Effects of vitex agnes castus on hormonal imbalances in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONPolycystic ovarian syndrome in the most common endocrinopathy affecting approximately 6-10% of women in reproductive age. It is one of the leading causes of infertility resulting from chronic anovulation. It is a heterogenous condition characterized by chronic anovulation or infrequent ovulation, obesity, hirsutism, hyperandrogenism and numerous follicular cysts in enlarged ovaries. The syndrome is named for the tiny cysts that may form in the ovaries when hormone imbalance interrupts the ovulation process. Hence the ovaries have twice as many follicles than usual resulting in slightly larger than normal ovaries.A main underlying problem with PCOS is a hormonal imbalance. PCOS is caused by an imbalance of the female sex hormone and higher levels of male hormones called androgens. Androgens are male hormones that females also make. In women with PCOS, the ovaries make more androgens than normal. High levels of these hormones affect the development and release of eggs during ovulation.Vitex agnus castus (Verbenaceae), commonly referred to as chaste tree or chasteberry, is an aromatic flowering ABSTRACT Background: The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathies in women. Its incidence is assessed at 6-8% of the female population in the reproductive age. It is caused by an imbalance of the female sex hormones and higher levels of male hormones called androgens. Methods:In women with PCOS, the ovaries make more androgens than normal. High levels of these hormones affect the development and release of eggs during ovulation. Hence the hormonal imbalance were studied in three groups. In the present study ,8mg of estradiol valerate was used to induce PCOS in female albino rats. The levels of leutinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, Estradiol, Progesterone, and Prolaction were studied. Results: The phytochemical analysis of vitex agnus castus was carried out and the positive effects of vitex agnus castus on the hormonal irregularities of PCOS were also studied. The present findings indicated that vitex agnus castus was found to be rich in phytochemicals. Conclusions: The hormonal levels highly reflect the underlying hormonal imbalance in PCOS and the results obtained in the present study also proved that vitex agnus castus is more efficient in reversing the adverse effects of hormonal imbalance of PCOS.

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

“…It reduces the LH levels which reverses the LH / FSH ratio and reverses the overproduction of androgen. (Saul, 2017) Cinnamon is useful for regulating the menstrual cycle and improving reproductive health. Cinnamon increases glucose uptake and glycogen production and increases insulin receptor phosphorylation, increasing insulin sensitivity.…”