Asafoetida boosts menstrual regularity and pregnancy success in PCOS patients

In a recent study, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients experienced improved menstrual cycles and higher pregnancy rates following Asafoetida treatment, highlighting its potential as a safe therapy. PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder associated with infertility among women. Hence, a double-blind randomized clinical trial by Najmeh Dehparvar et al. sought to compare the effect of Asafoetida with oral contraceptive tablets on 30 PCOS patients.

The enrolled participants received two periods of 21-day treatment on day 5 of their menstrual cycle, with 7 days of rest between the treatments. Half of the subjects received 1 g Asafoetida, while the rest received low dose oral contraceptive (1 tablet). Hematology, menstrual status, hirsutism, anthropometric characteristics, biochemistry parameters, and ovarian ultrasound examination were evaluated before and 14 days after treatment.

Menstrual cycles and pregnancy were examined eight months after treatment. Patients who got Asafoetida demonstrated a higher rate of pregnancy than those who received low dose oral contraceptive (p=0.019). In both groups, the duration between menstrual periods decreased (p<0.05). When compared to the low dose oral contraceptive  group, the Asafoetida group continued to experience regular menstrual cycles more frequently (p=0.001).

Following low dose oral contraceptive use, there was a substantial rise in the concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), and low density lipoprotein HDL (p<0.05). To sum up, Asafoetida use resulted in more regular menstrual cycles and higher pregnancy rates in PCOS patients, suggesting it as a safe and effective therapeutic option.