The Use of <i>Kigelia africana</i> in the Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- 1 Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- 2 Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- 3 Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Abstract
This paper reports the beneficial effect of twice daily ingestion (a table spoonful) of dried Kigelia africana fruit powder in the management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in two patients. Both patients had the classical triad of Amenorrhoea, acne and hirsutism. The two were 25 years old and 22 years old spinsters respectively. The ultrasonography was suggestive only in the latter; unfortunately there were no facilities to do the confirmatory serum enzymes assay. The use of herbal preparation restored the menstrual flow in both of them as well as leading to significant reduction in the acne but there was no noticeable effect on the hirsutism. There was no observable side effect associated with the use of the powder. These preliminary data thus suggest that Kigelia africana fruit powder may be beneficial for cases of PCOS especially in the developing countries where the new generation oral contraceptives, presently being used for the condition, may not be readily available.
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