“The effect of herbal extracts and plant bioactive compounds on insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials ”
“herbal extracts; plant bioactive compounds; insulin resistance; polycystic ovary syndrome."
“Background: Herbal extracts and plant bioactive compounds have been shown to improve several metabolic outcomes. Objective: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) to examine the effect of herbal extracts and plant bioactive compounds on insulin resistance (IR) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Search methods: We searched Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, and LILACS from inception until October 15, 2024. Selection criteria: We included RCT addressing the effect of herbal extracts and plant bioactive compounds in women with IR. Data collection: We analyzed the data qualitatively and quantitatively, the latter using a random-effects model, with standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95%CI as summary statistics. Main results: Among the 39 included RCT, curcumin, cinnamon, and berberin were the most frequently assessed herbal extracts/compounds, with the majority of studies showing their beneficial effect on IR in women with PCOS. Curcumin had a neutral effect on HOMA-IR (SMD: -0.07, 95%CI: -0.34, 0.19, p = 0.59, I2: 0%, low certainty) and QUICKI (SMD 0.08, 95%CI -0.23, 0.38, p = 0.62, I2: 0%, low certainty), and cinnamon marginally improved HOMA-IR (SMD: -0.39, 95%CI -0.77, 0.00, p = 0.05, I2: 41%, low certainty). Conclusions: Our findings suggest cinnamon may improve IR in PCOS, albeit with a low certainty of evidence. However, current evidence for other herbal extracts/compounds is not conclusive. The shortcomings in our review highlight the need for further clinical trials to establish the clinical efficacy of herbal extracts and plant bioactive compounds for the treatment of IR in PCOS."