The role of herbal medicines in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome in animal studies: A narrative review study

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder among women of childbearing age and the most common cause of infertility due to anovulation. To treat the side effects of this disease, a wide range of chemical drugs are prescribed. Today, due to the effectiveness of herbal medicines and their low side effects, the tendency to use herbal medicines has increased. This study was performed with aim to determine the role of herbal medicines in polycystic ovary syndrome in animal studies. Methods: In this review study, the databases of Web of Science, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, and EMBASE were searched using Persian and English keywords of polycystic ovary syndrome, medicinal herbs, systematic review, traditional medicine, clinical trial, case control, and female infertility in the period of 1990-2020. Initially, 875 articles were found, and finally, 38 articles which were in accordance with the objectives of the study were fully evaluated, and among them, 14 related articles were included in the study, and were reviewed. Results: According to the results, several herbal medicines such as five-fingered plant, fennel, black cumin, chicory, licorice, yellow aloe, mountain tea, green tea, grape seed, black seed, and Caligum comosum can be effective in treatment of many problems caused by polycystic ovary syndrome. Conclusion: The use of medicinal herbs with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hormonal balance can be used as a substitute or supplement for chemical drugs effective in polycystic ovary syndrome and a major factor in the treatment or reduction of complications of polycystic ovary syndrome.