Background: Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a gynecological endocrine disorder with current treatments having limitations. Kuntai capsule (KTC), a traditional Chinese medicine formulation, is thought to be beneficial for POF, but its mechanism is unclear. Network pharmacology can help explore drug mechanisms.
Methods: A POF rat model was established using cyclophosphamide (CTX). Rats received low-dose KTC (0.6 g/kg/d), high-dose KTC (1.8 g/kg/d), or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, positive control). Ovarian function was evaluated via histopathology, hormone assays (ELISA), apoptosis (TUNEL/flow cytometry), autophagy markers (Western blot), and network pharmacology.
Results: KTC treatment (especially high-dose) ameliorated POF in CTX-treated rats, as shown by increased ovarian weight, restored estrus cycle, and improved follicle development. The serum estradiol (E2), anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels increased, whereas the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels decreased following KTC treatment. KTC also alleviated ovarian cell apoptosis and autophagy, with higher-dose KTC being more effective. Network pharmacology predicted AMPK/mTOR pathway involvement. Western blot confirmed KTC activated the AMPK/mTOR signaling, downregulated autophagy markers (LC3B-II/I, Beclin1), and upregulated P62. Autophagy inhibition (via 3-MA) mirrored KTC effects, while mTOR blockade (rapamycin) reversed them.
Conclusions: KTC ameliorates POF by inhibiting excessive ovarian autophagy through AMPK/mTOR pathway activation, providing a mechanistic basis for its clinical use.
Keywords: AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway; Autophagy; Follicular granulosa cell; Kuntai capsule; Premature ovarian failure.
© 2025. The Author(s).