Pharmacological effects of Chinese herbal active compounds in the intervention of polycystic ovary syndrome: focusing on molecular mechanisms

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by disturbances in glucose and lipid metabolism among women of reproductive age. In recent years, the active components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have demonstrated significant potential in treating PCOS because of their unique pharmacological effects and fewer adverse reactions. Using keywords such as ‘polycystic ovary syndrome,’ ‘traditional Chinese medicine,’ and ‘blood-activating components,’ relevant content was searched across Chinese and English databases, including ‘CNKI, PubMed, VIP, and Web of Science.’ Published research papers on in vivo, in vitro, and clinical studies investigating the therapeutic effects of active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine on PCOS were included as part of the selection criteria. TCM often utilizes compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, saponins, and terpenoids as active ingredients. These components exert therapeutic effects on PCOS by alleviating inflammatory responses, modulating the structure of the gut microbiota and so on. The multitarget and holistic regulatory advantages of TCM offer promising prospects and significant implications for the treatment of PCOS. It can serve as an important complementary and alternative therapy, working synergistically with Western medicine to provide PCOS patients with more comprehensive, personalized, and fundamental treatment options.