Phytotherapy in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Hormonal Imbalance
Corresponding author: [email protected]
Abstract
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine and metabolic disorders among women of reproductive age. It is manifested by hormonal imbalance, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, menstrual disorders, anovulation, infertility, obesity and accompanying psychological disorders. Traditional methods of treatment, which include hormonal therapy and the use of insulin sensitizers, only alleviate symptoms of the disease and can be accompanied by side effects and insufficient effectiveness. Considerable efforts have therefore been made to investigate the possibility of using phytotherapy as a complementary and alternative method of treating PCOS and other endocrine diseases. This chapter discusses the role of medicinal plants and bioactive compounds in the treatment of PCOS and hormonal imbalance, focusing on the pharmacological actions of plant drugs - anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiandrogenic, insulin-sensitizing and hormone-regulating properties that promote restoration of metabolic and reproductive homeostasis. Key medicinal plants including Glycyrrhiza glabra, Aloe vera, Actaea racemosa, Angelica sinensis and Serenoa repens are described in detail, together with the mechanisms of their activity and their application in improving ovulation, menstrual cycle, ovarian morphology and fertility. The chapter describes the role of flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids and phytoestrogens in endocrine regulation and in the alleviation of oxidative stress associated with the pathogenesis of PCOS, critically analyses experimental and clinical data on the efficacy and safety of herbal drugs, and discusses the challenges associated with standardisation of preparations, bioavailability and dosage adjustment.
Author Affiliations
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutics, R. L. Jalappa College of Pharmacy, Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research, Tamaka, Kolar 563103, Karnataka, India.
- 2 Department of Pharmacognosy, R. L. Jalappa College of Pharmacy, Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research, Tamaka, Kolar 563103, Karnataka, India.
- 3 Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, R. L. Jalappa College of Pharmacy, Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research, Tamaka, Kolar 563103, Karnataka, India.
- 4 Department of Medicine, Akash Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Devanahalli 562110, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.