Efficacy of licorice extract in combination with a low-calorie diet on sex hormones, sleep quality, depression, and appetite in overweight/obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: An RCT

Background: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are more likely to suffer from anovulatory infertility. Studies showed the effectiveness of licorice on the regulation of sex hormones and quality of life, with inconsistent findings. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of licorice extract on sex hormones, sleep quality, depression, and appetite in women with PCOS. Materials and Methods: This randomized double-blind controlled trial included 66 overweight or obese women with PCOS. Participants were randomly divided into 2 groups: one receiving 1.5 gr/day of licorice extract alongside a low-calorie diet (n = 33) and the other receiving a placebo plus a low-calorie diet (n = 33) for 8 wk. Anthropometric measurements and general participant data were collected following standard protocols. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), sex hormone-binding globulin, and total testosterone were analyzed using enzymatic kits. The LH/FSH ratio was also calculated as a marker for PCOS diagnosis. Results: Mean age and body mass index of participants were 40.76 yr and 32.26 kg/m2, respectively. When baseline values were accounted for, the licorice extract plus low-calorie diet group showed significantly greater improvements in terms of FSH (p < 0.001), LH/FSH ratio (p < 0.001), total testosterone (p = 0.03), depression score (p < 0.001), sleep quality (p < 0.001), and appetite (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Conclusion: The findings showed that licorice extract supplementation led to improvements in sex hormones, sleep quality, depression, and appetite. Further studies are needed to confirm these results, considering the possible limitations of the current research.