Time-sensitive effects of Zhuang medicated thread moxibustion on estrogen level in female perimenopausal model rats

Abstract

The present study was conducted to ascertain the estrogenic effect of Zhuang Medicated Thread Moxibustion (ZMTM) and explore its time-sensitive impact on estradiol (E2) in female perimenopausal rats. 40 female rats were randomized into four groups: the control, model, ZMTM, and acupuncture groups. The perimenopausal syndrome was induced in the last three groups with a daily subcutaneous dose of 80 mg/kg of 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide for 15 days. Afterward, rats in the model and control groups were fed routinely, while rats in the ZMTM and acupuncture groups were treated with six ZMTM and acupuncture courses, respectively. Results of the study suggested that following the six courses of treatment, the E2 level in the model group was significantly the lowest, while the regular group was the highest (P < 0.05). There was also a gradual increase in the E2 level of the ZMTM group compared to the model and acupuncture groups, e.g. after the 5th and 6th courses of treatment, their E2 level was significantly higher than the model and acupuncture groups. The ZMTM group was better than the model and acupuncture groups. In summary, ZMTM can improve perimenopausal induced rats' estrogen level.