Herbal Remedies for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Concise Review from the Perspective of Traditional Iranian Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age, characterized by symptoms such as irregular menstruation, infertility, hirsutism, and insulin resistance. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of herbal medicines and natural compounds due to their lower side effects and multifaceted therapeutic benefits compared to conventional pharmaceuticals. This review aims to examine the herbal remedies traditionally used in Iranian medicine for the management, control, and treatment of PCOS. Methods: This study was conducted as a systematic review in two phases to identify effective herbal medicines for PCOS from the perspective of traditional Iranian medicine. Authoritative traditional sources, including reference books, treatises, and historical texts, were reviewed, and information such as the scientific name of each plant, the parts used, and methods of administration were extracted. Data were independently evaluated by two researchers to ensure the accuracy and validity of both traditional and scientific sources. Results: The herbal remedies employed in traditional Iranian medicine for the treatment of PCOS include cinnamon, fennel, mint, green tea, nettle, ginger, yarrow, sage, pennyroyal, basil, raspberry leaves, vitex (chaste tree), centaury, Roman anise, barberry, fenugreek, licorice, aloe vera, turmeric, soy, saw palmetto, black seed, grape, cherry, apple, carrot, savory, marjoram, red clover, thyme, borage, chamomile, dandelion, asparagus, cranberry, milk thistle, saffron, rose, za’atar, wild celery, pomegranate, savory, coriander, and purslane. Conclusion: This systematic review highlights that traditional Iranian medicine utilizes a broad spectrum of herbal remedies to manage the symptoms of PCOS. These plants exert multiple effects on hormonal balance, menstrual regulation, and insulin resistance, suggesting significant potential in alleviating the complications associated with PCOS. The findings support the use of herbal medicines as complementary or adjunctive therapies in the management of this syndrome.

Keywords: Phytotherapy, Medicinal Plants, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Complementary and Alternative Medicine