Phytopreparations for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Sindrom policističnih jajnika (PCOS) je najčešći endokrinološki poremećaj kod žena fertilne dobi. Obilježavaju ga kronična anovulacija, hiperandrogenizam i policističan izgled jajnika. Često je udružen s hiperlipidemijom i inzulinskom rezistencijom. Određene biljne vrste i mikronutrijenti mogu pomoći u smanjenju neravnoteže hormona, hiperlipidemije i inzulinske rezistencije. Ovaj rad daje pregled biljnih vrsta i mikronutrijenata koji se na hrvatskom tržištu koriste za ublažavanje tegoba uzrokovanih PCOS-om. Istraživanje je pokazalo da na tržištu ne postoje biljni lijekovi za terapiju PCOS. Unatoč tome rašireno je korištenje dodataka prehrani s biljnim sastavnicama koji nisu namijenjeni terapiji ili prevenciji bolesti uključujući i PCOS. Najkorišteniji su preparati koji u svom sastavu imaju vrkutu (Alchemilla vulgaris L.), unatoč nedostatku kliničkih dokaza o učinkovitosti te biljne vrste u terapiji PCOS. Osim vrkute koristi se i konopljika (Vitex agnus-castus L.) s kojom je provedeno nekoliko manjih kliničkih studija koje govore u prilog učinkovitosti ove biljne vrste na neke od simptoma PCOS, ali uz određena metodološka ograničenja. Dokazi učinkovitosti sastavnica biljnih pripravaka jesu ograničavajući i rijetki, ali neke žene radije biraju njih nego hormonsku terapiju koja je najčešće preporučena mjera u terapiji PCOS.Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of fertile age. It is characterized by chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovary appearance. It is often associated with hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance. Certain plant species and micronutrients can help reduce hormone imbalance, hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance. This paper provides an overview of plant species and micronutrients used on the Croatian market to reduce the PCOS symptoms. Research has shown that there are no herbal medicines for PCOS therapy in the market. However, use of dietary supplements for this purpose is common, even though they are not strictly intended PCOS treatment. The most commonly used preparations contain Alchemilla vulgaris L., despite the lack of clinical evidence of the effectiveness of this plant species in PCOS therapy. In addition to that, women also often use preparations containing Vitex agnus-castus L.. Clinical evidence, albeit limited and with methodological flaws, indicate potential effectiveness of this plant species. In conclusion. evidence of plant constituents for treatment of PCOS is limited and rare, but some women prefer them to the hormone therapy, which is the most commonly recommended treatment for PCOS