Dysmenorrhea is a common gynecologic complaint. After their first menstrual period, 30%-60% of American women suffer from some level of discomfort. It is estimated that 6 billion work hours are lost in this manner every year in the United States which equals an economic loss of nearly US$200 million.
Dysmenorrhea is not only a problem for women but also one which affects quality of life and even reduces productivity in general.
Dysmenorrhea is directly related to elevated levels of
PGF2alpha (
prostaglandins F2alpha) and is treated using nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs in Western medicine. Though efficacy of the latter is rapid, there are many side effects to the liver, kidney, and digestive system. The anti-inflammatory effect is temporary, and such drugs are unable to provide a long-term cure. Because of this, Chinese medicinal
therapy is being considered as a feasible
alternative medicine. In this study, Wen-Jing Tang (one of the
dysmenorrhea Chinese medicinal prescriptions) was selected. A 50% alcoholic
solution was used to extract active ingredients and create a freeze-dried product. At first, Wen-Jing Tang was used to suppress spontaneous contractions and
prostaglandins F2alpha-induced contractions of rat uterine smooth muscle in vitro. Then, an assessment was performed to determine the mechanism of the prescription.
Acetylcholine,
ergonovine,
propranolol,
oxytocin, and KCl were used to analyze the physiological mechanisms of WJT. The results show that antagonism of both
PGF2alpha and ACh are the major mechanisms for treating
dysmenorrhea by Wen-Jing Tang. Furthermore, the antagonistic effect of KCl-depolarization contractions may be an auxiliary mechanism of the curative effect.