To observe the therapeutic effect of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer（ IVF-ET） com- bined with Bushen Tiaojing Formula（ formula to supplement the kidney and regulate menstruation） or Xiaoyao Powder（ Free Wanderer Powder） respectively on female infertility and its possible mechanism. Methods Forty cases of female infertility were divided into the kidney-supplementing group and liver-coursing group according to the pattern identification

with 20 in each. Twenty cases of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation were selected as the control group. All groups were given IVF-ET. The kidney-supplementing group and liver-coursing group were added with Bushen Tiaojing Formula or Xiaoyao Powder respectively. The expressions of activin receptor-like kinase 5（ ALK5） and ALK5 mRNA in the ovarian granulosa cells were detected after treatment. The number of oocytes retrieved

fertilization rate

good-quality embryo rate and clinical pregnancy rate were observed. Results The good-quality embryo rate in the control group

kidney-supplementing group and liver-coursing group was 29. 3%

50. 3% and 50. 6% respectively. The good-quality embryo rate in the kidney-supplementing group and liver-coursing group was significantly higher than that in the control group（ P < 0. 05）. The clinical pregnancy rate in the control group

kidney-supplementing group and liver-coursing group was 45. 0%

65. 0% and 60. 0% respectively

with no significant difference between groups（ P > 0. 05）. There was no significant difference between groups in the number of oocytes retrieved and fertilization rate（ P > 0. 05）. The expression of ALK5 mRNA in the kidney-supplementing group and liver-coursing group was significantly higher than that in the control group（ P < 0. 05）. Conclusion Both Bushen Tiaojing Formula and Xiaoyao Powder can up-regulate the expression of ALK5 in granulosa cells of patients with female infertility

promote the proliferation of granulosa cells and regulate the ovarian function

especially Xiaoyao Powder.