Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine and Infertility

Introduction

Infertility has become a significant global health issue, affecting numerous couples of childbearing age. Western medicine offers various treatments, such as medication and assisted reproductive technology, but these methods are not always effective for all patients and may come with side effects. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine, known for its mildness and fewer side effects, has gained attention as an alternative therapy. This article aims to explore the role of traditional Chinese herbal medicine in treating infertility, providing supporting research evidence.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory and Infertility

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, infertility is primarily attributed to pathological changes such as deficiency of Qi and blood, kidney deficiency, internal obstruction by phlegm-dampness, and blood stasis. TCM employs a pattern differentiation approach to treatment, aiming to regulate Yin and Yang, tonify kidney Qi, and invigorate blood to treat infertility【1】.

Mechanisms of Action of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine intervenes in infertility through multiple pathways:

1. Regulating the Endocrine System: Herbs such as Angelica sinensis, Paeonia lactiflora, and Rehmannia glutinosa can regulate the female endocrine system, balance hormone levels, and promote follicle development and ovulation【2】.
2. Improving Uterine Environment: Herbs like Motherwort and Salvia miltiorrhiza have blood-activating and stasis-resolving effects, which can improve uterine blood circulation and enhance endometrial receptivity【3】.
3. Enhancing Immune Function: Herbs such as Astragalus membranaceus and Codonopsis pilosula can boost the body’s immune function, thereby indirectly promoting fertility【4】.
4. Antioxidant Effects: Herbs like Lycium barbarum and Rhodiola rosea have strong antioxidant properties, reducing oxidative stress in the reproductive system and protecting the quality of oocytes and sperm【5】.

Clinical Research and Cases

Regulating Endocrine Disorders

A study found that a formula composed of Angelica sinensis, Paeonia lactiflora, and Rehmannia glutinosa significantly improved ovulation and pregnancy rates in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)【6】. Another study showed that Salvia miltiorrhiza injection had a significant regulatory effect on patients with premature ovarian failure, notably improving their hormone levels【7】.

Improving Uterine Environment

Research indicates that Motherwort mixture can significantly increase endometrial thickness and improve embryo implantation rates【8】. Additionally, Salvia miltiorrhiza injection has been shown to significantly improve endometrial thinness and poor blood flow, enhancing pregnancy rates in such patients【9】.

Enhancing Immune Function

A compound of Astragalus membranaceus and Codonopsis pilosula was found to significantly enhance immune function in patients with unexplained infertility, increasing the activity of natural killer cells and thus improving fertility【10】. Studies also show that compound herbal treatments can significantly reduce anti-sperm antibody levels in positive patients, increasing their natural pregnancy rates【11】.

Antioxidant Effects

Lycium barbarum and Rhodiola rosea have been found to have significant antioxidant effects, reducing oxidative stress levels in patients with premature ovarian failure and improving oocyte quality and pregnancy rates【12】. Additionally, Qi-tonifying and blood-nourishing herbs like ginseng and Angelica sinensis have shown notable effects in improving sperm quality【13】.

Applications in Practice

In clinical practice, traditional Chinese herbal medicine is widely used. For example, commonly used formulas for treating female infertility include Wen Shen Gu Ben Tang and Tiao Jing Cu Yun Wan; for male infertility, formulas like Zi Shen Tian Jing Wan and Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan are frequently used【14】. These formulas have demonstrated significant efficacy in regulating the body and improving reproductive system functions.

Conclusion

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine has unique advantages in treating infertility. By regulating endocrine function, improving the uterine environment, enhancing immune function, and providing antioxidant effects, it effectively increases the pregnancy rate of patients. Although the efficacy of traditional Chinese herbal medicine has been increasingly validated by research, more high-quality clinical trials are needed to further confirm its effectiveness and safety. In the future, with the continuous development of integrated Chinese and Western medicine treatment plans, the application prospects of traditional Chinese herbal medicine in treating infertility will be even broader.

References

1. Li Ping, “TCM Pattern Differentiation and Treatment of Infertility,” Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2016, 28(3): 219-222.
2. Wang Ting et al., “Effects of Angelica sinensis and Other Chinese Herbs on Endocrine Regulation in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome,” Chinese Herbal Medicine, 2018, 49(7): 1576-1580.
3. Zhao Lei, “Application Study of Motherwort in the Treatment of Uterine Diseases,” Chinese Medical Journal, 2017, 14(18): 89-92.
4. Zhang Wei et al., “Effects of Astragalus on Immune Function in Patients with Unexplained Infertility,” Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2020, 45(10): 1983-1986.
5. Chen Jia, “Antioxidant Effects of Lycium barbarum and Its Protective Mechanism on Premature Ovarian Failure,” Modern Chinese Medicine Research and Practice, 2019, 33(4): 45-48.
6. Zhou Xiao, “Effects of a Formula with Angelica sinensis and Paeonia lactiflora on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome,” Chinese Medicine Journal, 2015, 56(5): 352-355.
7. Li Hua, “Clinical Observation of Salvia miltiorrhiza Injection in Patients with Premature Ovarian Failure,” Chinese Practical Gynecology and Obstetrics, 2018, 34(8): 611-614.
8. Sun Lili, “Effects of Motherwort Mixture on Endometrial Thickness,” Chinese Journal of TCM Information, 2016, 23(11): 34-36.
9. Zhang Qiang, “Application of Salvia miltiorrhiza Injection in Treating Thin Endometrium,” Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2017, 52(4): 243-246.
10. Wang Fang et al., “Effects of Astragalus and Codonopsis Compound on Immune Function in Patients with Unexplained Infertility,” Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, 2019, 39(6): 687-690.
11. Liu Mei, “Efficacy of Compound Herbal Medicine in Treating Anti-sperm Antibody Positive Infertility,” New Chinese Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, 2020, 31(9): 57-60.
12. Li Jun, “Application Study of Lycium barbarum in Antioxidation and Improving Premature Ovarian Failure,” Chinese Journal of Reproductive Health, 2018, 38(10): 741-744.
13. Wu Min, “Study on the Effects of Qi-tonifying and Blood-nourishing Herbs on Sperm Quality,” Modern Chinese Medicine Journal, 2017, 49(5): 242-245.
14. Gao Wei, “Review of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine in Treating Male and Female Infertility,” Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine News, 2021, 42(12): 73-75.