Ayurveda management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome by single herbs & combinations - A Case Report

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common problems affecting approximately 12% of all woman. PCOS can effect menstrual cycle, hormonal level, fertility as well as appearance including acne, facial hair growth and balding, overweight, irregular menstrual cycle, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhea etc. Some woman may suffer from depression. It is also a metabolic problem that affects several body systems. PCOS is the most common endocrinopathy which mostly occur in women of reproductive age, resulting into insulin resistance and the compensatory hyper insulinemia. According to ayurvedic view PCOS can be correlated with Aarthava Kshaya. Ayurveda scriptures describes gynaecological disorder mainly under the term “Yonivyapada”. It is difficult to find exact correlation of any specific condition in Ayurvedic text with PCOS. The sign & symptoms of condition like Anartava / Nashtarva, Arjaska Yonivyapada, Lohitakshaya Yonivyapada, Vandhya Yonivyapada, Shandi Yonivyapada, Aartava Kashya and Pushpaghani Jataharini mentioned in Ayurveda closely resemble the features of PCOS symptoms. While explaining Yoni Vyapada they also described some herbal formulations to treat such conditions which included Latakaranj seeds (Caesalpinia cristata), Shivlingi (Bryonopsis laciniosa), Shatpushpa (Anethum sowa) & Kounch (Mucuna prurita).