Effects of Tokishakuyakusan and its components on rat corpus luteum function in vitro

27-day-old female rats received 20 IU PMS and 56 hours later, 40 IU hCG. Seven days after hCG treatment, the resected ovaries were perifused with NIH-LH, Tokishakuyakusan (TJ-23) or its components. LH and TJ-23 increased progesterone in media and LH was more effective than TJ-23. Hoelen, Peony root, Alisma rhizome and Japanese angelica root also augmented progesterone. 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and 20 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone were not stimulated by TJ-23. These results suggest that TJ-23 stimulates corpora lutea to secrete progesterone without direct luteotropic or luteolytic effect and that the effect may be attributable to Hoelen, Peony root, Alisma rhizome or Japanese angelica root.