Effects of Huang Bai (Phellodendri Cortex) and Three Other Herbs on GnRH and GH Levels in GT1–7 and GH3 Cells

Abstract

The present study was to evaluate the effects of Huang Bai, Zhi Mu, Mai Ya, and Xia Ku Cao on hormone using the GT1–7 and GH3 cells. The GT1–7 and GH3 cell lines were incubated with DW; DMSO; and 30, 100, or 300 μg/mL of one of the four extract solutions in serum-free media for 24 hours. The MTT assay was performed to determine the cytotoxicity of the four herbs. The GT1–7 and GH3 cells were incubated in DW, estradiol (GT1–7 only), or noncytotoxic herb solutions in serum-free medium for 24 hours. A quantitative RT-PCR and western blot were performed to measure the GnRH expression in GT1–7 cells and GH expression in GH3 cells. Huang Bai, Zhi Mu, Xia Ku Cao, and Mai Ya inhibited the GnRH mRNA expression in GT1–7 cells, whereas Huang Bai enhanced GH mRNA expression in GH3 cells. Additionally, Xia Ku Cao inhibited GnRH protein expression in GT1–7 cells and Huang Bai promoted GH protein expression in GH3 cells. The findings suggest that Huang Bai can delay puberty by inhibiting GnRH synthesis in the hypothalamus while also accelerating growth by promoting GH synthesis and secretion in the pituitary.

Effects of Huang Bai (Phellodendri Cortex) on bone growth and pubertal development in adolescent female rats

“…The longitudinal bone growth rate, and IGF-1 and BMP-2 expression in the growth plate indicate that Huang Bai stimulated ectopic skeletal growth by promoting chondrocyte differentiation. This result is in agreement with the GH3 cell study showing that Huang Bai increased GH mRNA and protein expression in pituitary cells [ 10 ].…”

“…Huang Bai has been used to treat diarrhoea, jaundice, leucorrhoea, stranguria, and swelling of the knee and foot by clearing heat and drying dampness; sores, burns, and eczema by purging fire and detoxifying; and fever by clearing deficiency heat [ 9 ]. In our previous in vitro study, Huang Bai promoted GH mRNA and protein in pituitary cells and inhibited GnRH mRNA expression in hypothalamus cells [ 10 ]. However, the growth-promoting and maturation-inhibiting effects of Huang Bai were not identified based on that in vivo study.…”

Successful Pregnancy after Treatment with Chinese Herbal Medicine in a 43‐Year‐Old Woman with Diminished Ovarian Reserve and Multiple Uterus Fibrosis: A Case Report

“…Chinese herbal medicines have long been used for the treatment of infertility. Numerous studies demonstrated that CHM could regulate the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to induce ovulation and improve the uterus blood flow and menstrual changes of endometrium [ 10 , 11 ]. An advantage of CHM treatment is that it utilizes individualized formulas tailored to a patient’s condition.…”

Effects of Nourishing “Yin”-Removing “Fire” Chinese Herb Mixture on the Expression of GABAB Receptors in Hypothalamus of Precocious Puberty Female Rats

“…For further study, the Chinese herb medicine can delay the ovarian development through reducing the expression of ERa in ovary of rats [25]. An intensive study indicated that the extract of Zhimu and Huangbai can reduce the secretion of GnRH in GT1-7 cell lines [26], the previous study of our research group also found the Chinese herb medicine reduced the hypothalamic GnRH level in rats of precocious puberty [27]. Above results contribute to the curative role of nourishing "Yin" removing "fire" on precocious puberty by inhibiting the role of HPGA.…”