Abstract:Objective: This study was to explore the effects of Cuscutae Semen (CS) and its major components, flavones, on kidney deficiency and ovulation inhibition in female rats. Method: Forty eight SD female rats were randomly divided into 6 groups:CS high and low dose groups, flavones from Cuscutae Semen (FCS) high and low dose groups, model group and normal group. Hydroxyurea emulsion (600 mg·kg-1) was administered intragastrically to establish kidney deficiency model with ovulation inhibition. Two hours after administration of hydroxyurea, rats in each group were treated with corresponding drugs for 8 days. A range of parameters were observed, including the uterine index, the ovarian index, the proportion of mature follicles, the number of corpus luteum, the level of serum estrogen (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinzing hormone (LH). Result: ①The model rats exhibited symptoms of kidney deficiency, with histopathological assay indicating ovulation inhibition, and the level of serum E2, FSH and LH (3.68±1.18) pmol·L-1, (2.43±0.24) U·L-1, (2.84±1.05) U·L-1 decreased significantly compared to those in the normal contrast group (P<0.05). ②Compared to the model group, the uterine and ovarian index and the proportion of mature follicles, the serum E2 and FSH levels (5.49±1.72)pmol·L-1, (2.70±0.22) U·L-1 in CS high dose group were much higher, while in FCS low dose group, all parameters were significantly elevated except for the number of corpus luteum. The increases in the groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). Serum LH level in FCS low dose group(3.65±0.78) U·L-1 was significantly higher than that in CS high dosage group(3.10±0.60) U·L-1 (P<0.05). Conclusion: CS could effectively improve the ovulation inhibition and renal deficiency induced by the hydroxyurea. The effect of CS on kidney deficiency and ovulation inhibition model may likely be attributed to its main component-flavones, which is a promising component of traditional chinese medicine.
