Preventive Effects of Eclipta prostrata and Hordeum vulgare Extract Complex on Precocious Puberty in Danazol- and High-Fat Diet-Induced Rat Models

Precocious puberty, characterized by the abnormally early onset of secondary sexual development, has been increasing in prevalence worldwide. Current pharmacological treatments, including GnRH agonists, are effective but associated with adverse effects, highlighting the need for safer alternatives. In this study, we investigated the preventive effects of an herbal extract complex composed of Eclipta prostrata and Hordeum vulgare (EHEC) on precocious puberty induced by danazol administration and a high-fat diet (HFD) in rat models. EHEC delayed vaginal opening (VO) and reduced ovarian maturation in both models. Furthermore, EHEC attenuated the elevation in hypothalamic GnRH mRNA expression observed in both models, without affecting body weight. These findings suggest that EHEC modulates the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and may serve as a potential natural therapeutic agent for the prevention of precocious puberty.