The safety and mechanism of action of a traditional Chinese medicine formula for the management of menopause

The effect of a TCM formula on safety parameters and granulosa-cell (GC) apoptosis in aged female rats was investigated. Naturally aged female SD rats were grouped into negative controls, MPG1 (162 mg/kg body weight), MPG2 (324 mg/kg), MPG3 (648 mg/kg) and positive controls (Estradiol) group (0.18 mg/kg, p.o.). After sacrifice, bilateral ovaries and uterus were removed, and wet weight recorded. One bilateral ovary was used for electron microscopy and flow cytometry (FCM) analysis, and another was used for the TUNEL and immunohistochemical tests. Administration of Menoprogen for 8 weeks increased plasma estrogen levels and the weight of both ovarian and uterine tissues. Flow cytometric (FCM) analysis of the GCs showed reductions in the G0/G1 ratio and apoptotic peaks and TdT-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) test revealed a reduction of GC apoptosis. Menoprogen showed no signs of toxicity and inhibited GC apoptosis in female rats, indicating a new mechanism of action.