Effects of Ziziphus jujuba, metformin, and myoinositol on pregnancy rates and metabolic parameters in infertile women with PCOS: a randomized controlled trial
Abstract
Background: PCOS is a common condition among women of reproductive age, marked by irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and ultrasound abnormalities. Infertility treatments such as metformin and myoinositol often have side effects and low adherence. Ziziphus jujuba has the potential in improving PCOS outcomes, prompting this study to compare its effect on pregnancy rates with conventional therapies.
Methods: This double-blind, randomized trial involved 196 infertile PCOS patients (ages 18-45), with 49 participants in each group. Participants were randomly assigned to four groups: metformin (500 mg daily), myoinositol (2000 mg daily), Ziziphus jujuba hydroalcoholic extract (15 g daily), or placebo (sachet/pill) for 12 weeks. Biochemical (FBG, lipid profile, ALT, AST, ESR, CRP, TyG index) and anthropometric (weight, BMI, waist circumference) measurements were taken pre- and post-study. Ovulation induction with letrozole was performed, and pregnancy occurrence was the primary endpoint, assessed via Beta hCG and ultrasound 6-7 weeks after treatment.
Results: No significant differences in pregnancy as primary outcome were found (Ziziphus jujuba: 10, Metformin: 7, Myoinositol: 5, Placebo: 4; p > 0.05). However, significant improvements in cholesterol, TG, HDL cholesterol, and FBG were observed in the Ziziphus jujuba compared to other groups (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The Ziziphus jujuba extract demonstrated significant improvements in FBG levels, lipid profiles, and insulin…
How strong is the evidence?
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. Reported size: 196 participants or records.
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