Fenugreek seed extract shown to be beneficial for women with PCOS: Study
USA: A proprietary fenugreek seed extract, Furocyst, was shown as a safe, natural phytochemical-based formulation in a recent study to reduce the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). No significant adverse events were seen. The findings appear in the Journal of the American Nutrition Association.
The role of fenugreek in the control and prevention of diabetes is well established. The seeds improve blood sugar control and insulin resistance, which is critical for controlling PCOS. It may also help to aid weight loss, lower cholesterol, and promote healthy heart function.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is characterized by hyperandrogenemia, menstrual irregularity, elevated androgen levels, and hirsutism. It could result in infertility or miscarriage and is a challenging problem for physicians. The researchers demonstrated the efficacy of Furocyst, a patented, standardized Trigonella foenum-graecum extract, in ameliorating polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms for 90 consecutive days among fifty premenopausal women in a one-arm, non-randomized preliminary investigation.
In a recent study, a double-blind, two-arm, single-center, randomized, comparative analysis, Debasis Bagchi, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas, USA, and colleagues aimed to assess the effectiveness of Furocyst (2 capsules of 500 mg/day) in 208 premenopausal women with PCOS diagnosis.
For the study, the researchers obtained the approval of the ethical committee. The investigation was completed by a total of 208 participants (placebo
= 95; Furocyst = 113; age:18-45 years, BMI < 42 kg/m2). The efficacy of the Furocyst and placebo were compared and assessed on the ovarian volume, the number of cysts, LH: FSH ratio, hirsutism, prolactin, and free testosterone. The researchers also assessed key clinical parameters, including HOMA Index, fasting blood glucose levels, LDL, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, as well as total blood chemistry.
The study demonstrated the following findings:
- Furocyst supplementation significantly reduced ovarian volume, the number of cysts, and hirsutism levels and normalized the menstrual cycle in Furocyst-treated subjects compared to the placebo group.
- Furocyst remarkably reduced luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, and reduced the levels of prolactin and SHBG.
- Furocyst significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose levels, HOMA Index, cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels compared to the placebo group. In contrast, the free testosterone levels were significantly decreased in the Furocyst group.
"The study showed the efficacy of Furocyst as a safe, natural phytochemical-based formulation for alleviating PCOS symptoms," the researchers wrote in their conclusion. "No significant adverse events were seen."
Reference:
Singh, Amarjeet, et al. "Efficacy of a Proprietary Fenugreek Seed Extract (Trigonella Foenum-graecum, Furocyst®) in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study." Journal of the American Nutrition Association, 2022, pp. 1-9.
