A novel mechanism: Erxian Decoction, a Chinese medicine formula, for relieving menopausal syndrome

Ethnopharmacological relevance Many clinical and experimental reports demonstrated that Erxian Decoction (EXD) was effective in relieving menopausal syndrome. Aim of the study The mechanisms of action of EXD were explored on the endocrine and antioxidant regimen. Materials and methods Menopause causes a decline in both endocrine function and activities of antioxidant enzymes. In this study, 12-month-old female Sprague–Dawley-rats (SD-rats) with a low serum estradiol level were employed. Their endocrine functions after treatment with EXD were assessed by the determination of their serum estradiol level and ovarian mRNA levels of aromatase, which is a key enzyme for biosynthesis of estradiol. Meanwhile, superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx-1) in the liver were also determined to assess the effect of EXD on the antioxidant regimen. Results Results revealed a significant elevation in serum estradiol level and the mRNA level of ovarian aromatase and liver CAT in the EXD-treated menopausal rat model. Conclusions The results obtained from mRNA and estradiol level of the present investigation revealed that the EXD relieves the menopausal syndrome involved an increase of endocrine and antioxidant function through, at least, the activation of aromatase and CAT detoxifying pathways.