New Insights into Mechanisms of Berberine in Alleviating Reproductive Disorders of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Anti-inflammatory Properties

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex reproductive disorder which seriously harms female reproductive health and decreases their quality of life. Although spontaneous or assisted ovulation, women with PCOS suffer from poor-quality oocytes and embryos, lower fertilization and final pregnancy rate. Therefore, it is urgent to reveal new pathological mechanisms and discover the underlying therapeutic targets for the reproductive disorders in PCOS. Berberine, one of the famous traditional Chinese medicines, has been shown to improve ovulation and live birth rates in women with PCOS. The effects of berberine on insulin resistance and abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism for restoring reproductive health of PCOS are well recognized and widely studied, but much less attention has been paid to its anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic low-grade inflammation as the unifying feature of PCOS may contribute to reproductive disorders in PCOS. Berberine can tune the inflammatory state of ovaries and uterus in PCOS. The anti-inflammatory properties of berberine may provide new insight into mechanisms of berberine in alleviating reproductive disorders of PCOS. Here, we summarize the most recent insights into anti-inflammatory properties of berberine in reproductive disorders of PCOS, inspiring researchers to go in new study directions of berberine.