Artemisinin Shows Promise in Reducing Ovarian Cysts and Restoring Menstrual Cycles

A new study suggests that artemisinin, a widely-used antimalarial drug, might be a breakthrough treatment for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine disorder affecting millions worldwide. The findings, reported in the June 14 issue of Science, indicate that artemisinin could significantly alleviate PCOS symptoms.

Researchers administered repeated doses of artemisinin to a small group of women with PCOS, observing notable improvements. Blood testosterone levels decreased, and ovarian health improved, with fewer cysts and normalized menstrual cycles. These promising results suggest that artemisinin, already effective against malaria, lupus, and cancer, could offer a new hope for those struggling with PCOS.

"This discovery could potentially change the landscape of PCOS treatment," remarked Elisabet Stener-Victorin, an endocrinologist at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. Despite PCOS's prevalence, its exact cause remains unknown, with treatments typically targeting individual symptoms like acne, excess hair growth, and infertility.

The journey began in 2016 when Qi-Qun Tang, a molecular biologist at Fudan University, identified artemisinin's potential to transform fat cells, aiding obesity treatment. Around the same time, researchers found that brown adipose tissue could treat PCOS in rats, leading Tang to investigate artemisinin's impact on PCOS.

The clinical study involved 19 women who took dihydroartemisinin, a form of artemisinin, three times daily for three months. Post-treatment, 12 women experienced regular menstrual cycles, and most had reduced testosterone levels and fewer ovarian follicles.

Biochemical tests showed that artemisinin helps degrade CYP11A1, a testosterone-producing protein, thus reducing testosterone levels. While these findings are preliminary, they open new avenues for PCOS treatment, with further studies planned to explore optimal dosages and long-term effects.