# Therapeutic potential of Codonopsis lanceolata peel extract in premenstrual syndrome: insights into hormonal, immune, and microbial interactions

## TL;DR

This study explores how Codonopsis lanceolata peel extract may help with premenstrual syndrome by affecting hormones, inflammation, and gut bacteria.

## Contribution

The study reveals a novel therapeutic mechanism of Codonopsis lanceolata peel extract in modulating gut microbiota and hormonal pathways for PMS.

## Key findings

- CPE reduced inflammation markers like IL-6 and TNF-α in macrophages.
- CPE lowered prolactin and improved hormonal balance in a mouse model.
- CPE enriched beneficial gut bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

## Abstract

This study investigated the therapeutic potential of Codonopsis lanceolata peel extract (CPE) for premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The focus was on hormonal, immune, and microbial pathways. In vitro, CPE reduced nitric oxide production and suppressed IL-6 and TNF-α expression in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In pituitary GH3 cells stimulated with estradiol, CPE inhibited prolactin secretion. In a metoclopramide (MCP)-induced hyperprolactinemia mouse model, CPE decreased serum prolactin, PGE2, and inflammatory cytokines, while increasing PGE1 and FSH levels. Microbiome analysis showed that CPE enriched beneficial genera such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and reduced pro-inflammatory taxa including Oscillibacter and Desulfovibrionaceae. These microbial shifts were associated with improved inflammatory and hormonal markers. Overall, these findings suggest that CPE alleviates PMS symptoms by modulating endocrine function and regulating gut microbiota.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-025-02003-w.