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4-Hydroxyisoleucine is the principal bioactive amino acid in fenugreek seeds with documented insulin-secretagogue and insulin-sensitizing activity. It stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells and has been studied in insulin-resistant states including PCOS.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an endogenous antioxidant with insulin-sensitizing properties. It is listed in comprehensive reviews of evidence-based supplements for PCOS, where it has shown reductions in insulin resistance and improvements in metabolic parameters in RCTs.

A small Japanese study (n=7 PCOS women; 15g ACV/day for up to 110 days) found ovulatory function restored in 4 of 7 participants, likely via insulin sensitization. A 2026 RCT (n=94) specifically assessed ACV as adjunct therapy for MetS and insulin resistance in PCOS patients. Evidence base is preliminary but includes human data.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic Ayurvedic herb with evidence for modulating cortisol, improving thyroid function, and reducing insulin resistance—all relevant to PCOS. RCTs and systematic reviews include it among herbal interventions studied in PCOS-related metabolic and hormonal dysregulation.

A. racemosus has been investigated for management of letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome in animal models, with supporting data on hormonal modulation. Its phytoestrogenic and HPG axis modulatory properties are mechanistically relevant to PCOS. Human clinical trial evidence for PCOS specifically is limited.

Multiple human RCTs document astaxanthin's benefits in PCOS: a triple-blind RCT (n=58, 12 mg/day, 8 weeks) found significant reductions in fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, LDL-C, oxidative stress markers and increased HDL-C and antioxidant capacity. A 2026 systematic review further confirmed improvements in ovarian granulosa cell function and metabolic parameters in PCOS patients.

A systematic review of 12 RCTs found berberine (from Berberis species including barberry) more efficacious than metformin for improving insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and reducing androgen levels and LH/FSH ratio in PCOS. Multiple studies show reductions in testosterone and FAI, increases in SHBG, and improvement in clinical symptoms including hirsutism and acne.

Berberine, an alkaloid from plants such as Coptis chinensis and Berberis, has been evaluated in multiple RCTs for PCOS. It activates AMPK similarly to metformin, improving insulin sensitivity, reducing fasting insulin, lowering testosterone, and supporting menstrual regularity in women with PCOS-associated insulin resistance.

Bifidobacterium bifidum is one of the probiotic strains included in multi-strain probiotic RCTs demonstrating improvements in PCOS metabolic, inflammatory, and hormonal parameters. It is among the Bifidobacterium strains cited in comprehensive PCOS probiotic evidence reviews.

Bifidobacterium breve is specifically listed as one of the Bifidobacterium strains used in probiotic RCTs for PCOS in major systematic reviews. Probiotic regimens including this strain have shown improvements in metabolic and hormonal markers in PCOS.

Bifidobacterium longum is one of the Bifidobacterium strains explicitly included in RCTs of probiotic supplementation for PCOS. These trials have shown improvements in metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory parameters in PCOS women.

Black seed (Nigella sativa) has been studied in RCTs for PCOS, with evidence for reductions in testosterone, LH, BMI, and improvements in menstrual regularity. It is listed in multiple systematic herbal medicine reviews for PCOS including a comprehensive 2023 PMC review.

C. crista has been specifically studied in animal PCOS models. A 2023 study (Cureus, PMC9957572) showed that high-dose C. crista (500 mg/kg) significantly increased ovum count and decreased atretic follicles in letrozole-induced PCOS rats compared to disease controls. Ayurvedic use as an ovulation inducer supports this application.

Vitex is recognized as a hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) regulator relevant to PCOS, with a published pharmacological rationale review and supportive preclinical and limited clinical data. A 12-week RCT in 70 women found VAC comparable to combined oral contraceptives for normalizing the menstrual cycle and reducing DHEAS. Hyperprolactinemia and progesterone insufficiency in PCOS represent specific targets for VAC.

Several RCTs and meta-analyses have examined chromium supplementation in women with PCOS, given the central role of insulin resistance in this condition. A systematic review of five RCTs found chromium significantly lowered a measure of insulin resistance and one trial showed improved beta-cell function, though effects on fasting insulin and insulin sensitivity per se were not significant. Overall evidence is mixed and of uncertain clinical relevance.

Chromium, particularly as chromium picolinate, has been evaluated in multiple RCTs for PCOS. Network meta-analyses confirm chromium reduces fasting insulin and improves HOMA-IR in PCOS women. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed chromium has a clear therapeutic benefit in reducing oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and glucose metabolic disorders in PCOS.

Cinnamon (particularly Cinnamomum cassia) is one of the most studied herbal medicines for PCOS metabolic features. Multiple RCTs and a comprehensive herbal medicine review found cinnamon improves insulin sensitivity and menstrual cyclicity in PCOS. It is listed among evidence-supported complementary therapies in major PCOS supplement reviews.

Coptis chinensis (goldthread) is the primary botanical source of berberine, which has the most robust clinical evidence for PCOS among herbal alkaloids. Coptis itself is used in traditional Chinese medicine for conditions overlapping with PCOS, and berberine-containing Coptis preparations are active components in PCOS management.

CoQ10 is an endogenous antioxidant that has been shown effective for PCOS women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies, reducing insulin resistance, increasing FSH, and improving blood lipids. A meta-analysis confirmed CoQ10 reduces fasting plasma glucose and HOMA-IR and improves sex hormone levels in PCOS.

Curcumin, the main polyphenol from turmeric, has been evaluated in multiple RCTs in PCOS, with a 2022 meta-analysis of 5 RCTs confirming significant reductions in BMI, fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and total cholesterol. It reduces hyperandrogenism and oxidative stress via anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

D-Pinitol is a methylated inositol with insulin-mimetic properties. It shares mechanisms with D-chiro-inositol, improving insulin signaling in ovarian tissue. It has been studied in PCOS for insulin resistance and androgen reduction, with preclinical and early clinical evidence supporting its use.

Daidzein is the second major soy isoflavone with documented phytoestrogenic, anti-androgenic, and insulin-sensitizing properties. It is precursor to equol (a potent anti-androgen) in gut-metabolizing individuals. Studies suggest benefits for androgen excess, insulin resistance, and SHBG in PCOS.

EGCG, the major bioactive catechin from green tea, has insulin-sensitizing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-androgenic properties relevant to PCOS. It activates AMPK, reduces oxidative stress, and has shown improvements in fasting insulin, BMI, and androgen levels in PCOS-related studies.

Multiple RCTs and meta-analyses demonstrate that EPA/DHA omega-3 supplementation improves dyslipidemia, reduces serum triglycerides, and modulates androgen profiles in women with PCOS. EPA-containing omega-3s have also been associated with improved menstrual regularity and clinical pregnancy rates in PCOS patients undergoing ovulation induction.

EPO has been evaluated in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in clinical studies. A 2024 systematic review found EPO 'was effective in PCOS' in a few studies but cautioned evidence levels are low and decisive claims cannot be made without larger trials. Proposed mechanisms involve GLA effects on hormonal balance, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation.

Fennel has been clinically trialed for PCOS in a small double-blind RCT showing no significant effect on ovarian cyst symptoms, and in combination studies. Animal studies demonstrate beneficial renal and hormonal effects in PCOS models. Evidence remains preliminary.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) has been studied in multiple RCTs and included in systematic herbal medicine reviews for PCOS, showing effects on menstrual regularity, androgen reduction, and metabolic parameters. Traditional use in Ayurveda for female hormonal disorders spans centuries.

In letrozole-induced PCOS rat models, fisetin normalized glucose, lipid, hormone profiles (testosterone, estradiol, progesterone), insulin resistance, and ovarian SIRT1/AMPK expression, with efficacy comparable to metformin. No human PCOS trials exist.

Multiple clinical trials and meta-analyses support omega-3 supplementation from fish oil for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Fish oil has been shown to reduce androgen levels, improve menstrual frequency, lower triglycerides, and reduce insulin resistance—all key PCOS features. The ConsumerLab Fish Oil Review notes a recent study showing fish oil may improve pregnancy rates in PCOS-related infertility.

Flaxseed is rich in dietary fiber, phytoestrogens (lignans), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Reviews confirm flaxseed has potential to improve metabolic, anthropometric, and hormonal parameters in PCOS. Clinical evidence includes improvements in insulin resistance and androgen levels.

Folic acid supplementation has been studied in PCOS, showing reductions in BMI particularly in patients with elevated homocysteine levels. It is included among evidence-based vitamins recommended in major PCOS supplement reviews, and elevated homocysteine—reduced by folate—is a recognized cardiovascular risk factor in PCOS.

Formononetin is a phytoestrogenic isoflavone found primarily in red clover and some legumes. It is a precursor to daidzein and has anti-androgenic, anti-inflammatory, and insulin-sensitizing properties documented in preclinical PCOS models and emerging clinical evidence.

Genistein is the primary isoflavone in soy with documented insulin-sensitizing, anti-androgenic, and ovarian-protective properties in PCOS models. Clinical evidence shows it improves androgen levels, SHBG, and insulin resistance parameters in women with PCOS when used at physiological doses.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been studied in PCOS through RCTs, showing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and insulin-sensitizing properties. A systematic herbal review for PCOS identified ginger among evaluated herbal medicines, and clinical studies show improvements in androgen levels and metabolic markers.

Glucomannan (konjac fiber) is a water-soluble dietary fiber that reduces postprandial glucose, insulin, and cholesterol. Multiple clinical trials confirm its insulin-sensitizing effects relevant to PCOS. Systematic reviews of PCOS supplements include dietary fiber interventions showing metabolic benefits.

Green tea and its catechins (especially EGCG) have been studied for PCOS, appearing in systematic herbal medicine reviews for PCOS with documented mechanisms. A systematic review listed green tea among herbal medicines with positive outcomes for PCOS-related infertility and metabolic irregularities.

Gymnemic acids are the principal bioactive triterpenoid saponins from Gymnema sylvestre responsible for its blood sugar-lowering effects. They reduce glucose absorption, stimulate insulin secretion, and have been studied for insulin resistance—the core metabolic defect in PCOS. Clinical trials in insulin-resistant states support their use.

Myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro-inositol (DCI) are among the most extensively studied nutraceuticals for PCOS, supported by over 35 RCTs. They act as insulin-sensitizing second messengers in ovarian cells, improving insulin resistance, reducing androgens, restoring ovulation, and improving oocyte quality. The 40:1 MI:DCI ratio is considered optimal.

Isoflavones (from soy, red clover, and other legumes) have phytoestrogenic and anti-androgenic properties directly relevant to PCOS. Multiple systematic reviews and RCTs confirm isoflavone supplementation improves androgen levels, SHBG, and insulin resistance in PCOS women.

L-carnitine has demonstrated consistent benefits for PCOS in network meta-analyses and RCTs, primarily reducing BMI and body weight, and outperforming other supplements for this outcome. It improves lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and has shown improvements in ovarian response in some trials.

NAC has been specifically evaluated in PCOS in multiple RCTs, improving ovulation, pregnancy rates, and insulin resistance in clomiphene-resistant patients. A double-blind RCT of 150 women with PCOS found NAC added to clomiphene significantly increased ovulation and pregnancy rates. NAC's dual action on oxidative stress and insulin sensitization makes it particularly relevant to PCOS pathophysiology.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is the most commonly included strain in probiotic RCTs for PCOS. Probiotic supplementation including this strain has been shown to improve metabolic, inflammatory, and hormonal parameters and improve fertility in PCOS in multiple RCTs and meta-analyses.

Lactobacillus casei is among the Lactobacillus strains explicitly listed in major systematic reviews as a constituent of evidence-based probiotic regimens studied in PCOS RCTs, which have shown improvements in metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory parameters.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus is one of the Lactobacillus strains explicitly included in multi-strain probiotic RCTs for PCOS showing improved metabolic and hormonal outcomes. It is listed in the Advances in Nutrition 2022 review as a constituent of evidence-supported probiotic regimens in PCOS.

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza species) has demonstrated androgen-lowering effects in clinical trials for PCOS-related hyperandrogenism. It is one of the six herbal medicines identified in a comprehensive herbal medicine review for PCOS with both mechanistic and corroborating clinical evidence.

Magnesium deficiency is common in PCOS and linked to insulin resistance. RCTs show magnesium oxide supplementation (250mg/day) reduced fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, LDL, and fasting blood glucose in PCOS. When co-supplemented with zinc, calcium, and vitamin D, it significantly improved hirsutism scores, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

A published randomized open trial in 80 PCOS patients found maitake SX-fraction induced ovulation in 76.9% of women over 12 weeks, nearly comparable to clomiphene citrate. Combination therapy rescued ovulation in 75% of clomiphene/maitake non-responders. The mechanism involves maitake's insulin-sensitizing effect reducing ovarian androgen excess.

A double-blind RCT (n=25 women) found marjoram tea taken twice daily for one month significantly reduced DHEA-S and fasting insulin vs. placebo, and improved insulin sensitivity markers. Multiple subsequent animal studies have corroborated hormonal and metabolic improvements.

Melatonin has been evaluated in multiple RCTs for PCOS, showing improvements in oocyte quality, pregnancy rates in IUI, reduced testosterone, and anti-oxidant benefits. It is listed in major evidence reviews as one of the evidence-supported formulations for PCOS.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and its active component silymarin have demonstrated mechanisms relevant to PCOS, including lowering testosterone, increasing SHBG synthesis, inhibiting inflammation, and reducing blood glucose. It is identified in herbal medicine reviews as having documented reproductive endocrinological mechanisms in PCOS.

NAC is an acetylated derivative of L-cysteine with potent antioxidant properties. Multiple RCTs and meta-analyses show NAC improves ovulation rates, pregnancy rates, and reduces testosterone and insulin resistance in women with PCOS. One meta-analysis of 18 studies (2,185 women) found significant testosterone reduction and improved reproductive function.

Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) have been evaluated in multiple RCTs in PCOS women, demonstrating reductions in fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, LDL, and improvements in insulin sensitivity. A 2023 network meta-analysis found omega-3 was superior to placebo for reducing fasting blood glucose (SUCRA 93.53%) in PCOS.

Paeonia lactiflora (white peony) is one of the herbal medicines identified in a comprehensive herbal medicine review for PCOS with both demonstrated mechanisms and corroborating clinical evidence for reducing androgen levels and restoring ovulatory function, particularly when used in the traditional combination formula Shakuyaku-kanzo-to.

Phytoestrogens as a class—including isoflavones, lignans, and coumestans—modulate sex hormone signaling and SHBG levels relevant to PCOS. Multiple systematic reviews include phytoestrogenic compounds among evidence-based interventions for PCOS-related androgen excess and metabolic dysfunction.

A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs found pomegranate juice significantly reduced testosterone and hs-CRP while increasing HDL in women with PCOS. An earlier RCT demonstrated improvements in cardiovascular risk factors in PCOS women with concentrated pomegranate juice. Pomegranate's anti-androgenic and anti-inflammatory effects are the proposed mechanisms.

Women with PCOS have anovulatory cycles producing chronic progesterone deficiency with unopposed estrogen, leading to irregular cycles, heavy periods, and elevated endometrial cancer risk. Cyclic progesterone therapy restores cycle regularity, reduces androgen-related symptoms, and protects the endometrium. A 6-month pilot RCT demonstrated significant improvements in fluid retention, cycle length, and cycle regularity.

Quercetin is a polyphenol flavonoid with anti-androgenic, anti-inflammatory, and insulin-sensitizing properties studied in PCOS. Preclinical studies show it reduces testosterone, restores ovarian function, and upregulates CYP19a1 (aromatase). Clinical evidence is emerging from RCTs showing improvements in androgen and metabolic parameters.

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is rich in isoflavones (formononetin, biochanin A, daidzein, genistein) with anti-androgenic and phytoestrogenic properties. Preliminary clinical evidence and systematic reviews support its use for androgen reduction and hormonal balance in PCOS.

Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grapes and berries, has been studied in multiple RCTs for PCOS. Clinical trials demonstrated reductions in total testosterone, DHEA-S, and fasting insulin at doses of 1,000–1,500mg/day, along with improved menstrual regularity and insulin sensitivity.

A 2015 human study found RJ (1,000 mg/day, 8 weeks) improved testosterone and menstrual regularity in PCOS women. A published animal study found 200 mg/kg RJ normalized reproductive hormones, restored estrus cycles, and improved ovarian histology in a testosterone-induced PCOS rat model. A 2025 immunological review specifically addressed RJ in PCOS management.

Saffron (Crocus sativus) and its active components crocin and safranal have been studied in PCOS for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and insulin-sensitizing properties. RCTs in PCOS women have shown improvements in metabolic markers, hormonal profiles, and psychological symptoms including depression and anxiety that frequently accompany PCOS.

Selenium supplementation has been studied in multiple RCTs for PCOS, showing reductions in testosterone, hirsutism, CRP, and oxidative stress markers. A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs confirmed selenium's effects in PCOS. It is listed among evidence-supported minerals in major PCOS supplement reviews.

Soy isoflavones have mechanistic and emerging clinical evidence in PCOS, improving androgen excess, insulin resistance, ovarian morphology, and oxidative stress in animal models. Human studies suggest beneficial effects on hormonal and metabolic parameters, though large RCTs are still needed.

Soy isoflavones (genistein, daidzein) have phytoestrogenic and insulin-sensitizing properties studied in PCOS. Systematic reviews list soy isoflavones among nutritional supplements with evidence in PCOS, showing improvements in androgen levels, SHBG, insulin resistance, and lipid profiles.

Spearmint leaf has two RCTs demonstrating significant anti-androgenic effects in PCOS women, with reductions in free and total testosterone and improvements in LH/FSH ratios. It is one of few herbal teas with randomized trial data specifically in PCOS-related hyperandrogenism.

Streptococcus thermophilus is listed alongside Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains in evidence-based multi-strain probiotic preparations for PCOS. RCTs using these preparations showed improvements in metabolic and hormonal parameters in PCOS women.

Thymoquinone is the primary bioactive compound of black seed (Nigella sativa) with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and insulin-sensitizing properties. Preclinical PCOS models show it reduces ovarian cysts, normalizes hormone profiles, and improves insulin resistance. Clinical evidence through black seed oil RCTs in PCOS is emerging.

Trans-pterostilbene is a dimethylated analog of resveratrol with higher bioavailability, sharing its insulin-sensitizing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-androgenic mechanisms. While direct PCOS-specific RCTs are limited, its superior pharmacokinetics and shared mechanisms with clinically-validated resveratrol support its relevance in PCOS.

A limited number of clinical trials and multiple animal studies suggest tribulus can support follicular development, reduce polycystic ovarian features, and improve anovulatory infertility in PCOS. The PMC literature confirms clinical trial evidence but notes it is restricted to few studies.

Tribulus terrestris has pre-clinical and clinical evidence for ovulation induction, menstrual regularity, and FSH elevation in women with PCOS or anovulatory infertility. Two animal RCTs and clinical trials support its ability to promote ovulation. It is listed among herbal medicines with demonstrated reproductive endocrinological mechanisms for PCOS.

Curcumin has been evaluated for PCOS in RCTs with evidence suggesting benefit for insulin resistance, androgen levels, and inflammatory markers. A ClinicalTrials.gov-registered RCT (N=120) is actively evaluating curcumin for metabolic control, microbiota, and quality of life in PCOS. Literature is inconclusive but mechanistically and clinically supported.

Clinical studies show CoQ10 supplementation can improve multiple PCOS-related parameters, including FSH levels, testosterone, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and lipid profiles. A Frontiers review (2025) found CoQ10 impedes PCOS progression and enhances fertility. Mechanistically, CoQ10 reduces ovarian oxidative stress and supports mitochondrial function in granulosa cells.

Vitamin B12 is listed among specific vitamins with evidence of benefit for PCOS in major systematic reviews. B12 deficiency is common in PCOS women, particularly those taking metformin, and is associated with elevated homocysteine and impaired metabolic function.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a cofactor in steroid hormone metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis. Deficiency has been associated with elevated androgens and impaired hormone clearance. Major PCOS supplement reviews include vitamin B complex (including B6) among evidence-relevant nutrients for PCOS management.

Biotin (vitamin B7) plays a role in carboxylation reactions central to fatty acid synthesis and gluconeogenesis. Studies show biotin supplementation improves glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. In PCOS, where insulin resistance is central, biotin's metabolic effects and its role in improving androgenic alopecia (a common PCOS feature) are clinically relevant.

Folate (vitamin B9) is among the specific vitamins listed in major PCOS supplement systematic reviews as having evidence of benefit. It reduces elevated homocysteine—a recognized cardiovascular risk factor in PCOS—and may reduce BMI in PCOS women with high homocysteine levels.

Methylfolate (5-MTHF) is the bioavailable form of folate that bypasses the MTHFR conversion step. Given the high prevalence of MTHFR polymorphisms in PCOS-associated populations and folate's role in homocysteine reduction and reproductive health, methylfolate is specifically relevant for PCOS women with impaired folate metabolism.

Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in PCOS and associated with insulin resistance, menstrual irregularity, and metabolic dysfunction. Multiple RCTs and systematic reviews show vitamin D supplementation improves hormonal profiles, inflammation, and oxidative stress markers in PCOS, particularly when combined with calcium or other micronutrients.

Vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree) is supported by multiple RCTs for PCOS-related menstrual irregularity, infertility, and hyperprolactinemia. A 2025 RCT (60 PCOS women, 12 weeks) showed significant improvements in oxidative stress markers, insulin resistance, and clinical features. Clinical equivalence with bromocriptine for prolactin lowering has been demonstrated.

Women with PCOS frequently have zinc deficiency, which correlates with insulin resistance severity. Multiple RCTs show zinc supplementation (4–50mg/day for 8–12 weeks) improves HOMA-IR, lipid profiles, and androgen markers. Systematic reviews confirm benefits when used alone or in combination with other micronutrients.

PCOS involves androgen excess and insulin resistance; DIM's ability to modulate androgen and estrogen metabolism provides a theoretical basis for its use. No published RCT has specifically evaluated DIM in a PCOS population. Use is supported by mechanistic reasoning and clinical extrapolation from hormonal studies.

Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) has been used for over 2,000 years in traditional Chinese medicine as the foremost female tonic herb for menstrual irregularity, amenorrhoea, and gynecological complaints—conditions central to PCOS. Scientific evidence is preliminary, but it is among the most historically documented herbs for female reproductive disorders.

Gymnema sylvestre is the plant from which gymnemic acids are derived. Used in Ayurvedic medicine for millennia for blood sugar regulation, its insulin-sensitizing properties have preclinical and early clinical support relevant to PCOS-associated insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction.

Gymnema sylvestre is an Ayurvedic herb used for millennia for blood sugar regulation. Gymnemic acids reduce glucose absorption and stimulate insulin secretion. Given that insulin resistance is a core PCOS feature, Gymnema has traditional and preliminary scientific rationale for use in PCOS, though dedicated PCOS RCTs are limited.

T. cordifolia has traditional use for menstrual and hormonal conditions in Ayurveda. Preclinical animal model evidence (letrozole-induced PCOS in mice) shows TC oil preparation reversed PCOS-related morphological and metabolic effects. A PMC review (PMC10221073) identifies TC's role in managing insulin resistance and lipid/carbohydrate metabolism associated with PCOS. No human clinical trials for PCOS are available.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a Peruvian root traditionally used for fertility, hormonal balance, and menstrual regulation in Andean cultures. Preliminary scientific evidence suggests it may improve hormonal profiles, fertility, and FSH/LH balance, relevant to PCOS, though dedicated PCOS RCTs are limited.

Momordica charantia has documented traditional use for menstrual irregularities and reproductive abnormalities relevant to PCOS. A preclinical animal study evaluated it in a letrozole-induced PCOS rat model. No human clinical trials have been conducted for PCOS specifically.

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is traditionally used and has emerging evidence as a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, reducing DHT conversion from testosterone. This anti-androgenic mechanism is directly relevant to PCOS hirsutism and androgenic alopecia, and it is included in complementary PCOS treatment discussions.