The pharmacological effects and safety of the raw and prepared folium of Epimedium brevicornu Maxim. on improving kidney-yang deficiency syndrome and sexual dysfunction

Background: Kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome (KDS) is a group of diseases related to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sexual dysfunction. The folium Epimedium brevicornu Maxim. (FEB) includes raw prepared slices, named RFEB PFEB, respectively. PFEB traditionally believed be good for tonifying kidney-Yang improving However, there are few studies comparing the pharmacological effects their underlying mechanisms. In this study, we aimed compare safety on HPA function. Additionally, mechanisms roles in relation neuroendocrine-immune (NEI) network KDS model mice were explored. Methods: Male adult C57BL/6 treated with corticosterone establish mouse model, administered intragastrically. Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic (ACTH), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), guanosine (cGMP), testosterone levels oxidative damage indexes measured. mRNA protein CRH ACTH hypothalamus pituitary, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) corpus cavernosum examined. TNFα, IL-6, NF-κB, eNOS PDE5 investigated cavernosum. Results: Our results showed that was more effective than increasing corticosterone-suppressed levels, enhancing cAMP/cGMP ratio, reducing damage. vivo , significantly increased inhibited expression stronger protective effect normal spleen lymphocytes from apoptosis both vitro . it noticeably inflammatory cytokines Both safe did not cause any clinical signs toxicity at dosage 20 times dosages Chinese Pharmacopeia. Conclusion: We demonstrated better by NEI network, which axis, immune system This study revealed could improve function regulating activating through network.