Resveratrol and PCOS: Rich Lab Data, Few Clear Results in Women

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, throws hormones and metabolism out of balance in women. The ovaries work poorly, and the body responds less well to insulin. Male hormones run high, and metabolism shows signs of inflammation. According to the authors, treatments that change the course of the condition are scarce. A review from China gathers what is known about resveratrol, a plant compound from the polyphenol family.

Most of that knowledge comes from experiments on cells and animals. The data point to resveratrol acting on several faulty processes at once. These include how egg follicles mature, how insulin works and how male hormones are made. Cell damage from reactive oxygen molecules and the growth of blood vessels are also on the list. The authors name several central hubs where these effects come together. One of them involves the enzyme AMPK, a kind of energy sensor in the cell.

In women with PCOS, results so far have been modest and mixed. The authors think a benefit may be possible in selected forms of the condition, depending on dose and timing. Whether resveratrol helps with PCOS cannot be read from this paper. It sorts existing studies rather than adding new ones, and the authors point to major gaps.