Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Conditions
Brief summary
Berberine is a plant alkaloid, reportedly possesses a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-obesity and anti-dyslipidemia. Berberine is an effective insulin sensitizer and has a comparable activity to MET in reducing IR. A large body of evidence suggest that Berberine dietary supplementation helps in improvement of symptoms associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The purpose of this study is to investigate the treatment benefits of Berberine in women with PCOS.
Detailed description
Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline derivative alkaloid that occurs in several plants including Oregon grape, barberry, tree turmeric, goldenseal, yellowroot, Amur corktree, Chinese goldthread, prickly poppy and Californian poppy. Berberine supplementation has been suggested to improve the symptoms associated with PCOS. Berberine; Reduces Insulin Resistance Lowers Blood Sugar Levels Aids in Weight Loss Improves Cholesterol Levels Regulates Menstrual Cycles Reduces Inflammation Helps Restore Hormonal Balance Improves Fertility Helps Combat Depression Helps Fight Fatty Liver Disease Improves Body Composition The present RCT is aimed to investigate the effect of Berberine on these symptoms associated with PCOS.
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTBerberine
550 mg Berberine supplement BDS for 3-months + changes in diet/life style.
Sponsors
Ayub Teaching Hospital
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
1. Women aged between 18 and 45 years 2. PCOS diagnosis as per the Rotterdam Criteria (any two of the following features: * Irregular periods (allso called oligomenorrea) or no periods (amenorrhea), * Higher levels of andregens present in the blood (hyperandrogenism), or physical characteristics of elevated andregen levels such as acne, male-pattern balding, or excess hair growth on face, chin, or body * Polycystic ovaries visible on an ultrasound 3. Normal, over-weight, and obese class I women (BMI 18.5 - 29.9 kg/m2, BMI cut-off as per the Asian criteria) 4. With no desire for pregnancy within 6 months 5. Able to give informed written consent
Exclusion criteria
1. Women who are currently taking or have teken in the last three months medications known to alter insulin physiology, oral contraceptives, ovulation induction drugs, anti- obesity or cholestrol lowering drugs, or any supplement known to interfere with insulin and androgen metabolism such as inositols, curcumin, lipoic acid, cinnamon, gymnemic and other botanical extracts. 2. Women undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment. 3. Women diagnosed with lateonset congenital adrenal hyperplasia (17-OH progestrone), thyroid disorders, hyperprolactinemia, diabetes mellitus and ODST. 4. Presence of liver, or renal disease 5. Pregnant or lactating or menopause women
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Effect of Berberine on fasting blood glucose | up to 3 months |
| Effect of Berberine on fasting blood insulin | up to 3 months |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Effect of Berberine on physical sign and symptoms associated with PCOS | up to 3 months | Effect on Hirsutism |
| Effect of Berberine on hormonal profile | up to 3 months | Total testosterone |
| Effect of Berberine on fasting lipid metabolic profile | up to 3 months | Total cholesterol |
| Effect of Berberine on non-invasive markers of liver injury | up to 3 months | ALT |
Countries
Pakistan
Outcome results
None listed