Network Pharmacology-based Research of the Therapeutic Effects of Epimedium Brevicornu Maxim on Diminished Ovarian Reserve

Abstract Background: Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is a common gynecological disease. As a traditional Chinese medicine, Epimedium brevicornu maxim (EBM) is often used to treat sexual dysfunction and irregular menstruation. But whether EBM could alleviate the symptoms of DOR is unclear.Methods: We constructed the DOR rat models and determined the effect of EBM on the development of DOR. Next, we used the network pharmacology to analyze the active ingredients of EBM and the targeted genes of these ingredients. And the critical genes were selected for the next research. ELISA were performed to detect the expression of these genes in the serum of rats.Results: We found that the EBM treatment suppressed the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the ovary tissue of rats. Meanwhile, the levels of estradiol (E2), anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and Inhibin B (INHB) was promoted after the EBM treatment. The HE staining showed that the treatment of EBM enhanced the formation of follicles. Based on the network pharmacology analysis, we found that EBM has the potential to relieve symptoms of DOR by modulating the levels of steroid hormone receptor.Conclusion: In conclusion, EBM relieved the symptoms of DOR by modulating the steroid hormone receptors, such as promoting the secretion of androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor (ESR1).