ABSTRACT
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) refers to a female reproductive abnormality which involves hormonal irregularity as well as systemic-metabolic disorder. It causes infertility in about 6%–21% of women of reproductive age. PCOS is linked with chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance. However, its pathogenesis mechanism is not defined clearly. Pharmaceutical treatment for PCOS is the induction of ovulation by the application of an oral contraceptive pill containing clomiphene citrate. Women with PCOS may show contraindications due to oral contraceptive pill consumption. Herbal medicines are complex interventions. Also, they can be beneficial due to the antagonistic and synergistic interactions between related compounds. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol which is found in many medicinal plants, grapes, red wine, and peanuts. Studies reveal that resveratrol induces antiapoptotic and proapoptotic effects, as per the cell type. It is also indicated that resveratrol has antidiabetic activity and anti-inflammatory property. It increases the number of oocytes and reduces atretic follicles. 6-Gingerol is an aromatic polyphenol. It is found in ginger. It possesses antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic, and anticancer properties. 6-Gingerol is a potential ingredient which can be applied in the treatment of PCOS by reduction of estrogen, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Quercetin, a herbal bioactive flavonoid, has antioxidant and radical-scavenging properties. Hence it is widely used for treating inflammatory and metabolic disorders. Vegetables and fruits, including apples, nuts, and onions, are good sources of quercetin. Numerous studies indicate the effectiveness of quercetin toward reducing inflammation, inhibiting platelet aggregation, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer development. Quercetin is a potential antioxidative agent. Oxidative stress is thought to be one of the strong stimulants of PCOS because the level of antioxidants in the serum of PCOS patients is low. Hence, antioxidative agents may prove beneficial for its management and treatment. Recent studies have supported the effectiveness of herbal medicines for treating PCOS. However, comprehensive studies are required for making a strong impact. In this chapter, we will discuss the use of resveratrol, 6-gingerol, and quercetin as potential compounds for the natural treatment of PCOS.
