Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of Wenyang Huoxue Jiedu decoction on testosterone and heart rate variability (HRV) in male patients with chronic heart failure (CHD)

in order to explore the mechanism of Wenyang Huoxue Jiedu decoction on testosterone and HRV in male patients of chronic heart failure with Yang deficiency. Method: A total of 110 outpatients or inpatients with chronic heart failure by the random number method were divided into treatment group and control group. The control group received standardized western medicine combined with Shenfu decoction

while the treatment group was also given Wenyang Huoxue Jiedu decoction in addition to basic therapy of western medicine. The course of treatment was 28 days. At the end of the course of treatment

the clinical efficacy of the two groups was observed

and the 6-minute walking distance

the Minnesota quality of life score

the testosterone

the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)

the HRV and the adverse reactions were recorded. Result: The total effective rate of treatment group (90.91%) was better than that of the control group (84.45%

P<0.05). After treatment

the walking distance

testosterone

LVEF and HRV were significantly higher than those before treatment

whereas the Minnesota quality of life score

NT-proBNP were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion: The levels of testosterone and HRV in patients with chronic heart failure (CHD) were significantly lower than those in the control group. Wenyang Huoxue Jiedu decoction relieved the degree of Yang deficiency

improved the heart function and the quality of life of male patients with chronic heart failure. Its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of sympathetic activity and the improvement of serum testosterone level and HRV. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has a hormone-like effect and the advantages of overall treatment and multi-target intervention

which reflects the features and significance of TCM in regulating endocrine

and is worth further study.