Phytotherapy in PCOS and Hormonal Imbalance
Corresponding author: [email protected]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrine-metabolic disorder characterised by hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, menstrual irregularities, chronic inflammation and ovarian dysfunction. Although conventional pharmacological interventions remain central to PCOS management, growing concerns regarding adverse effects, limited long-term efficacy and symptom-oriented treatment have increased interest in complementary phytotherapeutic approaches. This chapter critically explores regimen-oriented phytotherapy as an emerging strategy for the management of PCOS and hormonal imbalance. Unlike conventional herb-centred reviews, it focuses on integrated therapeutic approaches that target multiple pathological pathways simultaneously. Major phytotherapeutic regimens discussed include insulin-sensitizing botanical therapy, adaptogenic herbal therapy, gut-hormone axis phytotherapy, anti-androgenic herbal therapy, polyherbal formulations, seed cycling, and functional food and nutraceutical interventions. The chapter examines the mechanistic basis of these therapies, including modulation of insulin signalling, regulation of steroidogenesis, reduction of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines, restoration of gut microbial balance and normalisation of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis function. Experimental and clinical evidence demonstrating improvements in menstrual cyclicity, ovulation, metabolic profile, androgen excess and reproductive outcomes is also evaluated. Although there is encouraging evidence, major issues remain, including a lack of standardisation, inconsistency in clinical evidence and limited safety studies; evidence-based validation, standardised formulations and extensive clinical trials are therefore essential in determining the role of phytotherapeutic regimens in the management of PCOS today.
Author Affiliations
- 1 Department of Pharmacology, R. L. Jalappa College of Pharmacy, Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Tamaka, Kolar 563103, Karnataka, India.
- 2 Department of Pharmacognosy, R. L. Jalappa College of Pharmacy, Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Tamaka, Kolar 563103, Karnataka, India.