Systematic review and meta-analysis of animal experiments on Bushen formulas for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.

The treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with Bushen traditional Chinese medicine has a long history. Every year, there are animal experiments on Bushen formulas for the treatment of PCOS. The evidence from these preclinical studies is still unclear. This study summarizes and evaluates the animal experimental results of Bushen formulas in the treatment of PCOS. To explore the effects of using Bushen formulas to treat animal models of PCOS on body weight, sexual disorders and insulin resistance. As of 9 October 2023, this review made a detailed search of eight databases to look for random controlled trials (RCTs) focused on the use of Bushen formulas in PCOS animal models. Conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the included literature. Screening of the literature was performed independently, and data were extracted and assessed. A meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Compared with the model group, the animals treated with Bushen formulas showed a decrease in ovarian mass (MD = - 1.01, 95% CI = [- 1.5, - 0.52], P < 0.0001), testosterone (T) level (MD = - 2.57, 95% CI = [- 2.91, - 2.23], P < 0.00001), body weight (MD = - 22.07, 95% CI = [- 31.12, - 13.03], P < 0.00001), luteinizing hormone (LH) level (MD = - 1.43, 95% CI = [- 1.79, - 1.08], P < 0.00001), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) level (MD = - 3.26, 95% CI = [- 4.5]). - 2.02%, P < 0.00001), and an increase in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level (MD = 0.96, 95% CI = [0.61, 1.30], P < 0.00001). The use of Bushen formulas can reduce ovarian mass, testosterone, body weight, LH, HOMA-IR, increase FSH in animal models, and improve symptoms related to polycystic ovary syndrome. However, the heterogeneities between studies are too high, therefore, we need to further investigate their potential mechanisms in order to guide clinical medication better.