The Effect of Vitex Agnus - Castus Plant on Some Markers of Oxidative Stress, Lipid Profile and Insulin Resistance in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial Study
Abstract
Objective: This randomized controlled trial investigated the efficacy of standardized Vitex agnus-castus extract in managing features of PCOS. The primary aim was to assess changes in oxidative stress markers; secondary outcomes included lipid profile, insulin resistance, and clinical signs such as hirsutism and menstrual frequency.
Methods: Sixty women with PCOS were randomly assigned to a Vitex group (5.8 mg daily, standardized to 0.42-0.82 mg Aucubin) or placebo for 12 weeks. Dietary habits and physical activity and physical activity were maintained throughout the study. Serum total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, and other biochemical and clinical parameters were assessed preand post-intervention. Between-group differences were analyzed using independent t-tests and ANCOVA.
Results: Compared to placebo, Vitex significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (effect size = 13.01), glutathione peroxidase (3.35), reduced glutathione (3.88), total thiol (3.34), and HDL (5.74) (all p<0.05). It decreased total oxidant status (-6.49), oxidative stress index (-9.30), malondialdehyde (-5.29), fasting blood sugar (-5.10), HOMA-IR (-0.31), LDL (-2.85), ALT (-3.51), and mFG score (-5.38). Menstrual frequency improved (3.51), and left ovarian volume reduced (-0.80).
Conclusions: Vitex agnus-castus improved oxidative stress markers and insulin resistance and favorably modulated clinical manifestations of PCOS. These findings suggest a clinically…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design.
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