Effect of Nei-Yi Recipe (内异方) on plasma β-endorphin level during menstrual cycle in women with endometriosis

Abstract

In order to investigate the mechanism of Nei-Yi Recipe (NYR) in treatment of endometriosis, we observe the changes of plasma beta-endorphin concentrations in women with endometriosis treated by NYR. It was found that in luteal phase beta-endorphin concentrations in plasma were significantly reduced in moderate and severe dysmenorrhea groups compared with mild and control groups. Moreover, beta-endorphin level in severe dysmenorrhea group was lower in the luteal phase than that in the follicular phase, and it was lower in patients with pelvic pain than that without pelvic pain. In normal women, the contents of beta-endorphin in plasma were not changed during menstrual cycle. It was also found that plasma beta-endorphin levels were significantly increased in luteal phase and follicular phase after treatment by NYR. The therapeutical mechanism of NYR on dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain and enhancement of immune function might be mediated by increase of plasma beta-endorphin levels.