Endometriosis and the Herbal Medicine Approach to Treatment.
Endometriosis is a heterogeneous and oestrogen-
dependent inflammatory disease characterised
by morphological and biologically active
endometrium (composed of endometrial-type
glandular tissue and stroma) that is present in
sites outside the uterine cavity. The disease is
complex, with tissue implantation occurring as
a result of a phenomenon known as retrograde
menstruation. Although this is considered central
to the pathogenesis of endometriosis, 90% of
women who experience this event do not have
endometriosis. However, the remaining 10% of this
population do. Alterations in the immune system
(increased TNF-
α
, PGE2 and reduced NK cells), excess
inflammation and high oestrogen levels play a role
in establishing endometrial implants. Given the
multifactorial nature of the condition a range of
herbal medicines has been identified to treat the
different clinical symptoms and underlying cause of
endometriosis. The following review will examine
the pathophysiology of endometriosis and the herbal
medicine approach to treatment.