Exploring The Therapeutic Potential Of Herbal Intervention In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systemic Review And Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological Relevance- PCOS is a hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Several studies have been carried out on the effect of herbal interventions in improving PCOS patients but these still have not been fully assessed.

Aim of Study- This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether herbal interventions could promote reproductive health in women with PCOS while providing evidence-based herbal treatment for clinical practice.

Material and Methods: This systematic review follows PRISMA guidelines, assessing herbal product’s efficacy for PCOS management. In this research, we identified 25 studies for the analysis, including 779 women with PCOS that were defined by using biochemical or ultrasound evidence and followed Cochrane criteria for Risk of Bias (ROB) across domains, considering 7 domains of risk. Meta-analysis utilized continuous data from 11 studies, focusing on substance use and externalizing symptoms, conducted through Review Manager (RevMan version 5.4) for 11 randomized control trials.

Results: The forest plot analysis was conducted for Body Mass Index (BMI), hirsutism, insulin levels, blood glucose level, and follicular stimulating hormones (FSH)  levels. We utilized a random-effects model to calculate mean differences and standard deviations using the Standard Mean Differen[1]ce (SMD) scale. For BMI, the overall effect size was -0.16 (CI -0.28 to -0.03), with significant individual study effect sizes. Hirsutism showed an overall effect size of -0.34 (CI -0.62 to -0.05). Insulin analysis revealed an overall effect size of -0.79 (CI -1.28 to -0.34), with two individual study effects favoring the experimental group. Analysis for fasting glucose had an overall value of -0.27(C.I -0.54 to 0.01) while for FSH  it was -0.11(C.I -0.39 to 0.17). In each analysis, the forest plots demonstrated the benefits of herbal therapy in PCOS treatment.

Conclusion: Herbal interventions are a promising therapeutic approach that can be employed in the management of PCOS patients