Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive endocrine and metabolic disorder disease and its incidence is increasing year by year. The pathogenesis of this disease has not been clarified, which is also a major challenge in clinical treatment. Cangfu Daotan Decoction, derived from the secret recipe for diagnosis and treatment of Ye Tianshi Nvke Zhenzhi Mifang, is particularly effective in the treatment of PCOS. Studies have found that Cangfu Daotan Decoction exerts therapeutic effects by regulating phosphatidylinositol 3 - kinase/protein kinase (PI3K/Akt), nuclear transcription factor - κB(NF - κB), adenosine monophosphate - activated protein kinase (AMPK), mitogen- activated protein kinase (MAPK), and transforming growth factor - β1/SMAD family member 3 (TGF - β1/Smad3)signaling pathways. In clinical studies, Cangfu Daotan Decoction alone or modified Cangfu Daotan Decoction or in combination with western medicines or external therapies not only can alleviate the clinical symptoms of PCOS,but also are safe and effective, which are worthy of clinical application. This article systematically summarized the research progress of Cangfu Daotan Decoction by analyzing the mechanisms and clinical studies,in order to provide references for further basic experimental research and evidence to support the promotion of Cangfu Daotan Decoction for the treatment of PCOS in the future.

Polycystic ovary syndrome  /  Cangfu Daotan Decoction  /  Signaling pathways  /  Mechanism  /  Clinical research