EFFICACY OF AYURVEDA IN THE TREATMENT OF PCOS

Erina Suneja*, Bhawini and Aseem

ABSTRACT

PCOS poly cystic ovarian syndrome. Which means poly cysts are being formed in the ovaries. It is considered as one of the most common reproductive disorder in females. It is an endocrine disorder which is responsible for disturbing hormonal balance in female’s body. The increasing trend of PCOS is predominantly seen in the age group of 15 to 30 yrs. Nearly it affects upto almost 27% of women during their childbearing years. According, to WHO data PCOS affects 1 in 5 women. Earlier it was considered as disorder(PCOD) but after gathering more information now it is called as syndrome(PCOS) because group of symptoms are responsible for affecting ovaries and ovulation. In this condition eggs in the follicles never gets mature enough to trigger ovulation. Also, the lack of ovulation alters the levels of estrogen, progesterone, FSH and LH. Estrogen and progesterone levels are lower than usual but androgen levels are higher than usual. Also hyperinsulinemia is a characteristic metabolic disturbance associated with PCOS. An alteration in GnRH results in increasing LH which leads to over production of androgens which in turn leads to insulin resistance. Medicinal plants are considered as an important helping hands from the ancient era. Plenty of herbal plants provide positive impact in the treatment of PCOS. Herbs such as Shatavari, Ashwagandha, Haridra, Guduchi, Ghrit kumari, Jatamansi, Jeevanti, Amla, Mulethi, Dal chini, Hirabol, Zanjbeel etc. possesses various actions such as phytoestrogenic, hypoglycemic, restoring hormonal balances and regulates body’s function in order to treat this condition of PCOS. Majorly extracts of these plants are used for the treatment which are rich in flavonoids, bioflavonoids, phyoestrogens, immunomodulators, and antioxidants.

Keywords: Flavonoids, bioflavonoids, phyoestrogens, immunomodulators and antioxidants.