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

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. 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. Total testosterone (p < 0.01), free androgen index (p < 0.01), androstenedione (p < 0.01), sex hormone binding globulin (p < 0.01), progesterone (p < 0.01), total cholesterol (p = 0.01), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.01), triglycerides (p < 0.01), area under the curve of insulin (p < 0.01), menses frequency (p < 0.01) and Waist Circumference (p = 0.04) significantly (p < 0.05) improved after BBR treatment. No correlation was found between variations of insulin sensitivity and hormonal changes. BBR improves clinical, metabolic and reproductive features in PCOS women. Its mechanism of actions need to be elucidated in further studies.