1.Research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in regulating autophagy to intervene in ovulatory disorders
Yaxue QU ; Ying DING ; Shanshan HAN ; Zhaoheng SUN ; Wenchao XING
China Pharmacy 2025;36(24):3132-3136
Ovulatory disorders are mainly characterized by abnormal follicular maturation or ovulation, with complex etiologies and a lack of effective prevention and treatment methods. Autophagy dysfunction is closely related to the generation and progression of ovulatory disorders. This article systematically elucidates the mechanisms of TCM on follicular development and ovulatory disorders from the perspective of autophagy. It also reviews relevant studies on how TCM regulates autophagy to influence follicular development and improve ovulatory disorders. The findings reveal that TCM monomers/active ingredients (leonurine, total flavonoids from Eucommia ulmoides, alpinetin, icariin, etc.) and compound formulas (including Cangfu daotan decoction, Guishen yugong decoction, Zhuluan decoction, Yishen yangluan formula, Guishen pill, etc.) improve the follicular microenvironment, regulate sex hormone levels, and reduce follicular atresia by regulating autophagy-related genes and signaling pathways such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin and AMP-activated protein kinase. These actions thereby promote normal follicular development and ovulation, and delay ovarian aging. Most research in this field is based on cellular and animal experiments, often focusing on a single signaling pathway or factor. Some studies fail to fully reflect the individualized treatment characteristics of TCM that emphasize “syndrome differentiation and treatment”, highlighting the urgent need for further investigation.
2.Exploration of "Strengthening Kidney Yin" Method to Alleviate Female Reproductive Damage Caused by Glycosides of Tripterygium wilfordii Polyglycoside
Yaxue QU ; Ying DING ; Shanshan HAN ; Yanlin DAI ; Qiuxia PEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):210-216
Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides are one of the most commonly used Tripterygium wilfordii preparations, which have anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating effects. Their unique therapeutic effect on some autoimmune diseases and kidney diseases is almost irreplaceable by other similar drugs, but the possible reproductive damage is the bottleneck that hinders their clinical application. In clinical use, female patients often suffer from menstrual cycle disorders, decreased menstrual flow, even amenorrhea, infertility, and other symptoms, and the main toxic mechanism lies in damaging the reproductive and endocrine functions of the ovary and inhibiting the growth and development of follicles. Therefore, it is particularly necessary to understand the toxic and side effects of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides on female reproduction and master the detoxification methods during clinical use. However, there is no clear solution to these problems. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, "kidney governs reproduction", and the relationship between kidney Yin, kidney essence, and female ovum is close. Therefore, by considering that the damage to the reproductive system caused by Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides belongs to the category of kidney deficiency, Yin damage, and essence deficiency, the "strengthening kidney Yin" method is proposed. It points out that the reproductive toxicity damage of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides on the female can be effectively alleviated by tonifying kidney and Yin essence in clinical use. The relevant research on traditional Chinese medicine, classical prescription, test prescription, and acupuncture is summarized to verify the necessity of the "strengthening kidney Yin" method, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the safe and rational clinical use of Tripterygium wilfordii.

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