The effect and safety of Berberine on polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review

Abstract

The aim of this systematic review is to assess the effect of Berberine (BBR) on women’s health to provide greater insights about its effect on women with polycystic syndrome for both patients and health care providers. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were systematically searched from the base to July 1th, 2019 to identify clinical trials and randomised controlled trials that had explored the effect of BBR on the polycystic syndrome. With regard to the weight and composition body, BBR did not have any significant effect on reducing body weight and conflicting findings had been reported about waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI). However, BBR led to a significant decrease in waist to hip ratio (WHR), profile hormonal insulin resistance (IR), and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Further, androstenedione dropped significantly following treatment with BBB. However, BBB did not have a significant effect on follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

Keywords:

• Berberine
• systematic review
• hormonal
• body mass index
• infertility
• polycystic ovaries syndrome

Disclosure statement

Authors have no conflict of interests to report.