Efficacy of Azadirachta Indica and Zingiber Officinale on Hirsutism in Polycystic Ovarian Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

In a randomized controlled trial conducted at an Institute's Hospital in Bengaluru, the efficacy and safety of Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Zingiber officinale (Zanjabeel) were evaluated for treating hirsutism in women with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD). The study involved 40 hirsute women with a Modified Ferriman Gallwey Score (mFGS) of greater than 6. Participants were divided into two groups: the test group received a decoction of Neem (24 g) and Zanjabeel (4 g) in two divided doses, while the control group was given a standard drug regimen of cyproterone acetate (2 mg) and ethinyl estradiol (0.035 mg) orally from the 5th day of their cycle for 21 days per cycle over three consecutive cycles (3 months). The study measured menstrual cycle pattern, mFGS, body mass index (BMI), hormonal assay, lipid profile, pelvic ultrasonography, and safety profile. Results showed that fasting insulin and lipid profile significantly improved in the test group compared to the control group. The mFGS, BMI, free testosterone, and luteinizing hormone levels decreased in the test group similarly to the control group. The control group, however, reported a significant improvement in menstrual cycle pattern. Follicle-stimulating hormone levels remained unchanged in both groups. The conclusion was that Neem and Zanjabeel are as effective as the control treatment in improving mFGS and biochemical and hormonal changes in hirsutism due to PCOD.