Effects of Arctium lappa L. Root Powder on Some Markers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial Study

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent disorders of the endocrine system, with significant implications for female fertility. Antioxidant supplementation may contribute to its better management. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Arctium lappa L. root powder as an antioxidant on some markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, ovary volume, hirsutism score, and menstrual frequency in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted in 2023-2024 at Arak University of Medical Sciences. Sixty subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome were selected by convenience sampling method and allocated to Arctium lappa L. (n=30) and placebo (n=30) by permuted block randomization method and then treated with Arctium lappa L. root powder (460 mg/day) or placebo (460 mg/day) for 12 weeks. Before and after the intervention, some markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, ovary volume, hirsutism score, and menstrual frequency were measured and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The values of antioxidative markers, such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, increased significantly (p