Efficacy of a Proprietary Fenugreek Seed Extract (Trigonella foenum-graecum, Furocyst®) in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Abstract

Introduction

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenemia, a quite common heterogenous endocrine/hormonal disorder, and accompanied by elevated androgen level, menstrual irregularity, and hirsutism. The consequences include infertility or miscarriage. It is a challenging problem to the physicians. In a one-arm, non-randomized preliminary investigation in fifty premenopausal women, we demonstrated the efficacy of Furocyst^®, a patented, standardized Trigonella foenum-graecum extract, in ameliorating the symptoms of PCOS over a period of 90 consecutive days.

Objective

In the present study, a double-blind, two-arm, single-center, randomized, comparative study was conducted to assess the efficacy of Furocyst^® (2 capsules of 500 mg/day) in 208 pre-menopausal women diagnosed with PCOS.

Methods

Ethical committee approval was obtained. A total of 208 subjects (placebo = 95; Furocyst^® = 113; age:18-45 years, BMI < 42 kg/m²) completed the investigation. The comparative efficacy of placebo and Furocyst^® was assessed on the number of cysts, ovarian volume, hirsutism, LH:FSH ratio, titer of TSH, SHBG, prolactin and free testosterone. Key clinical parameters such as fasting blood glucose levels, HOMA Index, cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels, as well as total blood chemistry were also investigated

Results

Furocyst^® supplementation significantly reduced the number of cysts, ovarian volume, and hirsutism levels, as well as normalized the menstrual cycle in Furocyst^®-treated subjects as compared to placebo group. Furocyst^® significantly reduced luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, and reduced the prolactin and SHBG levels. Furocyst^® significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose levels, HOMA Index, cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels as compared to the placebo group, while the free testosterone levels were significantly decreased in the Furocyst^® group.

Conclusion

The studies collectively demonstrated the efficacy of Furocyst^® as a safe, natural phytochemical-based formulation to alleviate the symptoms of PCOS. No significant adverse events were observed.

Keywords:

• PCOS
• infertility
• hyperandrogenemia
• Furocyst®
• Standardized Trigonella foenum-graecum extract
• insulin resistance

Disclosure statement

The project was partially sponsored by Chemical Resources (CHERESO), Panchkula, Haryana, Indiana. AS and SG coordinated and conducted the study at PGIMER. PB and BM conducted the statistical analyses. AG and PK are employees of Chemical Resources (CHERESO), Panchkula, Haryana, India. SPB and DB are independent consultants involved with the entire project and writing the manuscript.