Modes of action of traditional Chinese medicine for diabetic infertility: from molecular pathways to clinical evidence.

ABSTRACT: Diabetes-associated infertility results from interconnected immunometabolic, oxidative, inflammatory, and endocrine disturbances that impair reproductive function in both sexes. Conventional therapies address individual symptoms but often fail to target this systemic, immune-mediated complexity. This narrative review summarizes preclinical and clinical evidence on the role of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in managing diabetic infertility, with a focus on immune-endocrine interactions, cytokine modulation, and inflammatory signaling. TCM interventions - including single-herb extracts, multi-herb formulations, and non-pharmacological approaches such as acupuncture and mind-body interventions-enhance insulin sensitivity, suppress pro-inflammatory cascades (NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6), and regula

SUBMITTER: Bo H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12816813 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature