Berberine improves reproductive features in obese Caucasian women with polycystic ovary syndrome independently of changes of insulin sensitivity

Abstract Background and aims Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline derivative alkaloid isolated from Rhizoma Coptidis traditionally used as anti diarrheic and, more recently, as hypolipidemic and insulin sensitizer agent. Thus, BBR could represent a potential therapeutic option for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, metabolic and hormonal effects of BBR in PCOS women. Methods Fifty oligoamenorrheic PCOS obese women and 50 age and Body Mass Index (BMI) matched healthy controls were enrolled. PCOS women received BBR treatment (500 mg, 2 times daily) for 6 months. Clinical and biochemical parameters were assessed before and after the treatment period. Results Total testosterone ( p p p p p p  = 0.01), low density lipoprotein cholesterol ( p p p p p  = 0.04) significantly ( p Conclusions BBR improves clinical, metabolic and reproductive features in PCOS women. Its mechanism of actions need to be elucidated in further studies.