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

J Obstet Gynaecol. 2021 Jul;41(5):684-689. doi: 10.1080/01443615.2020.1787964. Epub 2020 Aug 19.

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; body mass index; hormonal; infertility; polycystic ovaries syndrome; systematic review.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Androstenedione / blood
  • Berberine / therapeutic use*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Female
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / blood
  • Humans
  • Insulin / analysis
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Luteinizing Hormone / blood
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / blood
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Waist Circumference / drug effects
  • Waist-Hip Ratio

Substances

  • Insulin
  • Berberine
  • Androstenedione
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone