Condition

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition marked by irregular periods, extra androgens and ovaries with many small follicles, often driven by insulin resistance, where high insulin nudges the ovaries to make more testosterone. Inositol and berberine have the most support, and trials found inositol lowered blood glucose while berberine improved a blood fat marker, apolipoprotein B. Still, the studies were small, and the evidence for those results is only moderate.

Sources: PMID 36703143; PMID 22774396

Updated 30 September 2026
How we grade
3 studies cited
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) protocol

Supplements studied: 17
Graded outcomes: 17
Trials: 26
People studied: 22,316

Evidence by supplement

Strong
Moderate
Limited
Very limited

17 supplements

Curcumin

Curcumin: outcomes studied for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	18 studies	546 people
Studies that measured blood glucose The Effect of Antioxidant Polyphenol Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nutrients · 2024 · PMID 39683599 Curcumin alleviates postprandial glycaemic response in healthy subjects: A cross-over, randomized controlled studySci Rep · 2018 · PMID 30209353 Effects of Curcuma longa (turmeric) on postprandial plasma glucose and insulin in healthy subjectsNutr J · 2010 · PMID 20937162 and 15 more on the Curcumin page
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		9 studies	370 people
Studies that measured triglycerides Effect of different curcuminoid supplement dosages on total in vivo antioxidant capacity and cholesterol levels of healthy human subjectsPhytother Res · 2011 · PMID 21796707 Effect of NCB-02, atorvastatin and placebo on endothelial function, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, 8-week studyDrugs R D · 2008 · PMID 18588355 Curcuminoids modify lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trialComplement Ther Med · PMID 28735818 and 6 more on the Curcumin page
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	266 people
Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl) The effects of curcumin supplementation on liver enzymes, lipid profile, glucose homeostasis, and hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver diseaseEur J Clin Nutr · PMID 30610213 Treatment of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Curcumin: A Randomized Placebo-controlled TrialPhytother Res · PMID 27270872 Nano-curcumin improves glucose indices, lipids, inflammation, and Nesfatin in overweight and obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trialNutr Metab · PMID 30705687 and 2 more on the Curcumin page
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	190 people
Studies that measured weight Does Turmeric/curcumin Supplementation Change Anthropometric Indices in Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Clin Nutr Res · PMID 31384598 The effect of turmeric/curcumin supplementation on anthropometric indices in subjects with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Nutr Diabetes · PMID 40813857 The effect of curcumin supplementation on weight loss and anthropometric indices: an umbrella review and updated meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials.Am J Clin Nutr · PMID 36898635 and 2 more on the Curcumin page
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	370 people
Studies that measured total cholesterol Effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on lipid profile: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Complement Ther Med · PMID 37230418 Bread enriched with phytosterols with or without curcumin modulates lipoprotein profiles in hypercholesterolaemic individuals. A randomised controlled trialFood Funct · PMID 30990213 The Effect of Curcumin on some of Traditional and Non-traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Pilot Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled TrialIran J Pharm Res · PMID 25901155 and 1 more on the Curcumin page
	Insulin	Changes; see studies		2 studies	546 people
	Luteinizing Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	202 people
	Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			486 people
	DHEAS	Improves (the measure goes up)			202 people
	Follicle-Stimulating Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			202 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			266 people
	Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			266 people
	Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)			130 people

Inositol

Inositol: outcomes studied for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	2 studies	131 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Inositol is an effective and safe treatment in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Reprod Biol Endocrinol · PMID 36703143 Dietary supplementation with myo-inositol in women during pregnancy for treating gestational diabetes.Cochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 27602537
	Acne Symptoms Moderate Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	1 study	50 people
Studies that measured acne symptoms Efficacy of myo-inositol in the treatment of cutaneous disorders in young women with polycystic ovary syndromeGynecol Endocrinol · PMID 19551544
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	399 people
Studies that measured weight The combined therapy with myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol reduces the risk of metabolic disease in PCOS overweight patients compared to myo-inositol supplementation aloneEur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci · PMID 22774396 Effects of inositol on ovarian function and metabolic factors in women with PCOS: a randomized double blind placebo-controlled trialEur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci · PMID 15206484 Differential insulin response to myo-inositol administration in obese polycystic ovary syndrome patientsGynecol Endocrinol · PMID 22612517 and 3 more on the Inositol page
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		4 studies	531 people
Studies that measured glycemic control Metabolic and hormonal effects of myo-inositol in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a double-blind trialEur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci · PMID 19499845 Myo-inositol administration positively affects hyperinsulinemia and hormonal parameters in overweight patients with polycystic ovary syndromeGynecol Endocrinol · PMID 18335328 Inositol Nutritional Supplementation for the Prevention of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Nutrients · PMID 35889788 and 1 more on the Inositol page
	Fertility	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	238 people
Studies that measured fertility Effects of myo-inositol supplementation on oocyte's quality in PCOS patients: a double blind trialEur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci · PMID 21744744 Myo-inositol rather than D-chiro-inositol is able to improve oocyte quality in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. A prospective, controlled, randomized trialEur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci · PMID 21608442 Pretreatment with myo-inositol in non polycystic ovary syndrome patients undergoing multiple follicular stimulation for IVF: a pilot studyReprod Biol Endocrinol · PMID 22823904
	Ovulation	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	140 people
	Excessive Hair Growth	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	50 people
	Gestational Diabetes Risk	Changes; see studies		1 study	83 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	131 people
	Pregnancy Complications	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	535 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	131 people
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			112 people
	Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			26 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			131 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			131 people
	Oocyte Quality	Improves (the measure goes up)			118 people
	Oocyte Quantity	Improves (the measure goes up)			34 people
	Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)			26 people
	PCOS Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)			727 people
	Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)			26 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			131 people

N-Acetylcysteine

Blood glucose: improves
Body Mass Index (BMI): improves
Testosterone: improves

N-Acetylcysteine: outcomes studied for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		869 people
	Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	869 people
Studies that measured body mass index (bmi) The effects of N-acetylcysteine supplement on metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Front Nutr · PMID 37841396
	Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	725 people
Studies that measured testosterone The effects of N-acetylcysteine on ovulation and sex hormones profile in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysisBr J Nutr · PMID 36597797
	Endometrial Thickness	Improves (the measure goes up)			2,663 people
	Estrogen	Changes; see studies			2,160 people
	Follicle-Stimulating Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			610 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			235 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			235 people
	Luteinizing Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			990 people
	Progesterone	Improves (the measure goes up)			1,842 people
	Sex Hormone Binding Globulin	Improves (the measure goes up)			414 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			235 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			235 people
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			530 people

Berberine

Apolipoprotein B: improves
HbA1c: improves
Total cholesterol: improves

Berberine: outcomes studied for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Apolipoprotein B Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		127 people
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	1,156 people
Studies that measured hba1c The Effect of Berberine on Metabolic Profiles in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsOxid Med Cell Longev · PMID 34956436 Berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systemic review and meta-analysisEvid Based Complement Alternat Med · PMID 23118793 Treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia with the natural plant alkaloid berberineJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 18397984 and 2 more on the Berberine page
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	2,804 people
Studies that measured total cholesterol Overall and Sex-Specific Effect of Berberine for the Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials.Drugs · PMID 36941490 Efficacy and safety of berberine for several cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Phytomedicine · PMID 36805484 The Effect of Berberine on Reproduction and Metabolism in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med · PMID 31915452
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	2,784 people
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) Effects of berberine on lipid profile in subjects with low cardiovascular riskExpert Opin Biol Ther · 2013 · PMID 23441841 The effects of berberine supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.Front Nutr · PMID 36313096
	Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	487 people
Studies that measured body mass index (bmi) Effects of berberine and barberry on anthropometric measures: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsComplement Ther Med · PMID 32147051
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	3,004 people
	Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)			4,257 people
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,426 people
	Fertility	Improves (the measure goes up)			501 people
	Follicle-Stimulating Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			497 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			1,138 people
	Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,119 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			2,824 people
	Luteinizing Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			577 people
	Sex Hormone Binding Globulin	Improves (the measure goes up)			228 people
	Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)			577 people
	Waist-Hip Ratio	Improves (the measure goes up)			402 people

Cinnamon

Blood glucose: improves
Insulin Resistance: improves
Insulin: changes; see studies

Cinnamon: outcomes studied for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	4 studies	289 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Effects of cinnamon supplementation on metabolic biomarkers in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Nutr Rev · PMID 38917435 Efficacy of cinnamon supplementation on glycolipid metabolism in T2DM diabetes: A meta-analysis and systematic review.Front Physiol · PMID 36505061 Cinnamon for diabetes mellitus.Cochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 22972104 and 1 more on the Cinnamon page
	Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	289 people
Studies that measured insulin resistance The effect of cinnamon supplementation on glycemic control in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.J Food Biochem · PMID 33111340
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			143 people

Coenzyme Q10

Blood glucose: improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone: improves

Coenzyme Q10: outcomes studied for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	3 studies	86 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Coenzyme Q10 administration has no effect on sICAM-1 and metabolic parameters of pediatrics with type 1 diabetes mellitusInt J Vitam Nutr Res · PMID 31942840 Clinical trial of the effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on glycemic control and markers of lipid profiles in diabetic hemodialysis patientsInt Urol Nephrol · PMID 30251010 Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on glycemic control: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.EClinicalMedicine · PMID 35958521
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	353 people
Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl) Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Metabolic Indicators in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Clin Ther · PMID 39904656 Effectiveness of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisInt J Endocrinol · PMID 30305810 Treatment of coenzyme Q10 for 24 weeks improves lipid and glycemic profile in dyslipidemic individualsJ Clin Lipidol · PMID 29454678 and 1 more on the Coenzyme Q10 page
	Follicle-Stimulating Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	140 people
Studies that measured follicle-stimulating hormone Efficacy and Safety of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysisReprod Sci · PMID 35941510 Hormonal and Metabolic Effects of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Vitamin E in Patients With Polycystic Ovary SyndromeJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 30202998
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	353 people
Studies that measured total cholesterol Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Lipid Profiles in Adults: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.J Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 36337001 The Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Metabolic Profiles of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Curr Pharm Des · PMID 30417782
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	353 people
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) Effect of coenzyme Q10 on risk of atherosclerosis in patients with recent myocardial infarctionMol Cell Biochem · PMID 12841346
	Estrogen	Changes; see studies			394 people
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			86 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			86 people
	Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			414 people
	Luteinizing Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			224 people
	Progesterone	Improves (the measure goes up)			519 people
	Sex Hormone Binding Globulin	Improves (the measure goes up)			86 people
	Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)			529 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			353 people

Vitamin D

Blood glucose: improves
Insulin: changes; see studies
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves

Vitamin D: outcomes studied for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	2 studies	691 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on vascular and metabolic health of vitamin D-deficient overweight and obese children: a randomized clinical trial.Am J Clin Nutr · PMID 31950134 The impact of vitamin D supplementation on glycemic control and lipid metabolism in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.BMC Endocr Disord · PMID 40259331
	Insulin	Changes; see studies		3 studies	691 people
Studies that measured insulin Effects of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on pancreatic β cell function, insulin sensitivity, and glycemia in adults at high risk of diabetes: the Calcium and Vitamin D for Diabetes Mellitus (CaDDM) randomized controlled trialAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 21715514 Efficacy of vitamin D supplementation on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Diabetes Obes Metab · PMID 39355942 Vitamin D Supplementation Affects the Beck Depression Inventory, Insulin Resistance, and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical TrialJ Nutr · PMID 26609167
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	691 people
Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl) Vitamin D3 supplementation does not modify cardiovascular risk profile of adults with inadequate vitamin D statusEur J Nutr · 2015 · PMID 26621634 The effect of vitamin D supplementation on clinical symptoms and metabolic profiles in patients with endometriosisGynecol Endocrinol · PMID 33508990 Vitamin D supplementation enhances the beneficial effects of weight loss on cardiovascular disease risk markersAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 19321573
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			691 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			691 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			691 people
	vLDL-C	Improves (the measure goes down)			691 people

Resveratrol

Acne Symptoms: improves
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
Weight: improves

Resveratrol: outcomes studied for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Acne Symptoms Moderate Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Moderate effect	1 study	169 people
Studies that measured acne symptoms Resveratrol-containing gel for the treatment of acne vulgaris: a single-blind, vehicle-controlled, pilot studyAm J Clin Dermatol · PMID 21348544
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	148 people
Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp) Evidence-based nutritional and pharmacological interventions targeting chronic low-grade inflammation in middle-age and older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Ageing Res Rev · PMID 29803716 Can resveratrol supplement change inflammatory mediators? A systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized clinical trials.Eur J Clin Nutr · PMID 30013206 The effects of resveratrol supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Food Funct · PMID 30426122
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	1,265 people
Studies that measured weight Resveratrol supplementation significantly influences obesity measures: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Obes Rev · PMID 30515938 Efficacy of Resveratrol Supplementation on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic ReviewFront Physiol · PMID 35431994 A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials on the Impact of Resveratrol Supplementation on Anthropometric Indices in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.Phytother Res · PMID 40842160
	Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	135 people
Studies that measured kidney function Resveratrol may mildly improve renal function in the general adult population: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.Nutr Res · PMID 36996691 Effects of resveratrol supplementation on renal function in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol · PMID 40580309
	Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	169 people
Studies that measured testosterone Efficacy of resveratrol in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Pan Afr Med J · PMID 37333786 Effects of resveratrol on polycystic ovarian syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Endocrine · PMID 37568063
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	108 people
	Vascular Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	1,034 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	169 people
	Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)	Improves (the measure goes up)			894 people
	Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			516 people
	Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			1,418 people
	DHEAS	Improves (the measure goes up)			108 people
	Excessive Hair Growth	Improves (the measure goes up)			169 people
	Fertility	Improves (the measure goes up)			218 people
	Follicle-Stimulating Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			169 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			169 people
	Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1	Changes; see studies			1,034 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			169 people
	Luteinizing Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			169 people
	Plasminogen Inhibitor-1	Improves (the measure goes up)			1,034 people
	Prolactin	Improves (the measure goes up)			387 people
	Serum Albumin	Improves (the measure goes up)			516 people
	Sex Hormone Binding Globulin	Improves (the measure goes up)			108 people
	Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			139 people
	Uric Acid	Improves (the measure goes down)			353 people
	Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			753 people

L-Carnitine

Atherosclerotic Signs
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Total cholesterol: improves

L-Carnitine: outcomes studied for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Studies	People
	Atherosclerotic Signs Mixed effect		1 study	60 people
Studies that measured atherosclerotic signs Effects of Carnitine Administration on Carotid Intima-media Thickness and Inflammatory Factors in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled TrialInt J Prev Med · PMID 31360336
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)	12 studies	60 people
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) Comparative study to evaluate the effect of l-carnitine plus glimepiride versus glimepiride alone on insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patientsDiabetes Metab Syndr · PMID 30641691 Effects of simvastatin and carnitine versus simvastatin on lipoprotein(a) and apoprotein(a) in type 2 diabetes mellitusExpert Opin Pharmacother · PMID 19618992 Comparison between orlistat plus l-carnitine and orlistat alone on inflammation parameters in obese diabetic patientsFundam Clin Pharmacol · PMID 21077943 and 9 more on the L-Carnitine page
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)	6 studies	839 people
Studies that measured total cholesterol Effect of oral L-carnitine administration on insulin sensitivity and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus patientsAnn Nutr Metab · PMID 18714152 Effects of carnitine on glucose and lipid metabolic profiles and fertility outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Endocrinol · PMID 36746677 Oral carnitine supplementation reduces body weight and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialClin Endocrinol · PMID 26666519 and 3 more on the L-Carnitine page
	Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)	5 studies	60 people
Studies that measured blood glucose L-Carnitine's Effect on the Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsNutrients · PMID 32932644 Ameliorating hypertension and insulin resistance in subjects at increased cardiovascular risk: effects of acetyl-L-carnitine therapyHypertension · PMID 19620516 Effects of exercise intensity and altered substrate availability on cardiovascular and metabolic responses to exercise after oral carnitine supplementation in athletesInt J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab · PMID 21813919 and 2 more on the L-Carnitine page
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)	4 studies	839 people
Studies that measured triglycerides The effects of L-carnitine supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in participants with impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.Diabetol Metab Syndr · PMID 39085907 Effects of combined treatment with simvastatin and L-carnitine on triglyceride levels in diabetic patients with hyperlipidaemiaClin Drug Investig · PMID 23315432 Effects of L-carnitine supplementation on lipid profiles in patients with coronary artery diseaseLipids Health Dis · PMID 27317162 and 1 more on the L-Carnitine page
	Insulin	Changes; see studies	3 studies	839 people
	Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)	1 study	180 people
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)	1 study	60 people
	Beta-cell function	Improves (the measure goes up)		60 people
	DHEAS	Improves (the measure goes up)		60 people
	Free Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		60 people
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		60 people
	Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)		839 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		839 people
	Nitric Oxide	Improves (the measure goes up)		60 people
	vLDL-C	Improves (the measure goes down)		60 people

Chromium

Acne Symptoms: improves
Weight: improves
Glycemic Control: improves

Chromium: outcomes studied for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Acne Symptoms Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		60 people
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		12 studies	5 people
Studies that measured weight Chromium picolinate supplementation in women: effects on body weight, composition, and iron statusNutrition · PMID 17291720 Effect of resistance training with or without chromium picolinate supplementation on glucose metabolism in older men and womenMetabolism · PMID 10337851 Chromium supplementation shortens QTc interval duration in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitusAm Heart J · PMID 15990745 and 9 more on the Chromium page
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		9 studies	69 people
Studies that measured glycemic control The effects of inorganic chromium and brewer's yeast on glucose tolerance, plasma lipids, and plasma chromium in elderly subjectsAm J Clin Nutr · 1985 · PMID 3898805 Chromium picolinate supplementation attenuates body weight gain and increases insulin sensitivity in subjects with type 2 diabetesDiabetes Care · PMID 16873787 Chromium treatment has no effect in patients with type 2 diabetes in a Western population: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialDiabetes Care · PMID 17303791 and 6 more on the Chromium page
	Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	351 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Effects of acute chromium supplementation on postprandial metabolism in healthy young menJ Am Coll Nutr · 2004 · PMID 15310739 Effect of Chromium Supplementation on Blood Glucose and Lipid Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysisBiol Trace Elem Res · PMID 33783683 Beneficial effects of oral chromium picolinate supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized clinical studyJ Trace Elem Med Biol · PMID 26302914 and 3 more on the Chromium page
	Follicle-Stimulating Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	351 people
Studies that measured follicle-stimulating hormone Chromium supplementation and polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysisJ Trace Elem Med Biol · PMID 28595797 The Effects of Chromium Supplementation on Endocrine Profiles, Biomarkers of Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled TrialBiol Trace Elem Res · PMID 26613790 Chromium picolinate improves insulin sensitivity in obese subjects with polycystic ovary syndromeFertil Steril · PMID 16730719
	Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	550 people
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	399 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	64 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies		1 study	351 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	64 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	64 people
	vLDL-C	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	64 people
	Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			351 people
	Excessive Hair Growth	Improves (the measure goes up)			351 people
	Free Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)			351 people
	Glutathione (GSH)	Improves (the measure goes up)			550 people
	Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			399 people
	Luteinizing Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			351 people
	Progesterone	Improves (the measure goes up)			60 people
	Prolactin	Improves (the measure goes up)			60 people
	Serum DHEA	Improves (the measure goes up)			351 people
	Sex Hormone Binding Globulin	Improves (the measure goes up)			5 people
	Superoxide Dismutase Activity	Improves (the measure goes up)			550 people
	Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)			5 people
	TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			399 people
	Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)			550 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			64 people

Green Tea Extract

Body Fat
Weight: improves
Body Mass Index (BMI): improves

Green Tea Extract: outcomes studied for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Body Fat No effect		NoneNo effect	2 studies	79 people
Studies that measured body fat Green tea catechin consumption enhances exercise-induced abdominal fat loss in overweight and obese adultsJ Nutr · PMID 19074207 Effects of catechin enriched green tea on body compositionObesity · PMID 19680234
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	169 people
Studies that measured weight Green tea for weight loss and weight maintenance in overweight or obese adultsCochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 23235664 Effect of green tea extract on obese women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trialClin Nutr · PMID 18468736 Green tea supplementation affects body weight, lipids, and lipid peroxidation in obese subjects with metabolic syndromeJ Am Coll Nutr · PMID 20595643 and 3 more on the Green Tea Extract page
	Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			109 people
	Food Intake	Changes; see studies			79 people
	Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			75 people
	Waist-Hip Ratio	Improves (the measure goes up)			109 people

Fish Oil

Adiponectin
Triglycerides: improves
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves

Fish Oil: outcomes studied for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Adiponectin No effect		NoneNo effect		51 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		24 studies	51 people
Studies that measured triglycerides Effects of a Small Quantity of omega-3 Fatty Acids on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in NIDDM. A Randomized, Prospective, Double-Blind, Controlled StudyDiabetes Care · PMID 8112187 Benefits of fish oil supplementation in hyperlipidemia: a systematic review and meta-analysisInt J Cardiol · PMID 18774613 Efficacy and tolerability of adding prescription omega-3 fatty acids 4 g/d to simvastatin 40 mg/d in hypertriglyceridemic patients: an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studyClin Ther · PMID 17825687 and 21 more on the Fish Oil page
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	51 people
Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp) Intake of n-3 fatty acids from fish does not lower serum concentrations of C-reactive protein in healthy subjectsEur J Clin Nutr · PMID 15100717 The effect of dietary n-3 fatty acids on serum concentrations of C-reactive protein: a dose-response studyBr J Nutr · PMID 12654170 Effect of Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on markers of platelet and endothelial function in patients with peripheral arterial diseaseAtherosclerosis · PMID 22296885 and 1 more on the Fish Oil page
	Insulin	Changes; see studies		4 studies	51 people
Studies that measured insulin Effects of fish oil supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism in NIDDMDiabetes · PMID 2676659 Metabolic effects of omega-3 fatty acids in type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic patientsAnn N Y Acad Sci · PMID 8251021 Moderate intake of n-3 fatty acids for 2 months has no detrimental effect on glucose metabolism and could ameliorate the lipid profile in type 2 diabetic men. Results of a controlled studyDiabetes Care · PMID 9589230 and 1 more on the Fish Oil page
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	51 people
Studies that measured hba1c The efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on plasma homocysteine and malondialdehyde levels of type 2 diabetic patientsNutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis · PMID 19540739 Treatment for 2 mo with n 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces adiposity and some atherogenic factors but does not improve insulin sensitivity in women with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled studyAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 18065585
	Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)			51 people
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			102 people
	Leptin	Improves (the measure goes up)			51 people
	Serum DHEA	Improves (the measure goes up)			51 people
	Sex Hormone Binding Globulin	Improves (the measure goes up)			51 people
	Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)			51 people

Fennel

Infant Growth

Fennel: outcomes studied for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Infant Growth No effect		NoneNo effect		78 people

Magnesium

Acne Symptoms
Blood glucose: improves
Blood Pressure: improves

Magnesium: outcomes studied for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Acne Symptoms No effect		NoneNo effect		64 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		17 studies	142 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		10 studies	100 people
Serum Magnesium	Improves (the measure goes up)		6 studies	141 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	84 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	142 people
Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	142 people
Quality of Life	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	64 people
Sleep Quality	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	84 people
Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	166 people
Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)			142 people
Hair Regrowth	Improves (the measure goes up)			64 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			142 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			142 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			142 people
Luteinizing Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			57 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)			84 people
Progesterone	Improves (the measure goes up)			57 people
Serum DHEA	Improves (the measure goes up)			57 people
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin	Improves (the measure goes up)			102 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			84 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)			84 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			142 people
Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			142 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			142 people

Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)

Adiponectin
Triglycerides: changes; see studies
HbA1c: changes; see studies

Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA): outcomes studied for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin No effect on adiponectin		NoneNo effect		51 people
Triglycerides	Changes; see studies		3 studies	51 people
HbA1c	Changes; see studies		2 studies	51 people
Blood glucose	Changes; see studies		1 study	51 people
Apolipoprotein B	Changes; see studies			51 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Changes; see studies			51 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			51 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			51 people
Insulin Resistance	Changes; see studies			51 people
Leptin	Improves (the measure goes up)			51 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			51 people
Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies			51 people

Resistant Starch

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
TNF-Alpha: improves
Interleukin 6: improves

Resistant Starch: outcomes studied for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) No effect		NoneNo effect		467 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	467 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			467 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)			467 people
Superoxide Dismutase Activity	Improves (the measure goes up)			467 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)			467 people

Licorice

Body Mass Index (BMI): improves

Licorice: outcomes studied for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Body Mass Index (BMI)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	66 people

Key findings

Blood glucoseCurcuminImproves (the measure goes down)
Apolipoprotein BBerberineImproves (the measure goes down)
Acne SymptomsResveratrolImproves (the measure goes down)

The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) protocol

2 primary supplements · 5 supporting supplements

Inositol (Myo-inositol + D-chiro-inositol)2–4 g myo-inositol + 50–100 mg D-chiro-inositol daily (40:1 ratio)
Berberine500 mg 2–3× daily with meals

See the full protocol

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Studies cited

3 studies from PubMed

High-intensity interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training for polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Front Endocrinol · PMID 41180193
Modulation of hormonal, metabolic, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in women with polycystic ovary syndrome following combined (resistant and endurance) training: a randomized controlled trail.BMC Endocr Disord · PMID 39748376
Weight loss effects of non-pharmacological interventions in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.PeerJ · PMID 40256727

Evidence by supplement

Key findings

The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) protocol

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Studies cited

Related conditions

Supplement stack for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)