Clinical Benefits
Clinical Benefits
Polyfem is specifically formulated to address hyperandrogenism, a condition characterized by excess testosterone and DHEA-S levels that can disrupt ovarian function, menstrual regularity, and overall hormonal balance. This comprehensive formula combines clinically-researched botanical extracts and nutrients that target the underlying mechanisms driving elevated androgen production.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) contains glycyrrhetinic acid, which limits adrenal and ovarian testosterone synthesis primarily through inhibition of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. This enzyme inhibition reduces the conversion of precursors from progesterone and DHEA pathways into testosterone. Research has demonstrated that licorice supplementation at 3.5g per day for one month results in a 37% decrease in serum testosterone in healthy women [3][5]. Additional studies in PCOS-induced rats showed that licorice extract restored follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, normalized the LH/FSH hormone signaling ratio, and reversed ovarian abnormalities such as follicular cysts [21]. Another study demonstrated that licorice treatment significantly improved ovarian morphology and enhanced oocyte maturation, fertilization rates, and embryo development [22].
White Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) has shown significant potential in reducing elevated testosterone levels through multiple mechanisms including downregulating CYP17A1 and CYP11A1 enzymes involved in testosterone production, enhancing aromatase activity to increase testosterone conversion to estrogen, and suppressing testosterone synthesis through modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Clinical studies involving white peony and licorice combinations demonstrated a 40-60% reduction in serum testosterone levels, improved menstrual regularity, and visible reductions in symptoms like acne and hirsutism over 2-3 months. White peony also lowered LH levels, normalized LH/FSH signaling ratios, improved ovarian morphology by reducing cystic follicles, and even enhanced insulin sensitivity [3][5][23][24].
[3]>https://www.metagenicsinstitute.com.au/tech-data/inositol-peony-liquorice
[21]>https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30271715/
[22]>https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7569710/
[23]>https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8621879/
[24]>https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7993663/
Ingredients
Paeonia lactiflora (Peony) extract
ext. equiv. dry (root)
213 mg
852 mg
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) extract
equiv. Glycyrrhizinic acid
ext. equiv. dry (root)
70.6 mg
12.1 mg
847 mg
Actaea racemosa (Black cohosh) extract
ext. equiv. dry (root)
600 µL
300 mg
Thuja occidentalis extract
ext. equiv. dry (leaf)
1.25 mL
250 mg
Instructions
Instructions
Dosage
1 capsule morning and night
Duration
Minimum 8 weeks
Suitable for long-term support of healthy ovarian morphology
Warnings
Not for use during pregnancy or lactation
Dietary supplements should not replace a balanced diet
Do not use if you have pre-existing liver conditions or seizure disorders
In very rare cases, black cohosh has been associated with liver failure. If you are experiencing yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, unusual tiredness, weakness, stomach or abdominal pain, and/or loss of appetite, you should stop using this product and see your doctor
Contraindications
Contraindications
This supplement may interact with the following categories of medications, as well as specific active ingredients.
• Clozapine
• Estrogen
• Phenytoin
• Medications for high blood pressure
• Medications for inflammation
• Midazolam
• Paclitaxel
• Warfarin
• Diuretics
• Medications changed by the liver - refer list
Further details are provided below.
Please note that medications may be sold under different brand names, so check the listed active ingredients against your medication packaging.
Major Interactions
Moderate Interactions
Clozapine
Peony might increase the amount of clozapine in the body. Taking peony along with clozapine might increase the effects and side effects from clozapine.
Estrogen
Peony might have some of the same effects as estrogen. Taking peony along with estrogen might increase the effects and side effects from estrogen.
Phenytoin
Peony root might decrease the amount of phenytoin in the body. Taking peony root along with phenytoin might decrease the effects of phenytoin and increase the risk of seizures.
Medications for high blood pressure
• Amlodipine
• Ramipril
• Perindopril
• Metoprolol
• Losartan
• Hydrochlorothiazide
Licorice might increase blood pressure. Taking licorice might reduce the effects of blood pressure medications. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
Medications for inflammation
Licorice can decrease how quickly the body breaks down corticosteroids. This can increase the effects and side effects of corticosteroids.
Midazolam
Licorice might increase how quickly midazolam is broken down by the body. This might decrease the effects of midazolam.
Paclitaxel
Licorice might increase how quickly the body breaks down paclitaxel. Taking licorice with paclitaxel might decrease the effects of paclitaxel.
Warfarin
Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Licorice might decrease the effects of warfarin. Decreasing the effects of warfarin might increase the risk of clotting. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin might need to be changed.
Diuretics
Licorice can decrease potassium levels. "Diuretics" can also decrease potassium levels. Taking licorice along with "Diuretics" might make potassium levels drop too low.
Medications changed by the liver
• Caffeine
• Clozapine
• Olanzapine
• Theophylline
• Tizanidine
• Duloxetine
• Ramelteon
• Atorvastatin
• Simvastatin
• Amlodipine
• Diltiazem
• Cyclosporine
• Tacrolimus
• Midazolam
• Alprazolam
• Rivaroxaban
• Some HIV antiretrovirals
• Omeprazole
• Esomeprazole
• Clopidogrel
• Diazepam
• Escitalopram
• Sertraline
• Glipizide
• Phenytoin
• Losartan
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Peony nad Licorice might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. If you are taking medications metabolised by the liver, monitor for any changes in how your medication affects you.
Minor Interactions
Methotrexate
Licorice might decrease how quickly the body breaks down methotrexate. This might increase the effects and side effects of methotrexate.
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• Licorice extract reduced testosterone levels by 37% in just one month through enzyme inhibition
• White Peony combination therapy achieved 40-60% reduction in testosterone with improved menstrual regularity
• Supports notable reduction in andorgenic hair shedding and a visible increase in scalp hair density