🌿 A traditional Chinese infertility remedy tested in the laboratory: it works!

Female infertility remains a significant challenge for many couples, with causes that are sometimes difficult to identify and treat. An insufficiently thick uterine lining is one such cause, as it can prevent the embryo from implanting, leading to repeated pregnancy failures.

The endometrium, the mucous membrane that lines the inside of the uterus, undergoes cyclical changes to prepare for the reception of an embryo. When its thickness is less than 7 millimeters (approximately 0.28 inches), it is referred to as a thin endometrium, a condition observed in about 2.5% of infertile women. This problem can result from uterine interventions such as curettage, infections, or hormonal imbalances, which reduce blood flow and hinder tissue growth. Current treatments, mainly hormonal, offer limited effectiveness, leaving many patients without a lasting solution.


Jinfeng pills are a traditional Chinese medicine preparation, historically used in imperial courts to support reproductive health. This formula combines herbs such as Epimedium, lemongrass, mèrewort, cinnamon, as well as ingredients of animal origin, aiming to warm the kidneys, tonify Yang, nourish the liver and spleen, regulate the "Chong" and "Ren" vessels, and promote blood circulation. According to ancient texts, these components work together to balance bodily functions.

Research published in the journal Reproductive and Developmental Medicine evaluated the effect of Jinfeng pills on female rats with thin endometrium induced by ethanol application. The animals were divided into several groups: a control group, a model group without treatment, a group under estradiol valerate (a standard hormonal treatment), and a group receiving Jinfeng pills. Scientists used advanced methods such as histological staining, ELISA, immunofluorescence, and qPCR to analyze structural changes, serum biomarkers, as well as the activity of genes and proteins related to uterine receptivity.

The results showed that rats treated with Jinfeng pills had a thicker endometrium, with a restored undulating architecture, increased glandular density, and improved vascularization. Levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an important protein for blood vessel formation, were much higher in this group. These improvements were comparable to those observed with estradiol, indicating encouraging efficacy of the traditional formula.


On a molecular level, Jinfeng pills appear to stimulate the expression of genes and proteins involved in tissue repair and angiogenesis. This provides a scientific foundation for traditional descriptions, according to which the formula balances vital energy and improves blood circulation. The study's authors noted that these mechanisms could shed light on how the preparation improves the uterine environment for embryonic implantation by promoting vascular regeneration and endometrial repair.

These findings broaden the possibilities for approaches integrating traditional medicine and current reproductive technologies. Although based on animal models, they offer hope for the development of more effective therapies for infertility related to thin endometrium. The researchers hope that clinical trials in humans will confirm these data, thus providing more options for patients.