Abstract

Epimedium Herb (Berberidaceae) is one of the traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) with unique effect on reproductive system in China for thousands of years. We aim to evaluate the potential activity in starting hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular (HPT) axis of male rats in delayed puberty. Delayed puberty model of male Sprague–Dawley(SD) rats were established with high-fat diet and were treated by Epimedium Herb Extract(EHE) or Testosterone Undecanoate (TU) for 8 weeks. Body weight, body length, Lee’s index, testis weight, serum testosterone (T) and estradiol (E₂) were determined. Expresses of GnRH mRNA and LH mRNA were measured by RT-PCR. Body weight, body length, testes weigh and testosterone of the EHE groups and the TU group were significantly higher than those of high-fat model group. Lee’s index of the EHE groups and the TU group was significantly lower that of the model group. E₂ of all groups were non-significance of difference. Expresses of GnRH mRNA and LH mRNA were increased significantly, however, TU had no work in this way. The results of the present research indicate that EHE is effective to start the HPT axis in puberty, and can significantly improve sexual developmental inhibition caused by diet-induced obesity.

Key words: Epimedium, Yin yang huo, delayed puberty, obesity, traditional Chinese medicine TCM, testicular function.