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Artemisinin, a compound traditionally used for malaria treatment, has shown potential in easing symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to a recent study involving humans and laboratory animals.

PCOS, characterized by elevated levels of androgens (male hormones), manifests through symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, and acne. It affects 10% to 13% of reproductive-age women and is associated with complications such as infertility and metabolic disorders like insulin resistance, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

The study, published in Science, demonstrated that artemisinin and its derivatives significantly improved PCOS symptoms in both human participants and rodents. Nineteen individuals with PCOS symptoms, including irregular periods and high testosterone levels, participated in the study. Ultrasound examinations revealed enlarged ovaries with fluid-filled sacs, known as follicle cysts, which are common in PCOS.

As per Live Science, participants received an artemisinin derivative orally three times daily for three months. Notably, the treatment showed no reported side effects and effectively lowered testosterone levels in all participants. It also reduced levels of anti-Müllerian hormone, which is often elevated in PCOS, and led to fewer ovarian cysts, decreased ovarian enlargement, and more regular menstrual cycles.

Anna Benrick, a physiologist from the University of Gothenburg, noted that while artemisinin shows promise as a treatment for PCOS, the study's small sample size limits its scope, particularly in assessing its impact on metabolic issues associated with the syndrome.

Research on rodents indicated that artemisinin acts by inhibiting the enzyme CYP11A1 in the ovaries, which plays a crucial role in androgen production. This mechanism suggests a potential therapeutic approach to mitigate PCOS symptoms related to excessive androgen levels.

"Because elevated testosterone is one of the main features and cause of most PCOS-related symptoms and comorbidities, treatment aimed at reducing androgen production is a rational target," Benrick explained. Artemisinin "represents a promising new approach to lowering those androgens," she said.

Further studies are needed to explore artemisinin's efficacy in addressing broader PCOS symptoms and its impact on metabolic dysfunction. Additionally, investigating its effects on offspring of PCOS-affected individuals could provide insights into preventing the condition in future generations.