Effects of Erxian Decoction and its separate prescriptions on the levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in anterior pituitary cells from female rats

Objective: To investigate the effects of Erxian Decoction (EXD), a traditional Chinese compound herbal medicine and its separate prescriptions such as Wenshen Yijing Recipe (WSYJR, a recipe for warming kidney and replenishing essence), Ziyin Xiehuo Recipe (ZYXHR, a recipe for nourishing yin and dispersing fire) and Tiaoli Chongren Recipe (TLCRR, a recipe for regulating thoroughfare and conception vessels) and some extracts from EXD on the levels of LH and FSH in the primary cultured anterior pituitary cells from female rats.Methods: EXD, its separate prescriptions and traditional Chinese herbal extracts from EXD were added directly to the incubators. The levels of LH and FSH were tested by radioimmunoassay.Results: The levels of LH and FSH in the supernatant of anterior pituitary cells treated by EXD or its separate prescriptions including ZYXHR and TLCRR were increased significantly as compared with those in the blank control. There was a tendency for stimulating the secretions of LH and FSH in the WSYJR-treated group too. Dimethyl sulfoxide as the solvent of icariin and curculigoside could interfere with the results.Conclusion: EXD and its separate prescriptions such as ZYXHR and TLCRR can increase the levels of LH and FSH significantly.