[Mechanisms of Fufang Shixiao Formula for Experimental Primary Dysmenorrhea]

Objective To observe the roles of Fufang Shixiao Formula (FFSXF) in regulating prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) , prostaglandin F₂ alpha (PGF₂α) , and β-endorphin. peptide (β-EP) in rats with primary dysmenorrhea, and to explore its mechanisms for treating primary dysmenorrhea. Methods Primary dysmenorrheal rat model was induced by Estradiol Benzoate combined oxytocin. Indomethacin and Yueyueshu were used as the controls. 2. 5, 5. 0, and 10. 0 g/kg FFSXF (clinical commonly used dose of FFSXF calculated by converting human weight to rat weight) suspensions were administered to rats in low, middle, high dose FFSXF groups, respectively. Changes of PGE₂ and PGF₂α. in uterus tissue were observed by ELISA. Its effect on β-EP in peripheral blood was observed by radioimmunoassay. Results Compared with the model group, PGE₂ content significantly increased (P <0.01) , and PGF₂α. content significantly decreased in the 3 FFSXF groups (P <0. 05, P <0. 01) , and β-EP content significantly increased (P <0. 01) in middle and high dose FFSXF groups. Conclusion FFSXF could effectively regulate prostaglandin level in uterus tissue of primary dysmenorrheal model rats, elevate β-EP content in peripheral blood, strengthen endogenous analgesic effects, which might be its mechanisms for treating primary dysmenorrhea.