Objective: This study was to explore the effects of Cuscutae Semen (CS) and its major components

flavones

on kidney deficiency and ovulation inhibition in female rats. Method: Forty eight SD female rats were randomly divided into 6 groups:CS high and low dose groups

flavones from Cuscutae Semen (FCS) high and low dose groups

model group and normal group. Hydroxyurea emulsion (600 mg·kg-1) was administered intragastrically to establish kidney deficiency model with ovulation inhibition. Two hours after administration of hydroxyurea

rats in each group were treated with corresponding drugs for 8 days. A range of parameters were observed

including the uterine index

the ovarian index

the proportion of mature follicles

the number of corpus luteum

the level of serum estrogen (E2)

follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinzing hormone (LH). Result: ①The model rats exhibited symptoms of kidney deficiency

with histopathological assay indicating ovulation inhibition

and the level of serum E2

FSH and LH (3.68±1.18) pmol·L-1

(2.43±0.24) U·L-1

(2.84±1.05) U·L-1 decreased significantly compared to those in the normal contrast group (P<0.05). ②Compared to the model group

the uterine and ovarian index and the proportion of mature follicles

the serum E2 and FSH levels (5.49±1.72)pmol·L-1

(2.70±0.22) U·L-1 in CS high dose group were much higher

while in FCS low dose group

all parameters were significantly elevated except for the number of corpus luteum. The increases in the groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). Serum LH level in FCS low dose group(3.65±0.78) U·L-1 was significantly higher than that in CS high dosage group(3.10±0.60) U·L-1 (P<0.05). Conclusion: CS could effectively improve the ovulation inhibition and renal deficiency induced by the hydroxyurea. The effect of CS on kidney deficiency and ovulation inhibition model may likely be attributed to its main component-flavones

which is a promising component of traditional chinese medicine.