Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It's often characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, high levels of androgen hormones, and the presence of multiple ovarian cysts. Women with PCOS may also experience weight gain, insulin resistance, and chronic low-grade inflammation, which can lead to various health complications, including infertility, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have been investigating the potential benefits of dietary interventions, such as herbal supplements, for managing the symptoms of PCOS and reducing the associated inflammation. One such herb that has gained attention for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties is green cardamom.
Clinical trial
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigated the effects of green cardamom supplementation on the serum levels of inflammatory markers and their gene expression in obese women with PCOS. The study included 194 participants who were randomly assigned to two groups: an intervention group that received 3 grams of green cardamom per day, and a placebo group that received a placebo pill.
All participants were also put on a low-calorie diet to help with weight loss and improve insulin sensitivity. Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, and waist circumference, were taken at the beginning and end of the four-month intervention period. Blood samples were also collected to measure hormone levels and inflammatory markers.
Results
The study found that both the intervention and placebo groups showed improvements in their anthropometric measurements. However, the green cardamom group had significantly greater reductions in androgen hormones, including luteinizing hormone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone, and a significant increase in follicle-stimulating hormone compared to the placebo group.
Furthermore, the green cardamom group showed significant reductions in the serum levels of three key inflammatory markers: tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP). The expression levels of TNF-α and CRP genes were also significantly lower in the green cardamom group compared to the placebo group.
These findings suggest that green cardamom supplementation, in combination with a low-calorie diet, can help reduce chronic low-grade inflammation in women with PCOS. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of green cardamom may also help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of complications associated with PCOS.
The study provides promising evidence of the potential benefits of green cardamom supplementation for women with PCOS. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and to investigate the optimal dose and duration of supplementation.
Conclusion
PCOS is a common endocrine disorder that can lead to various health complications, including chronic low-grade inflammation. Green cardamom supplementation, in combination with a low-calorie diet, may help reduce inflammation and improve hormonal balance in women with PCOS. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the optimal dose and duration of supplementation.
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