Analysis of Unani coded formulation on the hormonal parameters of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome

The effect of Unani coded polyherbal formulations (Picolin) containing: 1) Cinnamomum verum (Bark), 2) Glycyrrhiza glabra (Root), 3) Linum usitatissimum (Seed) and 4) Vitex agnus castus (Seed) on the hormonal levels of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients (n=73) was determined. A randomized controlled multi-center trial was conducted on three groups that received either: 1) Capsule Picolin (n=25, 500 mg, two capsules thrice a day) and 2) Hydroalcoholic extract, tablet Picolin-E (n=23, 250 mg thrice a day) or 3) Metformin (n=25, 500 mg, twice a day) that continued for 12 weeks. The effect of capsule Picolin before and after treatment on serum insulin (14.8±1.8 vs 10.7±1.7μIU/mL) and prolactin (17.7±0.9 vs 8.5±1.1ng/mL) levels were significant. Likewise, the tablet Picolin-E also demonstrated significant effect on serum insulin (16.7±1.7 vs 9.3±0.1μIU/mL) and prolactin (18.5±1 vs 10±1.5ng/mL) levels. On the contrary in metformin treated group these parameters, serum insulin (17.4±1.6 vs 16.4±1.4μIU/mL) and prolactin (21.7±2.8 vs 21±2.8ng/mL) were non-significant. The improvement in the menstrual flow in the PCOS patients after treatment with either capsule Picolin, tablet Picolin-E or metformin were improved by 84%, 61% and 54%, respectively. Unani formulation were comparatively more effective than metformin. The treatment effectiveness was capsule Picolin> tablet Picolin-E>metformin.