Effects of Shimshin-6 on postpartum uterine involution in rats

Abstract

Background: The Shimshin-6 formulation, composed of Rheum undulatum L., Hippophae rhamnoides L., Zingiber ofÏcinale Roscoe, Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke, Sal ammoniacum, and Tronae veneni, has traditionally been used in the management of gynecological disorders such as amenorrhea, abnormal blood clot formation, and pelvic pain. It has also been widely applied in postpartum care to promote uterine contractility and to prevent complications, including hemorrhage and inflammation. However, its therapeutic potential in postpartum uterine involution has not been scientifically validated. Aim: To investigate the effects of the Shimshin-6 herbal formulation on postpartum uterine involution in rats Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted at the Research Center of the Institute of Traditional Medicine and Technology, following the methodology described by Zheng ZH et al. (2019). Postpartum rats were randomly assigned to four groups and received daily treatments for five consecutive days with either Shimshin-6 tablets at doses of 180 mg/kg and 90 mg/kg, Shimshin-6 decoction at 163 mg/kg, or physiological saline as a control. Serum concentrations of estrogen, progesterone, TNF-α, TGF-β1, and TGF-β3 were measured using commercially available ELISA kits (Shanghai MLBIO Biotechnology Co. Ltd, China). Following ethical euthanasia, uterine tissues were collected for histological examination, which included evaluation of uterine weight, endometrial thickness, myometrial structure, and glandular morphology. Results: Shimshin-6 treatment significantly reduced the uterine index and serum estrogen levels compared with the control group, while no significant difference was observed in progesterone concentration. The treatment also decreased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels and modulated growth factors in postpartum rats. Histological analysis further revealed that Shimshin-6 promoted uterine recovery, despite the presence of inflammatory cell infiltration and hemorrhagic changes in the uterine wall. Conclusion: Shimshin-6 preparation exerts a promotive effect on postpartum uterine involution in rats.