Effect of Traditional Herbal Medicine, Shakuyaku-Kanzo-To on Total and Free Serum Testosterone Levels

Abstract

The effect of the traditional herbal medicine, Shakuyaku-Kanzo-To (SK), which contains Shakuyaku (S) and Kanzo (K) in equal amounts, on serum testosterone levels was investigated in androgen-sterilized rats. They were given orally SK [0, 22.5, 45, 90 and 180 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)] and S or K (0, 11.25, 22.5, 40 and 90 mg/kg b.w.) in 2 ml of water daily for 2 weeks. Dose-dependent decreases in free serum testosterone (T) levels were found in the administration of SK. Total serum T levels in the administration of SK and S decreased in a dose-dependent manner. K decreased total serum T levels slightly in 11.5 and 22.5 mg/kg doses but showed the dose-dependent increase in much higher doses, the extent of which was much less than that of the decrease in S. Serum estradiol/T (E2/T) ratios were significantly elevated in 45 to 180 mg/kg doses of SK, 90 mg/kg dose of S and 11.25 to 90 mg/kg doses of K. Serum LH and FSH levels were not changed by SK, S and K. Oophorectomized rats were similarly given SK (0, 90 and 180 mg/kg b.w.) and S or K (the half doses of SK). There were no changes in serum T, LH and FSH levels in all given doses. Thus, one of the mechanisms for SK to lower serum T levels is the direct action on the ovary to stimulate the aromatase activity, resulting in decreasing the T secretion and this is the additive effects of S and K.

Herbal medicine for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism; a review of the laboratory evidence for effects with corroborative clinical findings

“…Steroid hormone concentration in sterilised and oophrectomised rats following exposure to Glycyrrhiza spp. (kanzo) [ 53 ]. 1.…”

“… 1. Increased aromatisation of testosterone to 17 beta oestradiol shown by significantly dose dependent reduced testosterone and increased oestradiol [ 53 ]. Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Chinese liquorice) Ethanol extract Aqueous extract used in two pre-clinical studies 2.…”

“… Paeonia lactiflora in combination with Glycyrrhiza spp. Aqueous extract Shakuyaku- kanzo-to (TJ-68) One laboratory study examined the effects for the combination Paeonia lactiflora and Glycyrrhiza uralensis on testosterone, oestradiol, FSH and LH in sterilised female rats [ 53 ]. Two single arm clinical trials examined androgen concentrations Following treatment with Paeonia lactiflora and Glycyrrhiza uralensis in the Chinese herbal combination Shakuyaku-kanzo-to.…”

Vitamins combined with traditional Chinese medicine for male infertility: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…reproductive system, which may be responsible for the clinical efficacy of Shenjing capsule for male infertility. In addition, growing evidence has revealed that TCM can not only regulate the reproductive endocrine system, 63 but it can also regulate luteinizing hormone levels, 64 raise testosterone levels, 65 boost the function of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells, 66 prevent oxidative stress, 67,68 modulate the proliferation and apoptosis of germ cells, 67,68 and supplement trace elements. 69 With the continuous exploration of integrated TCM and Western medicine therapy, its advantages in male infertility treatment will be further highlighted.…”

Reconsideration of Japanese Traditional Herbal Medicine: New Field of Research and Clinical Medicine

“…Syakuyaku-kanzo-to decreases serum testosterone levels in androgen-sterilized rats, but causes no changes in serum testosterone, LH, or FSH levels in oophorectomized rats. These findings suggest that the mechanism of action of Syakuyaku-kanzo-to in terms of its ability to lower serum testosterone levels is that it directly affects the ovary, stimulating aromatase activity, resulting in a reduction in testosterone secretion [19]. Syakuyaku-kanzo-to treatment has been associated with a significantly low incidence of adenomyosis in an experimental animal model using an SHN strain of mice; and this approach is thus considered to be a useful tool in the treatment of uterine adenomyosis [20].…”