A study suggests that an antimalarial drug could address the underlying cause of symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS, characterized by elevated levels of male hormones known as androgens, causes irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, and acne. It also leads to complications like infertility and metabolic issues, including insulin resistance.
The antimalarial drug artemisinin has shown promise in alleviating PCOS symptoms, according to a study published in the journal Science on June 14. Researchers observed significant improvements in hormonal irregularities in both human participants and rodents treated with artemisinin derivatives.
In the study, 19 human participants with PCOS symptoms took an artemisinin derivative orally three times daily for three months. The treatment led to reduced testosterone levels and, in most cases, decreased levels of anti-Müllerian hormone, which is typically elevated in PCOS. This correlated with fewer ovarian cysts, reduced ovarian enlargement, and more regular menstrual cycles.
Anna Benrick, a physiologist from the University of Gothenburg, noted that while artemisinin shows promise, the study’s small sample size and lack of a placebo group are limitations. It remains uncertain whether artemisinin effectively addresses all PCOS symptoms, including metabolic issues.
In animal models, artemisinin was found to inhibit an enzyme called CYP11A1 in the ovaries of mice and rats. This enzyme plays a crucial role in androgen production, potentially explaining how artemisinin reduces androgen levels and alleviates PCOS symptoms.
Future research could explore artemisinin’s impact on metabolic dysfunctions associated with PCOS and its potential preventive effects on future generations at risk of the disorder.
