Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of infertility. All disorders such as lack of ovulation, ovaries full of specific cysts and metabolic abnormalities such as obesity are usually caused by numerous environmental and genetic factors. The ovary is a metabolically active organ and is therefore constantly affected by various stresses . The etiology of the disease is not still fully understood; however, its causes are commonly referred to as follows: genetic susceptibility, increased insulin secretion, insulin resistance, obesity and environmental and chemical pollution. It is difficult to diagnose it, due to a wide variety of symptoms. PCOS is one of the underlying causes of oligomenorrhea, with a prevalence rate of 17% in women in childbearing age. In recent decades, the incidence of the disorder has been increasing due to lifestyle changes, increased prevalence of obesity, decreased physical activity, unhealthy nutrition and emotional stress. Ma-al-Osoul Syrup (Booli Daroo Pharmaceutical Co.) is the result of combining the Capparise Spinosa, Prangos pabularia, Foeniculum Vulgare Miller, Pimpinella anisum which have been widely used in traditional medicine sources to treat ovarian cysts and gynecological diseases.
A trial study was conducted to determine the effect of fennel extract on pain severity and systemic symptoms associated with primary dysmenorrhea among students of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. In this trial, 90 subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups as case group (n=46) and control group (n=44). With the onset of menstrual pain, the case group received 5 fennel capsules (46 mg/daily) and the control group received 5 placebo capsules during the first three days of menstruation. The results show that fennel extract can decrease the severity of dysmenorrhea . The therapeutic properties of fennel are resulted from phytoestrogensand previous studies considered them as the best treatments for PCOS .
The present study investigated the effect of fennel on the treatment of PCOS in 40 mice. Mice were divided into 5 groups. The first group, as the control group, received normal saline (0.2 ml), the second group received fennel (150 mg / kg), the third group received 4 mg estradiol valerate (EV) in 0.2 ml sesame oil, the fourth group received EV and fennel extract (150 mg / kg)and the fifth group received EV and fennel extract (100 mg / kg). The results showed that the aqueous extract of fennel can be used in the treatment of PCOS; especially at the dose of 150 mg / kg.
In another study investigating the effect of fennel in the treatment of PCOS, 30 EV-induced mice and six controls were used. After 60 days, fennel extract (250, 500 and 1000 mg / kg) was administered to mice. Then, FSH, LH and testosterone levels were measured. The results showed that fennel extract (500and 1000 mg / kg) increased the level of FSH and along with that decreased the levels of LH and testosterone.