OBJECTIVETo investigate the therapeutic effect and the possible mechanism of Bushen Huayu Qutan Recipe (BHQR, a Chinese recipe formulated according to the therapeutic principle of nourishing Shen, resolving stasis and dispelling phlegm) on polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

METHODSBHQR was used, both internally and externally, to treat 46 patients with PCOS, and combined with diformin if necessary. Six successive months treatment was regarded as one course. The clinical symptoms and signs, including obesity, polytrichia, acne and acanthosis, were observed and scored before and after treatment; and serum levels of hormones and insulin were measured as well.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the scores of symptoms and signs of patients were significantly lowered (P<0.05 for obesity and P <0.01 for others), significant lowering was also found in serum level of testosterone (P<0.05), fasting serum insulin (P<0.01) and the values of insulin and insulin area under curve (P<0.05) 30 min and 60 min after glucose load.

CONCLUSIONBHQR could not only significantly relieve the symptoms and signs of patients with PCOS, but also regulate well the ovarian function.