Primary Herbs

Paeonia lactiflora (White peony)

Paeonia lactiflora has been used for gynecological conditions by both Chinese and Western herbalists, and is used by Western herbalists for PCOS, hyperprolactinemia, endometriosis, ovarian failure and androgen excess. Paeonia has been shown to positively influence low progesterone, reduce elevated androgens (testosterone) and acts to modulate estrogen and prolactin. (7) In vitro, the active constituent paeoniflorin has been shown to affect the ovarian follicle by its action on the aromatase enzyme. (8) Aromatase is important for follicle maturation, ovulation and corpus luteum function, steroid hormone synthesis and the regulation of the conversion of androgens to estrogens. The biofeedback in the pituitary and hypothalamus rely on aromatase to regulate prolactin and GnRH. The daily dose for Paeonia is 4.5 to 9 mL of a 1:2 dried plant extract. (9)

The traditional Chinese/Kanpo formula known as Shakuyaku-Kanzo-To or TJ-68, which is a decoction of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Paeonia lactiflora, has been the subject of a number of clinical trials, all of which demonstrate activity in the hormonal regulation of androgens. In one trial involving eight women with hyperandrogenism and oligomenorrhea, the formula was given for 2 to 8 weeks. This combination regulated the LH to FSH ratio. Over this period of time, serum testosterone levels decreased to less than 50 ng/dL and this resulted in seven of the eight women ovulating regularly. (10)

Another trial involved 20 women diagnosed with PCOS. The formula was successful in lowering testosterone in 90% of the women, of which 25% went on to conceive. (11) It is suggested that it acts directly on the ovary, increasing the activity of aromatase, which promotes the synthesis of estradiol from testosterone, thus lowering serum testosterone levels. It also seems to regulate the LH to FSH ratio. (12)

Gymnema sylvestre (Gymnema)

Gymnema is a traditional Ayurvedic herb used as an antidiabetic, hypoglycemic, lipid lowering agent and to support weight reduction. Gymnema possibly has a trophorestorative action of the beta cells of the pancreas. (13) The plant part used as medicine is the leaf. Gymnema is well indicated for PCOS, due to its insulin modulating activity and the added benefits of reducing the elevated triglycerides associated with PCOS. Key constituents of Gymnema include saponins, especially the gymnemic acids. Gymnemic acid suppresses the sweet taste on the taste buds, so if taken before food masks the sweet sensation. Gymnema has demonstrated hypoglycemic activity in experimental models of diabetes and regulated blood sugar in hyperglycemia. The mechanism of action also includes the inhibition of glucose absorption in the intestine. The daily dose of Gymnema is 3.5 to 11 mL of 1:1 liquid extract. (9,14) Since conventional medical models are focussing on pharmaceutical agents such as metformin to control PCOS, Gymnema may prove to be one of the most significant herbs in the treatment of the underlying factor of insulin resistance.

Tribulus terrestris (Tribulus)

Tribulus is an endemic weed to many regions of the world, such as the Mediterranean, India, China, South Africa and Australia and is commonly known as puncture vine. The aerial parts, particularly the leaf, are used for medicinal purposes in the Western tradition. As a result of Bulgarian research, Tribulus has become a popular herb for the treatment of female and male endocrine disorders. (15) It acts as a general tonic, aphrodisiac, estrogen modulator and androgen modulator and is used to restore vitality, libido and reduce the physiological effects of stress. (9,11)

The Bulgarian research has identified a unique steroidal saponin class known as furostanol saponins, and extracts are standardized to contain at least 45% of these saponins, calculated as protodioscin. The leaf is noted to be higher in these unique saponins rather than the fruit or root. Other active constituents include phytosterols and spirostanol glycosides.

The tonic activities of Tribulus have been shown to act by intensifying protein synthesis and enhancing the activity of enzymes associated with energy metabolism. It increased iron absorption from the small intestines and inhibited lipid peroxidation during stress. This leads to more muscle strength and improved endurance and stamina. (9)

To ensure the desired clinical results, it is recommended to use only the Bulgarian grown Tribulus standardized to 40% furostanol saponins. It is not interchangeable with the Chinese or Indian Tribulus. The daily dose of Tribulus corresponds to extracts containing furostanol saponins as protodioscin at 300 mg to 400 mg per day. In PCOS it is best used on days 5 to 14 of the menstrual cycle to restore menstrual regularity. For more information on Tribulus, see the forthcoming review which will be published in next months Townsend Letter.

Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste tree)

Vitex beneficial for ovulatory factors associated with PCOS, in particular it has been shown to downregulate the production of excess prolactin, a condition known as hyperprolactinemia. (16) Vitex is also postulated as having antiandrogenic properties. (16) Hyperprolactinemia is related to adrenal stress and hyperinsulinemia in PCOS. It is well documented that the active constituents in Vitex demonstrate a dopaminergic activity and dopamine inhibits the production of prolactin. The dopaminergic compounds in Vitex have been identified as the diterpene, including rotundifuran and 6[beta], 7[beta]-diacetoxy-13-hydroxy-labda-8, 14-diene. However, recent research is pointing to other phytochemicals which may have this activity. (17) Other constituents of Vitex include essential oils, flavonoids (such as casticin) and iridoid glycosides (including aucubin and agnuside). (9,14)

Hyperprolactinemia, or the more subtle condition of latent hyperprolactinemia, are amongst the most frequent causes for cyclical disorders, including corpus luteal insufficiency. This can lead to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and progesterone deficiency, secondary amenorrhea and premenstrual mastalgia. (18) In an uncontrolled study, Vitex reduced elevated prolactin levels in 80% of 34 women with hyperprolactinemia at a dosage of 30 to 40 mg per day for 1 month and improved symptoms of a variety of menstrual disorders, including secondary amenorrhoea, cystic hyperplasia of the endometrium, deficient corpus luteum function, metrorrhagia, polymenorrhea and oligomenorrhea. (9)

Vitex reduced the thyroxin releasing hormone (TRH)-induced prolactin release (essentially a pituitary-thyroid axis problem), normalized shortened luteal phases, corrected luteal phase progesterone deficiencies and reduced PMS symptoms in women with luteal phase defects due to latent hyperprolactinemia. (9)

Vitex should be considered first line botanical therapy for hyperprolactinemia and given for the duration of at least 3 to 6 months. In herbal writings Vitex is often attributed to increasing LH, which is not desirable in PCOS. However, clinical experience has shown that it is valuable in PCOS, especially when combined with other herbs, probably because of its action in reducing prolactin. The daily dose of Vitex to is 1 to 4 mL of a 1:2 dried plant tincture or 500 to 1000 mg of dried berries daily. (9) It is best taken as a single dose in the morning. (9) In PCOS it is best combined with Tribulus and Paeonia.

Caulophyllum thalictroides (Blue cohosh)

Caulophyllum thalictroides is known by the common name of blue cohosh and is native to North America. Within traditional use among the Native North Americans it was used by women as a remedy for amenorrhea and profuse menstruation, both of which are common features of PCOS. It is particularly useful to being on the menses in PCOS. It has action as a uterine and ovarian tonic and pelvic anti-inflammatory. The known constituents of Caulophyllum root include glycosides, caulosaponin and caulophyllosaponin, which are known to stimulate the uterus. Other identified constituents include N-methylcystine, taspine and thalictroidine. (9) The daily dose is 1.5 to 3 mL of 1:2 dried plant extract. (9)

Sample PCOS Formula

Vitex agnus-castus 1:2 12.5 mL
Glycyrrhiza glabra 1:1 12.5 mL
Paeonia lactiflora 1:2 25 mL
Gymnema sylvestre 1:1 25 mL
Schisandra chinensis 1:2 25 mL
Dose: 15 mL per day or 5 mL three times daily 100 mL
In a case of a PCOS patient with amenorrhea, include Caulophyllum thalictroides at a dose of 2 mL per day to help induce the menses.

When a cycle has been initiated, change to Tribulus concentrated extract, equivalent to furostanol saponins (as protodioscin) 300 to 400 mg per day on days 5 to 14 of the cycle to ensure cyclic regularity.

Dietary Modification

A review of the extensive literature specific to lifestyle factors in PCOS demonstrates that an essential treatment strategy for ameliorating the symptoms of PCOS and resolving the underlying metabolic derangements is the implementation of a low carbohydrate diet. This will tightly control blood sugar levels and resultant insulin production. High levels of insulin result in high levels of triglycerides and low levels of high density lipoproteins, which puts these patients into a high cardiovascular disease risk category. Modulating the diet not only helps the female endocrine cycle, but also serves as preventative medicine against these cardiovascular risk factors. As the insulin levels normalize, this will also improve circulating levels of SHBG, therefore limiting the problematic effects of free androgens on the menstrual cycle. (2,6)

Women with PCOS are urged to lose 5 to 10% body weight using a moderate protein, low refined carbohydrate diet. When this approach was taken in one clinical trial, 10 of the 11 subjects resumed a normal cycle within 10.5 months. (2) In a similar study, such weight loss restored ovulation in 60 out of 67 previously anovulatory women. (3) The dietary profile should include approximately 30% good quality fats, 40% protein and 30% complex carbohydrates. (1,2,19) Literature suggests establishing an energy efficient diet of 1000 to 1500 kcal per day. It is recommended to avoid alcohol, caffeine, smoking and psychosocial stressors. Gymnema is helpful in reducing carbohydrate and sugar cravings, and therefore improving compliance with dietary changes. (9)

Exercise

Implementing an exercise regime of approximately 30 minutes per day will assist weight loss and improve the endocrine regulation of stress.

Case History

Female patient aged 34 presented with irregular menses and was considering attempting to become pregnant. She had been diagnosed with PCOS for the past 2 years. Up until 6 months prior to her consultation, she had taken the oral contraceptive in combination with Levoxyl, but suffered side effects of heightened emotional lability from these drugs.

Her menstrual cycle varied in length anywhere from 50 to 70 days and she experienced mid-abdominal cramping for 24 hours prior to the onset of her menses. The flow was medium to light and lasted for 4 to 5 days, dark red in color, starting with brown spotting for 12 to 18 hours. She had occasional menstrual clots, stringy and lumpy in nature.

Her skin was badly affected by the PCOS and she experienced painful, deep cystic acne on her face, chest and back, which was worse for up to a week before the onset of each period. She had taken two courses of isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past 5 years and regularly used a tetracycline for treatment of her acne. Breast tenderness was an uncomfortable premenstrual feature.

She had gained 23 pounds over the past 3 years, which she had difficulty losing, despite exercise on a regular basis. She did however eat a high carbohydrate diet and craved sugar intensely.

She was a shift worker in a high stress and responsibility occupation and fatigue was a daily experience.

She was taking prescribed thyroid hormone (thyroxine) for Hashimoto's thyroiditis, diagnosed 4 years prior. At the same time she was diagnosed as having secondary osteoporosis. Recent evaluation showed her spinal density indicated osteopenia, her femoral density indicated osteoporosis and total hip density indicated severe osteopenia.

Additional Assessment

Hormonal evaluation showed a typical pattern of a 2:1 LH to FSH ratio, with elevated testosterone and hyperlipidemia.

Treatment Protocol

Vitex agnus-castus 1:2 12.5 mL
Glycyrrhiza glabra 1:1 12.5 mL
Paeonia lactiflora 1:2 20 mL
Gymnema sylvestre 1:1 20 mL
Echinacea spp. root 1:2 10 mL
Schisandra chinensis 1:2 20 mL
Dose: 8 mL twice daily 100 mL
Additionally:

* Tribulus concentrated extract, equivalent to furostanol saponins (as protodioscin) 300 to 400 mg per day on days 5 to 14 of the cycle to ensure cyclic regularity.

* Fucus vesiculosus 1:1, 10 mL twice daily.

Rationale

Vitex agnus-castus was indicated for the hormonal imbalance and hyperprolactinemia, often resulting in the symptom of premenstrual breast tenderness. A combination of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Paeonia lactiflora were included into the formula to mimic the synergy of these plants in TJ-68 to reduce elevated testosterone and induce ovulation. Gymnema sylvestre was included in the formula to treat the insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia and assist with reducing associated carbohydrate cravings. Echinacea spp. root was an important inclusion for the autoimmune mediated hypothyroid condition. Echinacea serves as an immune modulator in this case. Schisandra chinensis was included in the formula to provide liver support, in particular to improve the liver's ability to conjugate sex hormones, and assist in reducing the circulating levels of testosterone and estrogen. Tribulus was selected to ensure a healthy follicular phase of the cycle and as an androgen modulator. Fucus vesiculosus was indicated for thyroid support as a plant source of iodine and is traditionally recommended by herbalists to assist with weight loss associated with hypothyroidism.

Conclusion

After 5 months on the herbal protocol, the patient's cycle had regulated to a 32 day cycle, with a consistent 15 day follicular phase and a 17 day luteal phase. Problematic symptoms such as mastalgia, acne and hirsutism diminished significantly during the 5 month program. The lipid profile has improved to within normal ranges, and with the inclusion of the combined regimen of Gymnema, dietary modification (low carbohydrate diet) and exercise, she lost a total of 12% body weight in the 5 months. She went on to begin a full preconception health care program and became pregnant in her second month.