Journal of International Reproductive Health/Family Planning ›› 2025, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (6): 511-517.doi: 10.12280/gjszjk.20250248

• Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

The Action Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine Monomers in the Treatment of Endometriosis

GAO Yan-qin, CONG Hui-fang()   

  1. Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China (GAO Yan-qin); Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150001, China (CONG Hui-fang)
  • Received:2025-05-17 Published:2025-11-15 Online:2025-11-18
  • Contact: CONG Hui-fang, E-mail: hljchf196210@sina.com

Abstract:

Endometriosis (EMs) is a common gynecological disease among women of childbearing age. It is characterized by a complex pathogenesis, gradual aggravation, a tendency to prolong the disease and be difficult to cure. It can significantly reduce the quality of life and fertility. The monomer of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a single chemical component with a clear chemical structure and pharmacological activity, which is extracted and purified from TCM. Recent studies have shown that TCM monomers such as aldehydes, phenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids and polysaccharides can effectively intervene in the pathological process of EMs through multiple pathways. The mechanisms of action include reducing inflammatory responses, inhibiting angiogenesis, regulating hormone levels, alleviating pain sensitization, promoting apoptosis and antioxidation, etc. Compared with traditional surgery and hormone therapy, TCM monomers have many advantages such as multiple targets and fewer side effects, and have increasingly become a research hotspot. Based on this, this article sorts out and summarizes the research literature at home and abroad on the use of TCM monomers in the treatment of EMs, with the aim of providing a certain basis for the new drug development and clinical application of EMs.

Key words: Endometriosis, New drug research and development (TCD), Therapy, Traditional Chinese, medicine monomers, Mechanism of action