Kamikihito contributes to visceral fat reduction and appetite suppression in PCOS model rats by increasing OTR and leptin expression in visceral fat.

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that causes infertility as well as obesity. Oxytocin (OT), a neuropeptide involved in appetite and fat metabolism, may be therapeutically beneficial for PCOS. Kamikihito (KKT), a traditional Japanese herbal medicine of Chinese origin, has been shown to up-regulate the expression of OT in the hypothalamus and exert various physiological effects. The present study investigated the anti-obesity effects of KKT in relation to OT using a PCOS model rat. Female rats were implanted with dihydrotestosterone to induce PCOS and divided into a normal food group (NF group) and food containing KKT group (KF group). After surgery, rats were fed normal food for four weeks, followed by food containing 3% KKT for another four weeks. The anti-obesity effects and impact on the ovarian morphology of KKT in PCOS were examined. KKT supplementation reduced food intake, the size of visceral adipocytes, and ovarian weight. The KF group showed increased mRNA expression levels of OT receptors (OTR) and leptin in visceral fat and slightly increased serum levels of OT and leptin. These results suggest the potential of KKT as a therapeutic agent for PCOS, potentially through effects on OT and leptin signaling pathways. J. Med. Invest. 72 : 316-323, August, 2025.