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Lab study, 2012

Does a traditional Chinese medicine help PMS by changing opioid receptors in the brain?

In rats with a specific type of PMS called Gan-qi invasion, Jingqianping Granule changed opioid receptor levels differently in different brain areas, suggesting it may work through this brain system. This was an animal study.

Early or limited evidence Rats with PMS Gan-qi invasion model

What they did

Researchers created a PMS Gan-qi invasion model in 20 rats divided into an untreated model group and a treated group. Ten normal rats served as control. The treated group received Jingqianping Granule by mouth daily for 5 days. Researchers measured opioid receptor levels in four brain areas.

What they found

In the parietal and frontal cortex, model rats had decreased opioid receptor levels compared to normal control rats. Treatment with Jingqianping Granule increased these receptor levels back toward normal. In the hypothalamus and hippocampus, model rats had increased opioid receptor levels. Treatment decreased these back toward normal. The changes were statistically clear.

What it means for you

Jingqianping Granule changed opioid receptor expression differently in different brain areas. The region-specific effect may explain how the medicine affects PMS. However, these findings were only in rats with this specific type of PMS, and we don't know if this applies to other types of PMS or to women.

20

Rats in PMS model

1.6 g/kg

Jingqianping Granule dose

5 days

Treatment duration

About the study

Original title
[Effects of jingqianping granule on mRNA and protein expression of mu opioid receptor in premenstrual syndrome gan-qi invasion rats]
Authors
Wang FR, Xue L, Zhang HY
Journal
Zhongguo Zhong xi yi jie he za zhi Zhongguo Zhongxiyi jiehe zazhi = Chinese journal of integrated traditional and Western medicine
Year
2012
Study design
Lab study
What was tested
Jingqianping Granule

Topics