Lepidium meyenii, known as maca or Peruvian ginseng, is an edible herbaceous biennial plant of the family Brassicaceae that is native to South America in the high Andes mountains of Peru. It was found exclusively at the Meseta de Bombón plateau close to Lake Junin in the late 1980s. It is grown for its fleshy hypocotyl that is fused with a taproot, which is typically dried, but may also be freshly cooked as a root vegetable. If it is dried, it may be further processed into a flour for baking or as ...

lepidium meyenii

Sleepy-poppy-(Papaver-somniferum)

Sleepy poppy (Papaver somniferum) 

Sleepy-poppy-(Papaver-somniferum)_0_0

The sleeping poppy is mostly known due to the opium that is extracted from it. That's why it's often called opium poppy. It is a herbaceous one-year-old plant that reaches a height of about 1 meter. It is believed that the motherland of the sleeping poppy is the Eastern Mediterranean, but nowadays it is widespread in almost all of Europe and Asia. The stem of the plant is grayish - greenish, covered with hard lint. The leaves in the lower part of the stem are large and on separate lobes, and at the top are smaller, enveloping the stem. The colors are relatively large - white or red. The fruit is a box in which the amount of biologically active substances of maca - alkaloids, are at their highest content. They are contained in milk juice called latex, which leaks by making cuts of fruit cans. The withered milk juice is squeezed and alkaloids are extracted from it, the main of which is morphine, known to everyone. Its use is large and subject to strict control. Morphine remains an indispensable opioid analgesic that acts at the central level - it binds to specific receptors in the brain, as a result of which it causes a number of effects on the body. In addition to analgesic action, alkaloid also has a sleepy effect, hence the name of the maca. Morphine is also used in the pharmaceutical industry as a feedstock to obtain other substances with pharmacological effects. For alkaloids extracted from opium, the information is extensive, but the focus of this topic is poppy seeds.

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Poppy-seeds-are-rich-in-nutrients

Poppy seeds are rich in nutrients 

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Seeds of the sleeping poppy contain important trace elements, vitamins, minerals, fiber, vegetable fats and in a smaller amount of protein. Fiber stimulates motor skills of the intestine, the thus improving digestion and condition in constipation. Of the trace elements the highest is the content of manganese and copper, which are involved in important physiological and biochemical processes in the body. They also contain zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, calcium. Poppy oil, which is obtained most often by cold pressing of seeds, is rich in omega acids ( omega-6 , omega-9 and in a smaller amount of omega-3). They contribute to maintaining cholesterol in norms and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

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Antioxidant-action-of-poppy-seeds

Antioxidant action of poppy seeds 

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Poppy seeds are rich in polyphenols - biologically active substances that are some of the most common and known antioxidants. Their action is expressed in the destruction of free radicals, which are harmful to the body. This prevents the occurrence of oxidative stress in the body, which would lead to the unlocking of certain diseases, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3651847/" target="_blank" data-ref="Page not available" rel="noopener">such as cardiovascular or tumour.</a>&nbsp;[ref. 1]&nbsp;

Poppy-oil-improves-skin-condition

Poppy oil improves skin condition 

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&nbsp;The mono- and polyunsaturated fats contained in poppy oil bring benefits to the body both externally and internally. As already mentioned, omega fatty acids reduce the risk of heart attack and other heart disease, but poppy oil intake should be moderate. Studies show that the oil applied to the skin has a beneficial effect - it helps heal wounds and prevents the occurrence of scaly lesions on the skin. More evidence of these effects is needed. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/" target="_blank" data-ref="Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils" rel="noopener">[Ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;

Consumption-and-safety-of-poppy-seeds-and-poppy-oil

Consumption and safety of poppy seeds and poppy oil 

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The sleeping poppy is poisonous except for seeds that are edible and useful in small quantities. However, it is important to buy poppy seeds from checked locations in order to avoid the consumption of seeds that may be contaminated during harvesting or from pests that turn out to be poisonous (contaminated with alkaloids). Before use, they must be washed and should not be used in large quantities. There is no set dose for daily intake of poppy seed, but the amount in the baked or in dishes is enough.

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In general, the intake of poppy seeds and poppy oil is safe, but hypersensitivity reactions (allergy, anaphylactic shock) may occur. In this case, medical attention should be sought. The application of oil to the skin is also well tolerable, but if a rash, itching or redness occurs, it should be discontinued.

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Interestingly, after consuming poppy seeds, an opium drug test can positive. Up to 48 hours after the use of the seeds, morphine and codeine can be found in the urine. &nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12587685/" target="_blank" data-ref="Urinary concentrations of morphine and codeine after consumption of poppy seeds - PubMed" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;

&nbsp; We already know that if we prepare muffins or tortillas with poppy seeds, besides tastier, they will be more useful. It is important to be careful when buying the seeds, and wash them well before use. &nbsp;

Benefits of Poppy Seed Consumption

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Елена Коцева

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) <a href="/p/kakva_ie_vrzkata_miezhdu_polikistoznitie_iaichnitsi_insulinovata_riezistientnost_i_biezplodiieto_d3998f8b_139b_48b0_9d2a_33ba35debf57" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a>is a complex endocrine disease that needs to be considered and treated taking into account all its aspects. Often the condition is related to something else - insulin resistance and this fact can be used as a starting point for treatment [<a href="../p/kakva_ie_vrzkata_miezhdu_polikistoznitie_iaichnitsi_insulinovata_riezistientnost_i_biezplodiieto_d3998f8b_139b_48b0_9d2a_33ba35debf57" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]. If insulin resistance is controlled, this will have a significant positive effect on polycystic ovary syndrome.

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Several characteristic manifestations of the syndrome are observed: the formation of cysts in the ovaries, lack of ovulation, irregular menstrual cycle, increased hair growth, acne, thinning of hair. Cysts in the ovaries are the most typical symptom and are detected during ultrasound examination by a gynecologist.

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Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common causes of infertility in women, due to the fact that ovulation does not occur or it is difficult to predict when this is most likely to happen if it does.

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More and more women are looking for alternative ways to tackle the problem, i.e. <a href="/p/kakva_ie_vrzkata_miezhdu_polikistoznitie_iaichnitsi_insulinovata_riezistientnost_i_biezplodiieto_d3998f8b_139b_48b0_9d2a_33ba35debf57" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a> regulating the cycle with changes in lifestyle, nutrition, with the help of herbs and andsupplements. In the article "<a href="../p/kakva_ie_vrzkata_miezhdu_polikistoznitie_iaichnitsi_insulinovata_riezistientnost_i_biezplodiieto_d3998f8b_139b_48b0_9d2a_33ba35debf57" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What is the connection between polycystic ovaries, insulin resistance and infertility</a>", we discussed the importance of sports and nutrition to deal with the problem, and in this article we will focus on herbs and supplements for which there is scientific evidence that can help those who suffer from polycystic ovaries.

Herbs-for-polycystic-ovary-syndrome

Herbs for polycystic ovary syndrome

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As mentioned, polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex condition, Since reproductive health is loaded with additional emotional burden, this problem requires particular respect - it is extremely important to consult with your physician about each herb or supplement that you would like to take, so as not to inadvertently aggravate your condition. Each organism has its own specifics and each case is different - the doctor's job is to detect these differences and prescribe individual therapy to each patient.

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In the following lines, we will look at scientific data on the benefits of certain herbs and supplements - information you can discuss with your physician. :)

Liquorice-root-lowers-testosterone-levels-(Glycyrrhiza-glabra-and-Glycyrrhiza-uralensis)

Liquorice root lowers testosterone levels (Glycyrrhiza glabra  and  Glycyrrhiza uralensis)

Liquorice-root-lowers-testosterone-levels-(Glycyrrhiza-glabra-and-Glycyrrhiza-uralensis)_0_0

Several preclinical and clinical trials of the effect of licorice have been conducted and it has been found that the herb can lower levels of testosterone and androgens in the blood, as well as improve the frequency of ovulation in women with polycystic ovaries [<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Herbal_medicine_for_the_management_of_polycystic_ovary_syndrome_PCOS_and_associated_oligo_amenorrhoea_and_hyperandrogenism_a_review_of_the_laboratory_evidence_for_effects_with_corroborative_clinical_findings_25524718" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>].

Liquorice-root-lowers-testosterone-levels-(Glycyrrhiza-glabra-and-Glycyrrhiza-uralensis)_0_1

Licorice can also help metabolize sugar if a woman also has insulin resistance, improving insulin sensitivity [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Glycyrrhizic_acid_improved_lipoprotein_lipase_expression_insulin_sensitivity_serum_lipid_and_lipid_deposition_in_high_fat_diet_induced_obese_rats_20670429" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>].

Liquorice-root-lowers-testosterone-levels-(Glycyrrhiza-glabra-and-Glycyrrhiza-uralensis)_0_2

Maca-improves-fertility-in-both-men-and-women-(Lepidium-meyenii)

Maca improves fertility in both men and women (Lepidium meyenii)

Maca-improves-fertility-in-both-men-and-women-(Lepidium-meyenii)_0_0

Maca is also known as Peruvian ginseng. The root of the maca plant is often recommended as a means of improving fertility in both men and women, and for increasing libido. Unfortunately, there are no clinical trials that prove the benefit of maca in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, although the herb is used and prescribed very often. [<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7505790/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>]

Vitex-regulates-the-levels-of-hormones-(Vitex-agnus-castus)

Vitex regulates the levels of hormones (Vitex agnus-castus)

Vitex-regulates-the-levels-of-hormones-(Vitex-agnus-castus)_0_0

This tree has many names - chaste tree (or chastetree), chasteberry, Abraham's balm, lilac chastetree, or monk's pepper. It is good to keep in mind that it can suppress sexual desire. There is evidence that it regulates the levels of sex hormones, cycles and can increase the chances of success in getting pregnant. [<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305953583_The_Effects_of_Combined_Low-Dose_Oral_Contraceptives_and_Vitex_Agnus_on_the_Improvement_of_Clinical_and_Paraclinical_Parameters_of_Polycystic_Ovarian_Syndrome_A_Triple-Blind_Randomized_Controlled_Clin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.5</a>]

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Black-cohosh-has-multiple-effects-on-female-reproductive-system-(Cimicifuga-racemosa)

Black cohosh has multiple effects on female reproductive system (Cimicifuga racemosa)

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The plant is also known as black bugbane, black snakeroot, or fairy candle. Several preclinical and at least 3 clinical studies have been conducted on the effects of black cohosh in women suffering from PCOS. Their results are encouraging and include lowering LH (luteinizing hormone), optimizing the ratio between hormones LH and FSH (favors ovulation) [<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23347605/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.6</a>], positive influence on the thickness of the endometrium (uterine mucosa) and others. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Herbal_medicine_for_the_management_of_polycystic_ovary_syndrome_PCOS_and_associated_oligo_amenorrhoea_and_hyperandrogenism_a_review_of_the_laboratory_evidence_for_effects_with_corroborative_clinical_findings_25524718" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

Chinese-cinnamon-or-Chinese-cassia-(Cinnamon-cassia)

Chinese cinnamon or Chinese cassia (Cinnamon cassia)

Chinese-cinnamon-or-Chinese-cassia-(Cinnamon-cassia)_0_0

The cassia is a relative of the cinnamon and its bark is also used as a spice. There are at least two studies that show beneficial effect of the plant in polycystic ovary syndrome. One was conducted in rats and compared the effects of metformin with those of the herb [<a href="https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Metabolic-Changes-and-Hormonal-Disturbances-in-Rats-Heibashy/953f4a4b32ec2196d1753d87aac2bf4cd7907605" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.7</a>]. The other was conducted in overweight women&nbsp; and those with PCOS [<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/The_effect_of_cinnamon_extract_on_insulin_resistance_parameters_in_polycystic_ovary_syndrome_a_pilot_study_17296187" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.8</a>].

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The results: in the first study, cassia extract lowered testosterone, LH and insulin resistance to the same extent as metformin; in the second study, women's metabolic profile improved.

Tribulus-terrestris

Tribulus terrestris

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In the 1980s, Bulgarian scientists conducted two clinical trials in women and found that the herb Tribulus terrestris increased FSH in healthy women [ref. 9] and induced ovulation in women who did not ovulate&nbsp;[ref.10].

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In more recent studies, ovulation was also observed in polycystic ovary syndrome rat models after treatment with the herb [<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21883512/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.11</a>].

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According to a 2019 science review, <a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/relation/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B7%D0%BD%D0%B8%20%D0%AF%D0%B9%D1%87%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%86%D0%B8/%D1%81%D0%BC%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%83%D1%85/-14762/-herb/5--" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and <a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/relation/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B7%D0%BD%D0%B8%20%D0%AF%D0%B9%D1%87%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%86%D0%B8/cinnamomum%20verum/-14482/-herb/11--" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) are also worth attention, as they may exhibit additional positive effects on ovulation and menstrual disorders, obesity, insulin resistance, fat metabolism disorders and high levels of male sex hormones - androgens. [<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40199-019-00312-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.12</a>]

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  5 herbs useful for diabetics and people at risk of the disease

Other-supplements-and-minerals

Other supplements and minerals

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Some vitamins and minerals can also alleviate the symptoms of the disease and have a beneficial effect on the regulation of the menstrual cycle.

Inositol-(vitamin-B8)---ratio-between-its-two-forms-is-the-key

Inositol (vitamin B8) - ratio between its two forms is the key

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It has been found that inositol restores ovulation and improves insulin sensitivity in women suffering from PCOS. It is found in two forms (stereoisomers) in supplements - myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Effects_of_myo_inositol_in_women_with_PCOS_a_systematic_review_of_randomized_controlled_trials_22296306" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.13</a>]

Inositol-(vitamin-B8)---ratio-between-its-two-forms-is-the-key_1_1

In a 2020 article, scientists from the South Florida Institute of Reproductive Medicine wrote:

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"... it is important to know that D-chiro-inositol treatment may be beneficial when administered in low doses, yet the progressive increase of its dosage results in the loss of its advantageous effects on the reproductive performance of women and a deterioration in the quality of blastocysts created via in vitro fertilization (IVF). In addition, we have to consider that the intestinal absorption of myo-inositol is reduced by the simultaneous administration of D-chiro-inositol since the two stereoisomers compete with each other for the same transporter that has similar affinity for each of them. A decrease in myo-inositol absorption is also found when it is coadministered with inhibitors of sugar intestinal absorption and/or types of sugars such as sorbitol, maltodextrin, and sucralose. The combination of these may require higher amounts of myo-inositol in order to reach a therapeutic dosage compared to inositol administration alone, a particularly important fact when physicians strive to obtain a specific plasma level of the stereoisomer. Finally, we must point out that D-chiro-inositol was found to be an aromatase inhibitor which increases androgens and may have harmful consequences for women. Therefore, the inositol supplements used in PCOS treatment must be carefully defined. Clinical evidence has demonstrated that the 40 : 1 ratio between myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol is the optimal combination to restore ovulation in PCOS women. Therefore, it is quite surprising to find that inositol-based treatments for PCOS seem to be randomly chosen and are often combined with useless or even counterproductive molecules, all of which can weaken myo-inositol's efficacy." [<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7140126/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.14</a>]

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Unfortunately, the same disproportion in the ratio between the two forms of inositol is also observed in widespread additives on the market.

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Zinc-is-important-for-both-men-and-women

Zinc is important for both men and women

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Zinc is a trace element that is proven to be important for the proper functioning of the immune and reproductive system in both men and women. It can help regulate the menstrual cycle, affect insulin resistance and reduce the number of ovarian cysts [<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/therapeutic_effects_of_organic_zinc_on_reproductive_hormones_insulin_resistance_and_mtor_expression_as_a_novel_component_in_a_rat_model_of_polycystic_ovary_syndrome_32405346" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.15</a>].

Vitamin-D-deficiency-is-a-risk-factor-for-PCOS

Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for PCOS

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It has been found that a large percentage of women with polycystic ovary syndrome have vitamin D deficiency [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/search?q=vitamin%20d%20pcos&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9&amp;as=ARTICLE%3APUBMED%3A19628650" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.16</a>]. There is evidence that restoring normal levels of this vitamin in the body can help deal with the problem.

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According to one study in rats, the vitamin has contributed to normalization of the structure of the endometrium (lining of the uterus), which favors implantation of the embryo if fertilization occurs. In women with PCOS, implantation is difficult. [<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Investigation_of_the_uterine_structural_changes_in_the_experimental_model_with_polycystic_ovary_syndrome_and_effects_of_vitamin_D_treatment_An_ultrastructural_and_immunohistochemical_study_29325695" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.17</a>]

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This article does not claim to be exhaustive, but we hope that it will give guidance to sufferers of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and will contribute to improving their chances of getting pregnant and dealing with the problem.

lepidium meyenii

Which herbs and supplements regulate the cycle in polycystic ovary syndrome for easier conception