyalS. GautamM.K. JoshiV.K. Pharmacological evaluation of extracts of Hedychium spicatum (Ham-ex-Smith) rhizome.Anc. Sci. Life201231311712210.4103/0257‑7941.10318923284217
     [Google Scholar]
  46. SirotkinA.V. KolesárováA. Puncture vine (Tribulus Terrestris L.) in control of health and reproduction.Physiol. Res.202170Suppl. 4S657S66710.33549/physiolres.93471135199550
     [Google Scholar]
  47. Abd El-WahedR.M. NasrA.A.A. Effects of date palm pollen on women with the polycystic ovarian syndrome.Egypt. J. Hosp. Med.20228914622462510.21608/ejhm.2022.259120
     [Google Scholar]
  48. DulebaA.J. DokrasA. Is PCOS an inflammatory process?Fertil. Steril.201297171210.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.11.02322192135
     [Google Scholar]
  49. ManciniA. BrunoC. VerganiE. d’AbateC. GiacchiE. SilvestriniA. Oxidative Stress and low-grade inflammation in polycystic ovary syndrome: Controversies and new insights.Int. J. Mol. Sci.2021224166710.3390/ijms2204166733562271
     [Google Scholar]
  50. VoraD. KapadiaH. Susha Dinesh, Sharma S, Dinesh Sosalagere Manjegowda. Gymnemasylvestre as a potential therapeutic agent for PCOS: Insights from mRNA differential gene expression and molecular docking analysis.Future J. Pharm. Sci.202391
     [Google Scholar]
  51. DouL. ZhengY. LiL. GuiX. ChenY. YuM. GuoY. The effect of cinnamon on polycystic ovary syndrome in a mouse model.Reprod. Biol. Endocrinol.20181619910.1186/s12958‑018‑0418‑y30340496
     [Google Scholar]
  52. Haj-HuseinI. TukanS. AlkazalehF. The effect of marjoram ( O riganum majorana ) tea on the hormonal profile of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomised controlled pilot study.J. Hum. Nutr. Diet.201629110511110.1111/jhn.1229025662759
     [Google Scholar]
  53. ChenJT TominagaK SatoY AnzaiH MatsuokaR Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) extract induces ovulation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A possible monotherapy and a combination therapy after failure with first-line clomiphene citrate.J Altern Complement Med201016121295129910.1089/acm.2009.069621034160
     [Google Scholar]
  54. GonzálezF. RoteN.S. MiniumJ. KirwanJ.P. Reactive oxygen species-induced oxidative stress in the development of insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovary syndrome.J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.200691133634010.1210/jc.2005‑169616249279
     [Google Scholar]
  55. RathiS. Acne vulgaris treatment : The Current Scenario.Indian J. Dermatol.201156171310.4103/0019‑5154.7754321572783
     [Google Scholar]
  56. ZuoT. ZhuM. XuW. Roles of oxidative stress in polycystic ovary syndrome and cancers.Oxid. Med. Cell. Longev.201620161858931810.1155/2016/858931826770659
     [Google Scholar]
  57. Nehir AytanA. BastuE. DemiralI. BulutH. DoganM. BuyruF. Relationship between hyperandrogenism, obesity, inflammation and polycystic ovary syndrome.Gynecol. Endocrinol.201632970971310.3109/09513590.2016.115520826951881
     [Google Scholar]
/content/journals/cis/10.2174/012210299X366423250818074707
Loading
Current and Traditional Approaches to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Treatment: A Review
Curr. Indian Sci. 3, E2210299X366423 (2025); https://doi.org/10.2174/012210299X366423250818074707
/content/journals/cis/10.2174/012210299X366423250818074707
/content/journals/cis/10.2174/012210299X366423250818074707
Loading

Data & Media loading...


  • Article Type:     Review Article
Keyword(s): Anovulation; Hirsutism; Hyperandrogenism; Medicinal plants; Menstrual irregularity; Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Most Cited Most Cited RSS feed

This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was a Success
Invalid data
An Error Occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error
Please enter a valid_number test