Application of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of infertility.
The philosophy and practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have been evolving for thousands of years in China, Japan and other Asian countries. TCM is now generating popular interest worldwide for reproductive health care and disease prevention, including applications for treating infertility and improving sexual function. This review focuses on the application of TCM for infertility patients, and provides a critical reflection on the efficacy and safety of selected Chinese herbal formulas. It has been claimed that some formulas produce high clinical pregnancy rates with few or no side effects, as well as improving the general well-being of patients. The need for randomized control trials and research into possible mechanisms of action, effective doses, contra-indications and toxicity is self-evident. However, the task is enormous in view of the number of herbal products currently available on the market; yet among these products are undoubtedly some that will prove to be safe and beneficial.
Xu
Xian
X
The Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA.
Yin
Hang
H
Tang
Daiyi
D
Zhang
Li
L
Gosden
Roger G
RG
D000818:Animals; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D005184:Fallopian Tube Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000188:drug therapy; D008183:Luteal Phase; D008297:Male; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional; D010049:Ovarian Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D010060:Ovulation; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012098:Reproduction
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal