Author(s): Sudhakar Pachiappan, Suganeswari Matheswaran, Poorana Pushkalai Saravanan and Gayathiri Muthusamy

Abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a highly prevalent endocrine-metabolic disorder characterised by polycystic ovaries, chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism leading to symptoms of menstrual irregularity, infertility and hirsutism. Insulin resistance, obesity and elevated levels of male hormones (androgens) are associated with PCOS. The deskbound lifestyle, dietary variations, lack of exercise and stress etc. are also contributory factors. Many plants like Asparagus Racemosus, Grifola frondosa, Lepidium meyenii, Tinospora Cordifolia, etc., have been highly esteemed sources which have the advantages to reduce PCOS and also having hypoglycaemic and anti-obesity effect. In this review, some of the familiar medicinal plants and their bioactive extracts which plays a crucial role in treatment or prophylaxis of PCOS are summarized. It is concluded that the easily available beneficial herbs along with the lifestyle management is much effective in the prevention of PCOS than allopathic treatment.