1. Introduction
kidney-qi
The postponement of childbearing has become a global trend, which led to a gradual increase in the proportion of infertile women of advanced age. In women older than 35 years old, ovarian reserve and oocyte quality are diminished, making assisted reproductive technology (ART) more likely to be required to achieve pregnancy.Several adjuvant treatments before or during IVF-ET have been suggested for the population, such as dehydroepiandrosterone, estradiol, and growth hormone supplementation.Erzhi Tiangui (EZTG) formula, with the function of tonifying the kidney-qi and nourishing the kidney-yin, is in the form of granules with ten herbal ingredients. It has been widely applied in reproductive centers for over 20 years and demonstrated benefits as a supplementary treatment during ART and IVF for advanced-age women with expected POR. Some previous studies have indicated the benefits of EZTG on the clinical outcome in the population and explored the mechanism by which EZTG improve the ovarian reserve and quality of oocytes and embryos.The complementary and synergistic role of TCM for individuals undergoing IVF is an area that merits further attention and research.