A comprehensive review comparing conventional versus traditional remedies in the treatment of endometriosis with futuristic insights

Abstract

Background

A common condition known as endometriosis typically takes place in females in their reproductive age and develops generally in the endometrial lining of females. Chronically, endometriosis has been associated with a reduction in the patient’s quality of life (QOL) which can have a hazardous impact on their social working and functionality. Owing to the involvement of hormones in the development of endometriosis, drugs having the capability to modulate the hormonal concentrations, along with surgical techniques, have been designed to treat endometriosis.

Main body

There are certain drawbacks of the currently existing therapy for endometriosis which include the inability to improve the quality of life of the patient, treatment failures and unresponsiveness from the patient, and adverse effects of the drugs such as weight gain, mood swings, vaginal dryness, etc. Herbal medicines have attracted the attention of various researchers for the development of novel therapeutics against several gynecological disorders, mainly endometriosis. Our present review summarizes the precise pathogenesis of endometriosis along with its conventional therapy and novel developments in herbal medicines wherein we have compiled data from 15 completed clinical trials (conventional therapy: 7, herbal therapy: 8). Additionally, we have included data from four preclinical studies on herbal medicine that showed promising results in treating endometriosis highlighting the necessity for clinical trials to yield more definitive findings. The number of clinical trials carried out to assess the response of herbs in endometriosis is limited which is why additional studies could provide beneficial concrete evidence in the effective treatment of endometriosis and ensure improved patient outcomes.

Conclusion

Conventional therapies possess certain limitations to treat endometriosis due to which the attention of scientists has shifted toward herbal therapy due to its advantages such as improved safety and tolerability in treating endometriosis. However, additional clinical investigations into herbal therapy may prove to be fruitful in the discovery of novel therapeutics to treat endometriosis effectively.