Abstract:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent reproductive endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by a complex pathogenesis involving insulin resistance, hyperandrogenemia, chronic inflammation, and ovarian dysfunction. Current Western medical management primarily focuses on symptomatic treatment, which has certain limitations. Dendrobium officinale, a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is known for its effects in nourishing yin clearing heat and reinforcing stomach regenerating fluid, and has been used in traditional medicine to regulate gynecological disorders. Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP), its primary bioactive component, has recently been shown to exhibit significant activities in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and immunomodulation. These biological properties are highly relevant to the core pathologies of PCOS. This review discusses the potential mechanisms through which DOP may intervene in PCOS, including ameliorating insulin resistance, modulating hormonal levels, inhibiting local ovarian inflammation and oxidative stress, restoring ovarian autophagy function, and regulating the gut microbiota. The aim is to provide a theoretical basis for DOP as a potential therapeutic strategy for PCOS and to offer new insights for modern research on traditional Chinese medicine.

Key words: Dendrobii officmalis caulis, Polysaccharides, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Insulin resistance, Oxidative stress, Gastrointestinal microbiome