A landscape analysis of the potential role of polyphenols for the treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Background : Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is an under-recognized, under-diagnosed and under-studied disorder; its prevalence varies between 5-26%, 6-10% of reproductive age (NIH) criteria, and 15% (Rotterdam's criteria). Various allopathic drugs (metformin and clomiphene) that are used for the treatment of PCOS have various limitations and are unable to cure PCOS effectively. Therefore, for this reason, search for new therapeutic approaches that are capable of filling these limitations is necessary. Hypothesis/Purpose : Keeping this in view, polyphenols are hypothesized to be new alternative/options to control the PCOS and its complications (Figure 1). Study design : Therefore, the objective of this study was to review the natural polyphenols that have anti-androgenic, ovulatory, estrogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptic, anti-cancerous activities, hormonal and menopausal regulating capability in animal models. Results : Different research papers have described the anti-androgenic, ovulatory, estrogenic and fertility, menstrual, hormonal and menopause regulating activities of polyphenols. Moreover, these polyphenols are capable of decreasing the incidence of other metabolic diseases such as infertility, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, obesity and Type-2 diabetes caused by PCOS. Conclusion : These polyphenols can be promising alternatives for various pharmacological mechanisms which could not only decrease the incidence of PCOS, but also promote the other protective roles by decreasing the adverse effects of PCOS on other metabolic organs and their functions. However, further studies are required to determine the mechanism of action and safety evaluation of these polyphenols.