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Dose- and time-dependent effects of ethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens Linn. Seed on sexual behaviour of normal male rats
Abstract
According to Indian Systems of Medicine, Mucuna pruriens Linn., belonging to the leguminous family (Papilionaceae), were used for treating male sexual disorders since ancient times. In this study, the effects of ethanolic extracts of the Mucuna pruriens Linn. seed on general mating behaviour, libido and potency of normal male Wister albino rats were investigated and also compared with the standard reference drug, Sildenafil citrate.
Animals were divided into one control group (Group I--received saline) and four experimental groups (Groups II-V). Experimental groups were divided on the basis of the dosage of extract to the animals as follows: 150 mg/kg body weight (Group I), 200mg/kg body weight (Group II) and 250 mg/kg body weight (Group IV) while Group V received Sildenafil citrate (5mg/kg body weight). Animals were fed PO with saline or extract or standard drug once in a day for 45 days. To analyse the mating behaviour, female rats with oestrus phase were used.
The extract administered PO significantly increased the mounting frequency, intromission frequency and ejaculation latency, and decreased the mounting latency, intromission latency, post-ejaculatory interval and inter-intromission interval. The potency test significantly increased erections, quick flips, long flips and total reflex. Therefore, the results indicated that the ethanolic extracts of Mucuna pruriens Linn. seed produced a significant and sustained increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats at a particular dose (200mg/kg). When compared to control, all the drug-treated groups have shown drug-induced effects for a few parameters. However in Group II, there was an obvious enhancement in all parameters, without affecting the normal behaviour. When compared with the standard drug, the net effect of extract is even less than that in Group II.
Therefore, the resulting aphrodisiac activity of the extract lends support to the claim that it has traditionally been used for the treatment of sexual disorders.
... After a thorough evaluation of their chemical and nutritional makeup as well as their functional qualities, B. elegans seeds were determined to have a high nutritional value that might be used in the food business. [10][11][12][13][14][15][16] measured the approximate composition of Al-haydwan seeds and reported that the moisture content was 6.12%. At the same time, the amounts of ash, carbs, fiber, crude protein, and crude lipids were 14.6%, 11.49%, 36.13%, ...
... [10], also showed that the seed extract of Boerhavia elegana Choisy showed antioxidant activity by a number of methods, including the FRAP, carotene bleaching, and Fe2+ chelating assays; also, the DPPH and ABTS tests evaluated its potent free radical scavenging capabilities. [15] Found that there were no discernible negative effects on fetal development in rats given a daily dosage of 250 mg/kg b.w. of ethanolic root extract throughout pregnancy. Similarly, using the brine shrimp (Artemia salina) toxicity test, [16] found that an 80% ethanol extract of aerial parts of Boerhavia elegana showed negligible toxicity, with an LD50 value of 1020 mg/ml. ...
... International Journal of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences (IJCBS), 27(21) (2025):[9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] ...
Insulin resistance, obesity, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia are some of the associated risk factors that contribute to metabolic syndrome, a prevalent complex health condition. Due to its high nutrient content and potential health benefits, eating food plants has gained attention recently as a potentially managed strategy and a way to prevent metabolic syndrome. One such plant is al-haydawan, a succulent that has a long history of traditional use in a variety of cuisines. Based on earlier research, the aim of this study is to elucidate the effects of al-haydawan on metabolic syndrome. Numerous studies have demonstrated that al-haydawan includes a high concentration of bioactive compounds, including calcium and flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Al-haydawan bioactive extracts efficiently lower body weight, body mass index (BMI), and fat mass—factors linked to osteoporosis and obesity. This aids in the management and prevention of metabolic syndrome. Improvements in blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels have also been associated with steroid use. In animal studies, A-lhaydawan extracts have been demonstrated to improve lipid profiles, lower insulin resistance, and improve glucose and lipid metabolism. According to these findings, neutral might have a significant part in controlling metabolic risk factors. In conclusion, because of its abundant nutritional value and possible health advantages, Al-haydawan intake functions as a dietary approach to prevent and manage metabolic syndrome.
... The leaf extract of Mucuna pruriens L. (velvet bean), due to its aphrodisiac compounds (βsitosterol, prurienine, prurieninine, prurienidine, and saponins), increased the frequency of erections and intromission, quick/long flip, ejaculation latency, total reflex, and testosterone concentrations in animal models [33,34]. Some plant-derived compounds (in Pedalium murex L. and Corchorus depressus L.), including diosgenin, are analogs of testosterone derivatives and convert testosterone and estrogen to dehydroepiandrosterone, ultimately improving the penile erection index, sperm quality parameters, sexual behavior, and fertility rate [31][32][33][34]. ...
... The leaf extract of Mucuna pruriens L. (velvet bean), due to its aphrodisiac compounds (βsitosterol, prurienine, prurieninine, prurienidine, and saponins), increased the frequency of erections and intromission, quick/long flip, ejaculation latency, total reflex, and testosterone concentrations in animal models [33,34]. Some plant-derived compounds (in Pedalium murex L. and Corchorus depressus L.), including diosgenin, are analogs of testosterone derivatives and convert testosterone and estrogen to dehydroepiandrosterone, ultimately improving the penile erection index, sperm quality parameters, sexual behavior, and fertility rate [31][32][33][34]. Bajijiasu, a compound derived from Morinda officinalis L., has been reported to have androgenic properties. ...
... Usage of the extracts of Terminalia catappa L. (1.5 g/kg/7 days) and Syzygium aromaticum L. (500 mg/kg/7 days) for seven consecutive days was found to improve libido (ejaculation), sexual vigor (intromission frequency), sexual performance (prolongation of ejaculation latency), and premature ejaculation [34][35][36][37]. In the spermatogenesis cycle in rats spanning 65 days, Annona muricata L. extract (5 and 10 ml/kg/for 65 days) not only preserved testicular tissue structure with normal spermatogenesis cycles but also prevented sperm apoptosis, strengthened the HPGA axis, and increased testosterone concentration through its aphrodisiac effects [28]. ...
Various factors contributing to male infertility include genetic determinants, hormonal/neurological imbalance, erectile/libido disorders, genital tract injuries, and toxic/ischemic testicular injuries. Herbs increase sperm count and quality parameters, as well as sexual performance in infertile men, through various mechanisms. For this purpose, efforts were made to investigate effective plants in treating infertility, focusing on those studied in animal research. In this review, we explored the latest findings from animal studies on the therapeutic applications of medicinal plants in male infertility. Based on MeSH keywords, 250 animal studies investigating the effects of herbs on male infertility were reviewed, 72 of which were selected after removing duplicated and unrelated articles. The search was conducted in the Scientific Information Database, the World Health Organization database, Web of Science, Science Direct, Iranmedex, Cochran Library, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of herbs on male infertility caused by hormonal disorders, oxidative stress, cytokines, inflammatory pathways, as well as erectile and libido disorders were discussed. Aphrodisiac, spermatogenesis-inducing compounds, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and androgenic compounds, including anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, ginsenosides, protodioscin, quassinoids, sesquiterpenes, diosgenin, phyto-oestrogens, thymoquinone, and bajijiasu, in these plants increase male fertility by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and improving sperm’s functional parameters and fertility indices in relation with seminiferous tubules.
... However, experimental investigation of the biological activities of M. pruriens on aginginduced pathological changes in the testis microenvironment has never been explored. Furthermore, in our earlier studies, it has been observed that the extract has antioxidant, aphrodisiac, spermatogenic potentials and improved erectile function in the aged rat (Suresh et al. 2009(Suresh et al. , 2013Prakash 2011, 2012;Prakash et al. 2018;Murugesan et al. 2022). These observations have been the motivating factors to test the therapeutic potential of this plant extract on aging-induced pathobiological changes in testis. ...
... Wistar albino rats were used as an experimental animal model. Our previous study showed a dosage and time-dependent effect of the M. pruriens extract in normal rats (Suresh et al. 2009). Previous studies have demonstrated antioxidant, androgenic, aphrodisiac, and spermatogenic properties of M. pruriens seed extract. ...
... The ethanolic extract of M. pruriens seed was used in the present study. Details of the extract preparation are described elsewhere (Suresh et al. 2009;Prakash et al. 2018). Briefly, the seeds of M. pruriens were procured locally after authentication, and the voucher specimen (herbarium voucher no. ...
Mucuna pruriens Linn. (M. pruriens), a leguminous plant, was used extensively in Ayurveda, to treat male-related infertility. Previous studies have demonstrated antioxidant, androgenic, aphrodisiac, and spermatogenic properties of M. pruriens seed extract. Surprisingly, the biological activities of M. pruriens on aging-induced pathological changes in the testis microenvironment have never been explored and the present study was focused on the testing therapeutic efficacy of M. pruriens on aged rat testis. Male Wistar albino rats were grouped as; adult (3 months), aged (24 months), aged + M. pruriens and adult + M. pruriens (N = 6/group). The extract was administrated at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight (dosage determined in our previous study) daily by gavage for 60 days. The total and free testosterone, FSH and LH levels were considerably increased in aged + M. pruriens. The diameter & volume of the seminiferous tubules, the height & volume of the epithelium, and the number of Leydig cells number were significantly decreased in aged rat testis, concomitantly connective tissue proportion was increased compared to adult rats. The seminiferous epithelium indicates significant rejuvenation or restoration of spermatogenic cells in aged + M. pruriens rat testis. The highlighting observations in aged + M. pruriens was increased in the following parameters i.e., tubular diameter (25%), number of tubules (35%), epithelial height (25%) & volume (20%), and number of Leydig cells (35%) when compared to untreated aged rat testis. The TNFα, NF-κB, cytochrome c, Caspase-9, Caspase-3, Bcl-2, Bax, PARP iNOS, and inflammatory and apoptotic factors were downregulated in aged + M. pruriens. M. pruriens was able to restore spermatogenesis and enhance the activity of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells and improve the pituitary–gonadal axis in aged rat testis and observations indicate the therapeutic activity of M. pruriens in aged rat testis.
... The ethanolic extract of M. pruriens seed was used in the present study. Details of the extract preparation are described elsewhere (Suresh et al., 2009;Prakash et al., 2018). Briefly, the seeds of M. pruriens were procured (2010) locally after authentication, and a voucher specimen (herbarium voucher No. 6907) was deposited in the Department of Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology (The Presidency College, Chennai, India). ...
... In our previous study, three different doses were tried, i.e. 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg. The 200 mg dose exhibited aphrodisiac, androgenic and spermatogenic properties without adverse side effects (Suresh et al., 2009), and our later studies also confirmed the effectiveness of this dosage (Suresh et al., 2013;Prakash, 2011, 2012;Prakash et al., 2018). Hence, extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight was administered by gavage, daily. ...
... The following sperm parameters were analyzed: the concentration of the sperm, the viability of the sperm, sperm motility, morphology of the sperm, cytoplasmic droplet containing sperm, chromatin integrity of the spermacridine orange assay (details are given by Suresh et al., 2009). In addition, using the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST), the functional integrity of the sperm membrane was examined. ...
Objective:
Mucuna pruriens Linn., a leguminous plant, is identified as a herbal medicine for improving fertility-related disorders in the alternative and complementary systems of medicine. The study was focused on evaluating the therapeutic potential of M. pruriens on testis and sperm parameters in a high-fat-induced hypercholesterolemia model.
Materials and methods:
Male rats were divided as normal-control rats (NCR); normal-control rats + M.pruriens (200 mg/kg b.w. of ethanolic extract of M. pruriens seed) treated (NCRD); hypercholesterolemic rats (HCR) and hypercholesterolemic rats + M. pruriens (HCRD). Groups were further divided into three post-exposure periods (subgroups) of 9, 18, and 36 days, and the progressive changes in testis histology and sperm were analyzed.
Results:
The study showed a significant impairment in testicular histoarchitecture, depletion of antioxidant enzyme levels, increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in the HCR group. The study indicated severe structural and functional damage in sperm parameters and diminished chromatin integrity in the HCR group. In the HCR rats, the follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone were significantly reduced. There was a significant improvement in sperm parameters and testis histology in the HCRD group.
Conclusion:
The study reveals the potential efficacy of M. pruriens to improve spermatogenesis, sperm parameters and hormone levels in hypercholesterolemic rats.
... In many countries, different varieties of plants have been used as sexual stimulants in traditional medicine. [41] According to Indian medicine, since ancient times M. Pruriens has been used to treat male sexual disorders, therefore, several studies have been conducted where the effects of ethanolic extracts of M. Pruriens seed on general mating behavior, libido and potency of albino rats have been observed, as well as its efficacy on male sexual behavior and sperm parameters in long-term hyperglycemic male rats. In a study, it was demonstrated this effect of the ethanolic extract of M. Pruriens, so they used albino rats and compared the result with a drug evaluated as a reference standard (sildenafil citrate). ...
... To analyze mating behavior, female rats in the estrus phase were used. [41] The administered extract significantly increased mounting frequency, ejaculation latency, and decreased mounting latency. The potency test significantly increased erections, fast lunges, long lunges, and total reflexes. ...
... Compared with the control, all drug-treated groups have shown drug-induced effects for some parameters. [41] On the other hand, as for hyperglycemic rats, the conducted study reveals the potential efficacy of ethanolic seed extract of M. pruriens in improving sexual behavior with androgenic and antidiabetic effects in streptozotocin induced diabetic males rats. Furthermore, it supports the use of M. pruriens in the Indian system of medicine as a sexual invigorant in diabetic conditions. ...
The plant genus Mucuna comes from the family Fabaceae, subfamily Papilionaceae. At present, about 100 species of climbing shrubs of the genus Mucuna have been found, among which Mucuna pruriens and Mucuna urens stand out, due to the large number of pharmacological properties they possess. We sought to exemplify some of the most important uses, as well as pharmacological and nutritional properties that have been found over the years in Mucuna urens and Mucuna pruriens. Plants of the genus Mucuna have been used in various areas worldwide because they possess a large number of phytoconstituents that give them multiple properties. These plants have stood out for their nutritional value, their antioxidant activity, and their properties to treat various pathologies.
... Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean) is a tropical leguminous plant belonging to the Papilionaceae family. It is grown widely in Africa, America, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India and South-East Asia (Suresh, Prithiviraj, & Prakash, 2009). In the Indian traditional medicine, the beans are used for treating male sexual disorders (Suresh et al., 2009). ...
... It is grown widely in Africa, America, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India and South-East Asia (Suresh, Prithiviraj, & Prakash, 2009). In the Indian traditional medicine, the beans are used for treating male sexual disorders (Suresh et al., 2009). ...
... The roots and seeds of M. pruriens are rich in alkaloids (prurienine, prurieninine and prurienidine), triterpenes, saponins, sterols especially β-sitosterol and ursolic acid (Misra & Wagner, 2004;Suresh et al., 2009) ...
This review attempts to collate existing data and provide the perspectives for future studies on the effects of plants on the male gonads. For many of these medicinal plants such as Lepidium meyenii, Rupus coreanus, Tribulus terrestres, Panax ginseng, Petasites japonicas, Apium graveolens, Eurycoma longifólia, Pedalium murex, Corchorus depressus, Mucuna pruriens, Astragalus membranaceus, Nigella sativa, Crataegus monogyna, Fagara tessmannii, Phaleria macrocarpa, Anacyclus pyrethrum, Cynomorium songaricum and Morinda officinalis, the mechanism of actions of their active principles and crude extracts has been shown in both laboratory animals, in vitro, and human studies, and includes their antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, spermatogenesis‐inducing, aphrodisiac, smooth muscle relaxing and androgenic properties. Several active chemical leads including glucosinolates, anthocyanins, protodioscin, ginsenosides, sesquiterpenes, phyto‐oestrogens, quassinoids, diosgenin, thymoquinone, proanthocyanidins and bajijiasu isolated from these plants are known to have target effects on the testis, but efforts have been limited in their application at the clinical level. There still appear to be many more extracts of medicinal plants that have not been characterised to determine the phytochemicals unique to them that have target effects on the gonads. Further, collaborative efforts at isolating pro‐drug candidates from medicinal plants for studies at the molecular, cellular and clinical level towards elucidating their mechanisms of action on the testes are therefore warranted in the light of the current male fertility crisis.
... Its antilipid peroxidation property 12 and anti-inflammatory activities were also previously reported 13 . In addition to these properties, ethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens seeds (MP) was reported to exhibit anti-apoptotic, anti-hyperglycemic, neuroprotective, androgenic, and aphrodisiac effects when used to treat male reproductive system disorders caused by a variety of factors such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, testicular trauma and aging [14][15][16][17] . Toxicity analysis did not indicate any potential harmful effects of Mucuna extracts. ...
... An ethanolic extract of the seeds of the MP was used in the study. The authentication process of the acquired seeds, extract preparation and its characterization was as per the procedures described previously 15 . Briefly, the seeds of MP were procured locally and after thorough washing in distilled water were dried in the shade for 7-12 days, and were powdered. ...
Experimental studies found extracts of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC, a plant used in the traditional medical systems to possess strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties among a wide range of other beneficial effects. Hypothesizing the possibility for a multifaceted beneficial effect, the therapeutic potential of the ethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens (MP) in treating spinal cord injury (SCI) was tested using the highly standardized Multicenter Animal Spinal Cord Injury Study (MASCIS) animal model of contusive SCI. Male Wister rats with SCI were treated with the ethanolic extract of MP at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day for 10 weeks. The outcome was assessed through molecular, biochemical, histological, and behavioral scoring parameters. Results indicated anti-apoptotic, anti-necrotic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects of MP. Nevertheless, many of these beneficial effects were not statistically significant and there was no functional improvement due to MP treatment. MP at comparable doses was reported to be significantly effective in mitigating oxidative stress and/or inflammation under various other pathological conditions. Lack of significance in the present study could be due to the presence of blood-spinal cord-barrier; that might have prevented the components of MP from reaching spinal cord tissue in adequate quantities. Additionally, heterogeneity in the function of the cells typical to the CNS environment could be the reason for the failure of recovery. To conclude, the limitations posed by the structural and functional distinctions in the spinal cord environment in comparison to other non-CNS tissue environments deserve attention while adjudicating the efficacies of herbal remedies for SCI.
... The mount latency is considered as a reflection of sexual motivation and is said to be inversely proportional to motivation or sexual desire. In addition, alteration of mount frequency is considered an indication of libido, strength, potency, sexual performance, sexual motivation and vigor [21,4] . Mount and intromission frequencies are known as useful indices of vigor, libido, and power [22] , so increased of mount frequency is an indicator of increased sexual motivation while increasing of intromission frequency of is an indicator of the efficacy of erection, penile orientation and increased activation of ejaculatory reflex by the administered extract. ...
... In the other hand, several lines indicated that, in erectile function, androgens stimulate the expression of the neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and modulate the activity of phosphodiesterase type 5. Then, flavonoids and sterols present in the extract could act by inducing changes in the level of neurotransmitters involved in erectile function, and by this way, modulate the action of these neurotransmitters at their target cells or raising the androgen level [21,25] . Flavonoids could also induce a complex mechanism of action including an increase in testosterone levels by inhibiting the cytochrome P450, enzyme aromatase responsible for converting testosterone to estrogen [26] , and, at the central nervous system, an increase in dopaminergic transmission (neurotransmitters involved in sexual behavior) in the brain [27,28] . ...
Alchornea cordifolia, a shrub found in tropical Africa, is used to treat several physiological disorders, including male infertility and impotency. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of the methanolic extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaves on the sexual behavior of senescent and sexually inexperienced rats. In order to evaluate aphrodisiac properties and reproductive performance, rats were divided into groups: group I receiving distilled water, group II receiving testosterone, group III receiving sildenafil citrate, group IV and V receiving the methanolic extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaves at 200 mg / kg and 400 mg / kg, respectively. The treatment was done by gavage for groups I, III, IV and V and subcutaneous injection of testosterone every three days for group II for 14 days. On days 1, 7 and 14, the rats were mated to the receptive females. At the end of this last treatment, the rats were mated with gonad-intact females. 14 days after of treatment, the extract leads to an increase in libido and sexual performance parameters (mounts, intromissions and ejaculations frequency) and an increase in sexual desire (decrease of mount and intromission latency). The extract also prolonged the duration of coitus by increasing the ejaculation latency and the average interval of copulation. An increase in the percentage of female’s rats impregnated as well as the numbers of implantations were recorded in females’ rats mated with the males treated with our extract. These results reveal the potential of the methanolic extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaves to improve male reproductive performance justifying its use in traditional medicine
... The sexual behavioral observations in this study revealed that the extract has sex enhancing functions, evidenced by the increased MF, IF, EF, EL in male rats and decrease in ML, IL and PEI. Mount and intromission frequencies (MF and IF) which are indices of sexual arousability; MF is an indicator of libido while IF is an indicator of potency 11,12 , mount and intromission latencies (ML and IL) are used to measure vigor 8 . The decrease in ML and IL and the increase in MF and IF produced by the Citrullus lanatus rind extract revealed that this plant may be a useful sexual stimulant. ...
... The decrease in ML and IL and the increase in MF and IF produced by the Citrullus lanatus rind extract revealed that this plant may be a useful sexual stimulant. EL and PEI are important for evaluating prolonged duration of coitus and the rate of recovery from exhaustion after the first series of mating, respectively 11,12 . This finding was in agreement with that of Ratnasooriya and Dharmasiri who reported an increase in EF and EL; and a decrease in ML, IL and PEI in male rats administered with Terminalia catappa seed extract 13 . ...
... In traditional medicine, preparations from the seeds are used for the management of several free radicalmediated diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, atherosclerosis, nervous disorders, male infertility, snake bites, stress and Parkinson disease (Katzenschlager et al., 2004;Rajeshwar et al., 2005;Suresh et al., 2009;Tan et al., 2009;Sekar et al., 2009;Lieu et al., 2010). ...
... In groups that received Mucuna pruriens alone or in combination with paraquat, the protective and ameliorative ability of Mucuna pruriens could be through the activities of L-Dopa present in Mucuna pruriens (Muthu and Krishnamoorthy, 2011;Sundararajan et al., 2013;Shukla et al., 2009;Ahmad et al., 2007). L-Dopa increases testosterone levels and, as a result helps to improve spermatogenic and steroidogenic activities by enhancing testicular cells and their secretions (Sekar et al., 2009). Figure 5: Photomicrograph of testis of Group E rats administered with 20mg/kg paraquat for 3 weeks after which paraquat was withdrawn and rats fed with feed and water for another 3 weeks shows moderate testicular damage with testicular cells necrosis (TCN), and arrest of spermatogenesis (AS). ...
Paraquat has been known to induce damage to the testes and ovaries in different animals. This study evaluated the protective and ameliorating effects of methanolic seed extract of Mucuna pruriens (MSEMP) on paraquat induced testicular damage. Healthy adult male Albino Wistar rats received paraquat alone, or paraquat and MSEMP together. All substrates were administered orally. Results obtained showed that mean epididymal sperm count, sperm motility, testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were reduced (p<0.05), in addition to alterations in sperm morphologies in all rats that received paraquat alone in a duration dependent manner. However, all parameters were improved in groups treated with paraquat and MSEMP together. Histological investigations of the testes revealed necrotic testicular tissue, with testicular atrophy, loss of sperm bundles and scanty spermatocytes in all rats that received paraquat alone. However, Co-and post-treatment of the animals with MSEMP following oral administration of paraquat showed protective and ameliorative characteristics. One of the possible mechanisms that could be attributed to this observation would be the action of L-Dopa present in Mucuna pruriens, although complete mechanism of action of these effects is not yet clear and calls for further investigation.
... Animal maintenance were according to the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision on Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA) guidelines for laboratory animal facility in India [33]. Details of the maintenance were given elsewhere [34]. ...
... The potency was studied according to the method described in our earlier work [24,34]. On the 120th day, the test for penile reflexes was carried out by placing the animal on its back in a glass cylinder partial restraint. ...
Objective: To analyze pathobiology of ischiocavernosus (IC) and bulbospongiosus (BS) muscles in long-term diabetic male rats and its implication on erectile dysfunction (ED).
Methods: Male rats were grouped into control and diabetic rats (received single injection of 60 mg/kg bw. of streptozotocin [STZ]). At 120th day, the animals were subjected to various analyses like serum hormone, penile reflex, electromyography of IC and BS muscles, after euthanasia IC and BS muscles were processed for morphological, histology, histometric analysis, immunostaining and immunoblotting synaptophysin, nNOS and NADPH diaphorase histochemistry.
Results: Significant reduction in serum hormone level, penile reflex, reduced action potential or activity in both these muscles and wide range of histological alterations were observed in STZ rats. Muscles showed significant reduction in the diameter, volume and numerical density of the fiber in both muscles of STZ rats. Synaptophysin, nNOS and NADPH diaphorase were significantly reduced in diabetic animal IC and BS.
Conclusion: Severe neuromuscular circuitry alteration in IC and BS. Study concludes that degenerative changes in IC and BS may play a major role in ED in diabetic condition. Indicating diabetic-induced postsynaptic neuronal degeneration along with impaired motor action of the muscle and severe muscle degeneration affecting ED.
... The mount latency is considered as a reflection of sexual motivation and is said to be inversely proportional to motivation or sexual desire. In addition, alteration of mount frequency is considered an indication of libido, strength, potency, sexual performance, sexual motivation and vigor [21,4] . Mount and intromission frequencies are known as useful indices of vigor, libido, and power [22] , so increased of mount frequency is an indicator of increased sexual motivation while increasing of intromission frequency of is an indicator of the efficacy of erection, penile orientation and increased activation of ejaculatory reflex by the administered extract. ...
... In the other hand, several lines indicated that, in erectile function, androgens stimulate the expression of the neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and modulate the activity of phosphodiesterase type 5. Then, flavonoids and sterols present in the extract could act by inducing changes in the level of neurotransmitters involved in erectile function, and by this way, modulate the action of these neurotransmitters at their target cells or raising the androgen level [21,25] . Flavonoids could also induce a complex mechanism of action including an increase in testosterone levels by inhibiting the cytochrome P450, enzyme aromatase responsible for converting testosterone to estrogen [26] , and, at the central nervous system, an increase in dopaminergic transmission (neurotransmitters involved in sexual behavior) in the brain [27,28] . ...
Alchornea cordifolia, a shrub found in tropical Africa, is used to treat several physiological disorders, including male infertility and impotency. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of the methanolic extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaves on the sexual behavior of senescent and sexually inexperienced rats. In order to evaluate aphrodisiac properties and reproductive performance, rats were divided into groups: group I receiving distilled water, group II receiving testosterone, group III receiving sildenafil citrate, group IV and V receiving the methanolic extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaves at 200 mg / kg and 400 mg / kg, respectively. The treatment was done by gavage for groups I, III, IV and V and subcutaneous injection of testosterone every three days for group II for 14 days. On days 1, 7 and 14, the rats were mated to the receptive females. At the end of this last treatment, the rats were mated with gonad-intact females. 14 days after of treatment, the extract leads to an increase in libido and sexual performance parameters (mounts, intromissions and ejaculations frequency) and an increase in sexual desire (decrease of mount and intromission latency). The extract also prolonged the duration of coitus by increasing the ejaculation latency and the average interval of copulation. An increase in the percentage of female’s rats impregnated as well as the numbers of implantations were recorded in females’ rats mated with the males treated with our extract. These results reveal the potential of the methanolic extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaves to improve male reproductive performance justifying its use in traditional medicine.
Keywords: Alchornea cordifolia, rats, sexual behavior, mount, intromission, ejaculation, reproductive performance.
... L-DOPA has been investigated as a dietary supplement for addressing conditions like kidney failure, hypertension, and liver cirrhosis [14]. The impact of M. pruriens seeds has been explored in various animal species, revealing influences on reproductive indices such as sexual behaviour, gonad growth and gamete quality in rats [15] and rabbit bucks [3]. Similar studies in fish have investigated M. Pruriens efficacy in terms of growth performance, biochemical profiles, and immunity across a limited range of species [16,17]. ...
... Its seeds are rich in proteins reaching up to 26% crude protein content [11] and contain amino acids such as levo-3,4dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa), methionine, tyrosine, lysine, glycine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, leucine, and serine along with globulins and albumins [14]. Several studies have reported Mucuna pruriens seeds to enhance reproductive performance in animals [15,16]. A study by Ahmad et al. [17] reported fertility enhancing potential of Mucuna seed meal in men. ...
... The therapeutic effects of M. pruriens are summarized in Table 4 below. Methanolic Improvement in the mounting frequency, ejaculation latency and decrease in the mounting latency, post-ejaculatory interval and interintromission interval [22,23,24,25] Seed Powder ...
... Sexual dysfunction is a problem that can be treated through medications and surgeries. Herbal remedies, on the other hand, were thought to be a solution to improve sexual life [110]. For this, Mucuna prureins plant seeds were used for therapeutic purposes in Tibb-e-Unani [111]. ...
Mucuna pruriens, also known as Velvet beans and Cowhage plant (English name), is a medicinal plant. It’s a twining, climbing, annual herbaceous leguminous plant originally from southern China and eastern India. Its seeds are a source of proteins, lipids, dietary fibres, carbohydrates (primary metabolites) and minerals as well as flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, saponins, terpenoids and tannins (secondary metabolites). (L-Dopa), a starting material of dopamine is produced in the leaves as well as in the roots of M. pruriens. Various Alkaloids like prurienidine, prurienine, prurieninine have also been reported in M. pruriens extracts. In-addition, Linoleic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, decanoic, lauric, behenic, arachidic, and vernolic acids were found in the seeds. The medicinal applications of Mucuna pruriens include antioxidant, antidiabetic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-obesity etc.
... The potency test markedly improved overall reflex, quick flips, extended flips, and erection. When compared to the control, the ethanolic extracts of M. pruriens seed significantly and persistently increased the sexual behavior of healthy male rats at a specific dose (200 mg/kg) (Suresh, 2009). ...
... The seed of Mucuna pruriens (MP) has been used in traditional Ayurvedic Indian medicine to treat Parkinson's disease and male infertility (Katzenschlager et al., 2004;Suresh et al., 2009;Suresh et al., 2013;Rai et al., 2017). In addition, MP seed is reported to possess the levodopa (L-DOPA, levo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine), the dopamine precursor, that can move across the blood-brain barrier (Lampariello et al., 2012;Camargo et al., 2014;Pulikkalpura et al., 2015). ...
Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var pruriens (T-MP) seed containing levodopa (L-DOPA) and antioxidant capacity
has been shown to improve sexual behavior and male reproductive parameters in rats treated with ethanol (Eth).
However, its protective effect on testicular apoptotic germ cells has never been reported. This study aimed to
investigate the potential effects of T-MP seed extract on expressions of caspase, proliferating cell nuclear antigen
(PCNA), and dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) proteins in Eth rats. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into four
groups (9 animals/group), including control, Eth, T-MP150+Eth, and T-MP300+Eth, respectively. Control rats
received distilled water, and Eth rats received Eth (3g/kg BW; 40%v/v). The T-MP groups were treated with T-MP
seed extract at a dose of 150 or 300 mg/kg before Eth administration for 56 consecutive days. The results showed
that the seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelial height were significantly increased in both T-MP treated
groups compared to the Eth group. Additionally, the caspase-9 and -3, and PCNA expressions were decreased, but
D2R expression was markedly increased in T-MP groups. It was concluded that T-MP seed extract could protect
testicular apoptosis induced by Eth via changes in caspase, PCNA, and D2R protein expressions.
... Hypothetically, the improvement could be due to the androgenic property of MP which might have improved spermatogenic and steroidogenic activities by enhancing testicular cells and their secretions. This hypothesis is being supported by [17,18,19] . (Table 2) ...
Ameliorative effect of Mucuna pruriens oncypermethrin inThe ameliorative potential of Mucuna pruriens was studied against Cypermethrin induced toxicity. Total48 adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups (n=12). Group I (control) and group II, III,IV rats treated with cypermethrin, Mucuna pruriens, cypermethrin and Mucuna pruriens at the rate of 25,300, 25 and 300 mg/kg b.wt. respectively orally for 28 days. Six (06) rats from each group weresacrificed on 14th and 28th day of the experiment.In the present study, weekly body weights were significantly (P<0.05) reduced in group II rats. Theabsolute and relative weights of testes in group II rats were significantly (P<0.05) decreased on 28th dayof study than group I rats. On 14th and 28th day of experiment, a significant (P<0.05) increase in absoluteand relative liver weights and a significant (P<0.05) decrease in absolute and no significant change inrelative kidney weights were observed in group II rats than group I rats. However, administration ofMucuna pruriens caused a mild ameliorative effect on the parameters investigated.
Keywords: Cypermethrin, Mucuna pruriens, body weights, organ weights, wistar rat
... The experimental animal procedures were implemented in accordance with the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC No: 01/06/2015), University of Madras, Chennai, India. Details of animal maintenance were given elsewhere [15]. ...
The thorny protrusions or spines increase the neuronal surface area, facilitate synaptic interconnections among neurons, and play an essential role in the hippocampus. Increasing evidence suggests that testosterone, the gonadal hormone plays an important role in neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. The role of testosterone on microtubule-associated proteins on dendritic neurite stability in the hippocampus and its impact on learning disability not elucidated. Adult male Wistar albino rats were randomly selected for the control, castrated, castrated + testosterone, and control + testosterone groups. Bilateral orchidectomy was done, and the testosterone propionate was administered during the entire trial period, i.e., 14d. The learning assessments were done using working/reference memory versions of the 8-arm radial maze and hippocampal tissues processed for histological and protein expressions. There were reduced expressions of microtubule-associated protein2 (MAP2), postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), and androgen receptor (AR) and increased expression of pTau in the castrated group. Conversely, the expression of MAP2, PSD95 and AR were increased, and the pTau expression was reduced in the hippocampus of the castrated rat administrated with testosterone. Androgen-depleted rat showed impaired synaptic plasticity in hippocampus associated with contracted microtubule dynamics. Accompanying learning disability, with an increased number of reference memory errors (RME) and working memory errors (WME) in castrated rats. Observations suggest that androgen regulates expression of neural tissue-specific MAPs and play a vital role in hippocampus synaptic plasticity, and a similar mechanism may underlie neurological disorders in aging and hypogonadal men
... People believe that certain medicinal plants have aphrodisiac properties that could benefit male reproductive health (Singh et al., 2010;Malviya et al., 2011). Moringa oleifera (Family: Moringaceae) is a well-known medicinal plant that has been used traditionally due to its antimicrobial (Rahman et al., 2010;Elgamily et al., 2016), antihyperglycemic (Tuorkey, 2016;Paula et al., 2017), anticancer (Gismondi et al., 2013), aphrodisiac (Suresh et al., 2009;Prabsattroo et al., 2012;Prabsattroo et al., 2015;Shokry et al., 2020), and anti-inflammation (Adedapo et al., 2015;Arulselvan et al., 2016) properties. Its leaves contain a high concentration of zinc, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, and essential amino acids (Mahmood et al., 2010;Mishra et al., 2011). ...
Moringa oleifera leaves were essential for lowering blood glucose levels and increasing androgen levels. This study evaluates the antihyperglycemic properties of Moringa oleifera (MO) leaves aqueous extract and its effect on diabetes-induced male Sprague Dawley rats in attenuating sexual dysfunction. A total of 40 mature male rats were divided into four main groups which were normal control group that received 1 mL of distilled water, the negative control group which did not receive any treatment, positive control group that received 500 mg/kg body weight of metformin, and MO treated group that received 400 mg/kg body weight of Moringa oleifera leaves aqueous extract. All groups were analyzed after 14 and 21 days for their fasting blood glucose level (FBGL) and sexual behavior (mounting latency and mounting frequency). Analysis of testosterone level was also conducted using the testosterone kit of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The data of the treatment group were compared to the control group subjected to one-way ANOVA using IBM SPSS Statistics 22 analysis. The FBGL of diabetes-induced rats treated with Moringa oleifera leaves aqueous extract significantly decreased (p<0.05) and the plasma testosterone level increased (p<0.05) compared to the negative and positive control groups. Diabetes- induced rats treated with Moringa oleifera leaves aqueous extract also showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in mounting latency and increase (p<0.05) in mounting frequency within 15 min of the observation period. This study demonstrated that Moringa oleifera leaves aqueous extract could reduce FBGL significantly and improve the sexual dysfunction of diabetes- induced male rats.
... Basically, male reproductive organs are androgen dependent organs required for testosterone-AR binding to turn on various functional proteins. Previously, Mucuna pruriens (MP) seeds possessing L-DOPA have been shown to stimulate the hypothalamus leading to suppress corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), resulted in reduced cortisol levels (Suresh et al. 2009;Suresh and Prakash 2012). Generally, a major substance of MP seeds is L-DOPA which has been shown to stimulate the secretion of GnRH leading to increase LH levels (Misra and Wagner 2004;Shukla et al. 2009;Singh et al. 2013;Mutwedu et al. 2019). ...
Context
Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens (Fabaceae) (TMP) is known to enrich reproduction but preventive effects on stress related adverse reproductive parameters are not documented.
Objective
This study investigates the protective property of TMP seed extract on reproductive damage under chronic stress (CS).
Materials and methods
Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. The control and CS groups received distilled water, whereas the pre-treated rats received the aqueous TMP seed extract at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg BW for 20 days before co-treatments with CS induction (immobilization and forced swimming) for 81 days. Serum was used to determine the cortisol and testosterone levels. Histology of testis and epididymis was observed with localization of androgen receptor (AR). Sperm parameters and the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR), cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily a member 1 (CYP11A1), AR, HSP70, caspases (3 and 9) and tyrosine phosphorylation (TyrPho) proteins were investigated.
Results
TMP extract improved cortisol level (0.84 ± 0.02 µg/dL) and protected against the damage of reproductive tissues and sperm parameters (count [49.78 ± 3.74 million sperm/mL], viability [90.01 ± 1.17%] and precocious acrosome reaction [1.38 ± 0.48%]). Expression of testicular StAR, CYP11A1, AR and HSP70 proteins was improved. Caspase expression was decreased in treated rats. TMP increased AR expression in CS sperm. Moreover, TyrPho protein expression was corrected after TMP administration.
Conclusions
TMP seed protected against adverse reproductive parameters in CS via improvements of functionally testicular markers and reductions of apoptotic proteins. It is possible to develop the TMP beans as an alternative medicine in treating of male subfertility caused by CS.
... Emulsifiers are proteins found in living things that are capable of interacting with carbohydrates [3,4]. This plant is pharmacologically studied for varied activities like medication, aphrodisiac, antineoplastic, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial activities, etc [5]. Its medicinal drug agents, the nice effort has been spent on the event of medicine for the treatment of inflammation and has many medicinal values [6]. ...
Introduction: Mucuna pruriens is a tropical legume native to Africa and tropical Asia. The plant is an annual climbing shrub with long vines that can reach a height of 15 meters in length. Mucuna pruriens belong to the family legume. It is a herbal drug that is used as a medicine for the treatment of male infertility, nervous disorder, and also as an aphrodisiac. It has been shown that it potentially has more medical importance. It causes orange hair that causes a severe itch when in contact with the skin. It releases a protein called mucanain. Aim: To determine the anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous and hexane extract of Mucuna pruriens. Materials and Methodology: The extract was prepared and the anti-inflammatory effect was done using a UV-Beckmann spectrometer. The anti-inflammatory activity of nanoparticles prepared using plant extract was investigated by albumin denaturation assay. The results of the test were described as the standard deviation and analyzed using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Correlation and analysis were done in SPSS. Results: The hexane solution and aqueous solution of Mucuna pruriens have a high percentage of inhibition at the 30 μl, 40 μl and 50 μl concentration when compared with a standard solution. And hexane has a high percentage of inhibition at 50μl when compared with a standard solution. The obtained data were analyzed using spearman correlation analysis and the non-parametric correlation was statistically significant at p value< 0.05. Conclusion: The aqueous and hexane extract of Mucuna pruriens show good anti-inflammatory activity. In that hexane extract has good anti-inflammatory activity when compared with aqueous extract. And it is used for disease. And further research should be done with the action and mechanism of Mucuna pruriens.
... (2) M. pruriens exhibited various activities including analgesic and anti-inflammatory, (3) anticoagulant, (4) antidiabetic, anti-microbial and anti-oxidant, (5) aphrodisiac. (6) Seeds of M. pruriens revealed presence of alkaloidal constituents (7) viz., mucunadine, mucunine, prurienidine, prurienine (8) and epoxy fatty acids viz., cis-epoxyoctadec-trans-9-cis-acid, cis-12, 13-epoxyoctadectrans-9-enoic acid. (9) Numerous seeds-derived formulations are used to treat a various free radical-mediated diseases, including ageing, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, atherosclerosis, male infertility, and nervous disorders. ...
Behavioral models such as the elevated plus maze (EPM), light and dark method, Hole-board method, and Marble burying method were used to assess Methanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens seeds (MEMP) for anxiolytic function. MEMP in a dose of 200 and 300 mg/kg, p.o. was found to possess significant anxiolytic activity. In TST and FST, MEMP showed a substantial reduction in the time of immobility, indicating antidepressant action. MEMP significantly increased the latency for straub tail, extensor, myoclonic jerk, clonic convulsion and stupor in pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) and isoniazid-induced convulsion models. MEMP may be interfering with the level of monoamines; L-dopa, serotonin and histamine and produced antidepressant activity.
... However, the action of the plant extracts on gonadal function and spawning of tilapia has not been elucidated. Nonetheless, experimental treatment of rats with M. pruriens extract triggered increment in spermatozoa, together with the sexual and androgenic activities (Suresh & Prakash, 2012;Suresh, Prithiviraj, & Prakash, 2009). ...
Control of prolific reproduction is vital for a profitable tilapia aquaculture enterprise. All‐male tilapia culture is a popular method used to control prolific breeding, because the male individuals grow faster than female and mixed‐sex populations. Presently, most farmers use 17α‐methyl testosterone (MT) to produce all‐male tilapia individuals, although synthetic hormones are linked to human health and environmental risks. Recently, considerable attention has focused on plant‐based products as alternatives to MT, because they are affordable, safe, and eco‐friendly. Despite the growing interest in using plant extracts to prevent frequent spawning in tilapia production, the available information is not collated to standardize application guidelines. Accordingly, this review article consolidates existing knowledge on the use of plant extracts to control prolific breeding in tilapia culture systems. In addition, limitations to commercial application of the extracts are identified. To date, seed, root, and leaf extracts of 20 plant species, most notably, Tribulus terrestris, Mucuna pruriens, and Carica papaya, exhibit potential for controlling unwanted breeding in tilapia production systems. The extracts are mainly administered orally, incorporated in fish feeds. Saponins and flavanoids are the main bioactive compounds in the phytoextracts, which induce sex inversion and fertility impairment in tilapia. The commercialization of plant extracts is, however, hampered by lack of standardized information on extract preparation, optimal dosages, and mechanism of action. Thus, future studies should address these technical limitations and highlight economic incentives for commercial use of plant extracts in tilapia aquaculture.
... The observed mating behaviors were used for further analysis with scoring first four mating series. The phases and frequencies were determined on following parameters: before ejaculation number of intromission or intromission frequency (IF), number of mounting before ejaculation or mounting frequency (MF), time after introduction of female into male cage up to first mount or mounting latency (ML), time after introduction of the female up to the first intromission by male or intromission latency (IL), number of intromissions (NI), time after first intromission up to ejaculation in series or ejaculatory latency (EL), number of mount (NM), time after first ejaculation up to the next intromission by the male or postejaculatory interval (PEI) and time between two successive intromission or inter intromission interval (III) [9,10] . Study protocol approved by the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (No. IAEC/ABCP/08/2014-15 Date 17-10-2014) and conducted according to CPCSEA Guidelines, Govt. of India. ...
Sexual dysfunction is a widely found disorder worldwide now a day because of busy lifestyle and stress. Management of disease is somewhat difficult because of cost and shortage of effective treatment. In the present paper authors have investigated effect of ethanolic extract of Flueggea leucopyrus Willd. leaves as aphrodisiac potential on albino rats. The dried leaves of plant were extracted by cold maceration method using ethanol. It was investigated for in vivo aphrodisiac activity. Plant extract was administered at doses 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight for 45 days. The effect of extract on general mating behavior, potency test, morphological studies, organ weight and sperm motility were tested. The results were compared with standard reference sildenafil citrate. The acute toxicity of the drug extract was also checked. On oral administration of ethanol extract 200 and 400 mg/kg doses on 15th, 30th and 45th day of treatment in all treated groups significantly increased intromission latency, mounting frequency, ejaculatory latency and significantly decreased intromission latency, mounting latency, inter intromission interval and post ejaculatory interval. Test for potency showed significant increase in long flips, quick flips and erections. In all experimental animals morphological study showed significant increase in main and accessory reproductive organs weight and sperm motility. As compared to the control the prolonged treatments for all treated groups were highly effective. This showed that aphrodisiac activity has been shown by ethanol extract but it is less than the standard. The present study showed that ethanol extract of Flueggea leucopyrus Willd. leaf increase sexual behavior in rats. Thus it supports the claim for this drug as an aphrodisiac
... Group I represented the negative control group, animals in group II, III, and IV were given oral suspension of ethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens for 45 days at dose of 150, 200 and 250mg/kg respectively and group V rats received sildenafil citrate 5mg/kg as a positive control. Sperm parameters revealed an increase in the number of spermatozoa and motility in all the experimental groups and they mentioned that enhances the spermatogenic potential as the action may be in the hormonal level 23 . All animal studies were randomized control studies. ...
In Ayurveda Mucuna pruriens (M. pruriens) is considered as a medicine for male subfertility. There are in vitro, in vivo and literature reviews to demonstrate beneficial medicinal effects of M. pruriens in worldwide. This study aims to systematically review the scientific literature and provide a comprehensive summary on the effect of M. pruriens on sperm parameters with idiopathic infertility. A comprehensive systematic review was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Google scholar and Cochrane library for research articles published in between 2000 and 2020. The keywords that were used in combination to search for articles included, "Mucuna pruriens","idio-pathic infertility" and "sperm parameters". The literature search done by using keywords and identified following number of articles in the respective databases; PubMed (n=13), Google scholar (n= 116), and Cochrane library (n=4). After removing duplications, the total number of articles included in the present review is 124. 114 studies were omitted due to exclusion criteria and use of combine M. pruriens with other medicinal herbs, due to the impossibility of determining the net effect of M. pruriens. Included articles were screened in the final stage by reading the full article. There were 10 different studies evaluating the in vitro effect of M. pruriens on sperm parameters with idiopathic infertility. The results of this study showed that consumption of M. pruriens significantly improves
... Imidazole Alkaloids [35] Abrus precatorius (Crab's eyes, Gunji) Legu Roots, seeds and leaves ...
... Erectile dysfunction is the "failure to achieve or maintain sufficient penile erection for sexual intercourse" [70] which mostly affects aging men [71]. Suresh et al. [59] and Suresh and Prakash [72] reported improvement of sexual behavior in normal and diabetic rats. M. pruriens increased conversion of spermatocytes to sperm, the motility and count of sperm, testosterone secretion [7,41]. ...
... In addition, administration of A. cepa attenuated paroxetine-induced prolongation of ejaculation latency. In this study, significant decrease in mount and intromission latencies along with decrease in ejaculation latency observed in rats does not agree with the findings of Yakubu et al. (2005) and Suresh et al. (2009). These authors reported significant increase in ejaculation latency of rats but their treatment was with F. agrestis aqueous stem extract and Mucuna pruriens ethanol seed extract respectively. ...
... Similarly, is added to these results the significant drop (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01) in the Post-Ejaculatory Interval (PEI) observed on days 1, 7 and 14 in animals treated at various doses as compared to group I and II. This result is in corroboration with those obtained by Suresh et al. [40] following an administration to male albino rats of 200 mg/kg of the aqueous extract of Mucuna puriens known for its aphrodisiac effects. This was the consequence of the increase in the mount, intromission and ejaculatory frequency followed by a reduction in intromission and mount latencies. ...
This work was undertaken to evaluate the biological activity of the aqueous extract of the dry seeds of Aframomum daniellii seeds on the copulatory performance of rats with testicular deficiency.
Hypogonadal adult male rats (30) were divided into 6 groups: group I received distilled water (10 ml/kg), group II received sildenafil citrate (5 mg/kg), group III received intramuscular injections of testosterone enanthate (3. 6 mg/kg), group IV, V, and VI received the aqueous extract of A. daniellii at the respective doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/po/day for 14 days. The copulatory performance of the animals were assessed on days 1, 7 and 14 through the following copulation parameters: Mount, intromission, and ejaculation latency (ML, IL, and EL) and frequency (MF, IF and EF), average interval of copulation (AIC) and post-ejaculatory interval (PEI)). We noticed a significant decrease of ML (p < 0.05), IL (p < 0.01), EL (p < 0.001) and the increase of MF, IF and EF (p < 0.01) particularly at doses of 100 and 400 mg/kg when compared to group I and II. In addition, we noticed a significant increase of AIC from day 7 (p < 0.05) to day 14 (p < 0.001) at the same two doses while the PEI significantly decreased from the 1st (p < 0.01) to the 14th day (p < 0.001) when compared to group I and II. These findings demonstrated that A. daniellii aqueous extract of seeds enhanced pro-sexual potential and pro-sexual desire in male rats with testicular deficiency.
... Seeds used in piles and gonorrhea. Roots are also used as aphrodisiac 47 . e.) Athmaguptha (M. ...
... The most important component of M. pruriens seeds, however, is L-DOPA (Damodaran and Ramaswamy, 1937;Bell and Janzen, 1971;Daxenbichler et al., 1971;Pugalenthi et al., 2005;Misra and Wagner, 2007;Pulikkalpura et al., 2015), which is currently the standard drug for the treatment of PD. Many in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that M. pruriens extracts produce a wide variety of pharmacological activities, including aphrodisiac (Suresh et al., 2009), antioxidant (Tripathi, 2001Tripathi and Upadhyay, 2002;Anosike et al., 2018), anti-inflammatory (Uchegbu et al., 2016), and antidiabetic (Bhaskar et al., 2008;Majekodunmi et al., 2011). A number of preclinical and clinical studies reveal anti-Parkinson effects of M. pruriens seeds (Hussian and Manyam, 1997;Katzenschlager et al., 2004;Lieu et al., 2010;Yadav et al., 2013;Cilia et al., 2017). ...
Ethnopharmacological relevance
Inflammation caused by activated microglia is known to be associated with neurodegenerative diseases, e.g., Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Inhibiting the inflammatory process can be considered a potential strategy for the treatment of inflammation-associated diseases. Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. (Leguminosae) has long been used in Thailand, India, China and other tropical countries to treat several diseases including PD. M. pruriens seeds have been found to possess a variety of pharmacological properties including antioxidant and anti-Parkinsonism effects. However, the anti-inflammatory effects of M. pruriens seeds during microglial activation have yet to be reported.
Aim of the study
The present study was performed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of M. pruriens seed extract and elucidate its underlying mechanism using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells.
Materials and methods
BV2 microglial cells were pretreated with various concentrations of M. pruriens seed extract before being stimulated with LPS. The levels of inflammatory mediators were analyzed by Griess assay and enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). The protein expression levels of inflammatory cytokines were determined by Western blot analysis. The translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy.
Results
M. pruriens seed extract significantly inhibited the release of inflammatory mediators including nitric oxide (NO), IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. The extract also decreased the protein expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Moreover, M. pruriens seed extract inhibited the translocation of NF-κB.
Conclusions
M. pruriens seed extract could suppress inflammatory responses in LPS-activated BV2 microglial cells by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings support the use of M. pruriens seeds in traditional and alternative medicine for the treatment of PD and other inflammation-associated diseases.
... The quality analysis on an elementary level extended erections, energetic spin, and involuntary actions. The ethanolic extract of these seeds augment the sexual activity in male rats at an appropriate dose of 200 mg/kg when compared to the control (Suresh et al. 2009). It showed a change in sperm flexibility and check. ...
Mucuna pruriens belongs to the Fabaceae family and is ordinarily known as velvet bean, in English cowitch and Hindi Kawaanch. The restorative quality of this bean makes it an excellent component in pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications. Apart from high protein and starch content, these beans contain (l-Dopa) 3, 4-dihydroxy-l-phenylalanine, which exhibits several medicinal properties. However, it is poisonous when ingested by ruminants. The obstruction to the advancement of Mucuna as nutrition or food is the nearness of antinutrients, which are high as opposed to other uncommon vegetables. Also, this legume is considered as a future restorative herb because of its anticholesterolemic, anti-Parkinson, antioxidant, antidiabetic, sexual enhancing, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antivenom activities. It also exhibits anticancer activities, but very few studies have been done. The seeds of Mucuna pruriens also contain a vast range of phytochemical constituents such as alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, reducing sugars, and tannins, which provide an avenue to explore it for wider applications. This review sheds light on the possible mechanism of action of Mucuna pruriens on some diseases (hypoglycemia, Parkinson’s disease, microbial diseases and tumor). and also fills the gap in the studies of Mucuna pruriens. and Further more in vitro and in vivo studies should be done to explore the potential of these seeds against many diseases, its application as a food source, its antinutrient, and harmful properties as well as its nutraceutical perspective.
... [8] Conventionally, the seeds are also used as prophylaxis against snakebites in Northern Nigeria. [9] Its seeds contain about 3.1%-6.1% L-DOPA, [7] with trace amounts of serotonin, nicotine, and bufotenine. ...
Background: Conventional cancer drugs have the disadvantage of severe side effects and resistance. Therefore, research targeted toward developing novel therapeutic strategies is needed. Mucuna pruriens (MP) leaf extracts have been suggested to be useful for the management of several diseases including cancer. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and cytotoxic effect of an aqueous leaf extract of MP in different human cancer cell lines. This study also evaluated the enhanced cytotoxic effect of an aqueous leaf extract of MP with Doxorubicin (Dox) in the selected human cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods: In this study, the breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231), cervix carcinoma cell line (HeLa), and colon cancer cell line (HT-29) were used. As a control, the non-cancer lung cell line (MRC-5) was used. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the sulforhodamine B method. Antioxidant activity was measured with 2,2'-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. Results: Aqueous MP leaf exhibited cytotoxicity in all the cell lines. The highest cytotoxic activity of the test extract was observed in HeLa cells at half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50) = 92.8 µg/ml. Furthermore, the IC 50 value of the test extract when combined with Dox was significantly reduced. Specifically, in HeLa cells, the IC 50 was reduced by approximately 40 fold. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that aqueous MP leaf extracts could be useful as a source of antioxidants and compounds for cancer therapy. Further research is required to evaluate the chemical constituents of the leaf extracts and potential benefits for cancer therapy.
... The finding that CLESE increases sexual behavior as indicated by increased mounting and intromission frequencies, ejaculation latency as well as decreased mounting and intromission latencies, suggest increased sexual performance characterized by prolonged coital activity. The decreased post ejaculatory interval observed in this study, which is commonly used as tool for evaluating recovering processes following first sexual encounter [35,36] also suggests prolonged duration of coitus by the extract due to the presence of potent aphrodisiac compounds such as nitric oxide [24,33,37]. Earlier reports have stated that an increased testosterone level is directly proportional to increased sexual interest [9,38,39]. ...
Background: Current drugs used for sexual dysfunction have several limitations, necessitating the search for alternative medicine. Aim and Objective: The study investigated the effect of Citrullus lanatus ethanolic seed extract (CLESE) on the sexual behavior and reproductive hormones of adult male Wistar rats. Material and Methods: Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups (n=6). Group 1 received saline (1 ml/kg, p.o.) and served as normal control, groups 2 and 3 were given CLESE (500 and 1000 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 consecutive days. Group 4 received Sildenafil Citrate (SC) (5 mg/kg, p.o.), which served as positive control drug and this was administered 4 h before sexual behavioral test only on days 7 and 14. Sexual behavioral tests were performed in a Plexiglas copulatory arena. Male sexual behavioral parameters were evaluated following one on one exposure of experimental male rats with oestrus-induced sexual seeking female rats. Thereafter, rats were sacrificed. Results: CLESE enhanced libido by significantly (p < 0.05) increasing mounting and intromission frequencies relative to normal controls. CLESE also enhanced intromission and ejaculation latencies, but decreased mounting latency and post ejaculatory interval. Serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone were also significantly (p < 0.05) increased. The histological findings showed improved histoarchitechture of the testes and hypothalamic sections. Conclusion: The findings from this study showed that CLESE enhanced sexual behavior via
... The ethanol seed extract had no mortality. Male albino Wistar rats showed normal behaviour at doses of 250 and 2500 mg/kg bw [228] after ingestion of the extract. The ethanolic leaf extract was nontoxic in Sprague Dawley rats (LD 50 < 5 g/kg) [229]. ...
Introduction: People living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) widely use medicinal plants for boosting immunity and managing infections. The aim of this study was to document the medicinal plant species used by herbalists to boost the immune system of people living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda. Materials and methods: Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 90 herbalists to obtain ethnobotanical information on medicinal plant species used in different parts of Uganda. A detailed literature review of the pharmacology, phytochemistry, toxicology and other traditional used of the documented medicinal plants was also conducted.
Results: Seventy-one medicinal plant species from 37 families and 64 genera were identified. Trees contributed 38.0 % of the species used and herbs 35.2 %. The majority of the herbal medicines were made from leaves (35.6 %), bark (24.1 %) and roots (20.7 %). Zanthoxylum chalybeum Engl. and Psidium guajava L. were the most widely used species with citation frequencies (CF) of 11 each. These were followed by Warburgia ugandensis Sprague, Acacia hockii De Wild. and Bridelia micrantha (Hochst.) Baill (CF = 8 each), Mangifera indica L., Markhamia lutea (Benth.) K. Schum., Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. and Erythrina abyssinica DC. (CF = 7 each). Most traditional medicine practitioners (TMP) (85.6%) used herbs for boosting immunity for PLHIV, whether or not the patients were on antiretroviral treatment. The patients often disclosed their sero-status to the TMP who considered all PLHIV to be immunocompromised. Conclusion: Herbalists widely prescribe medicinal plant species for boosting or restoring the immunity in PLHIV in Uganda.
Keywords: Medicinal plantsEthnobotanical surveyImmunomodulationHerbalistsHIV/AIDSUganda
... Aphrodisiac Activity [13] Animals Twelve-week-old female (body weights around 175-200 gm) and male (body weights around 225-250 gm) albino rats of Wistar strain were used for the present study. The rats were housed singly in separate standard cages and maintained under standard laboratory conditions (Temperature 24-28ºC, relative humidity 60-70 %, 12 h light-dark cycle) with free access to solid pellet diet and water ad libitum throughout the study. ...
Objective: The study was aimed at to investigate the aphrodisiac activity of hydro-alcoholic extract of Celosea argentea dried seeds (Amaranthacea) in male albino rats in different doses. Material and methods: The animals were selected in the present investigation on the basis of their performance in the Copulatory arena and runway apparatus. After selection animal (n=6), they were treated with extract of Celosea argentea (200 and 400 mg/kg) and sildenafil citrate (5mg/kg) orally. While the control animals were given with normal water. All the treatments were given for 21days. Sexual motivation and mating behavior parameters in male rats were monitored on 11th and 21st day of treatment pairing with receptive females. After termination of drug treatment the parameter such as sexual motivation, mating behavior, serum testosterone level, histological examination of testes, relative organ weight and body weight percent were evaluated. Result: The hydro-alcoholic extract of celosia argentea seeds showed a significant increase in mating behavior, serum testosterone levels, testes- body weight ratio as compared to vehicle control, while at the dose of 400mg/kg of Celosea argentea seeds extract assume closer resemblance of above parameters with the standard used. Conclusion: The results of the study strongly suggest that the seed extract of Celosia argentea have good aphrodisiac activity. Keywords: Aphodisiac, Celosea argentea, sexual motivation, mating behavior, Serum testosterone level
Mucuna pruriens (L.) (MP), also known as Kapikacchu in Sanskrit, is a well-known medicinal plant, the seed of which is commonly used in traditional systems of medicine worldwide, mainly for treating male infertility and associated conditions. Infertility is a multifactorial disease process with several potential contributing causes, among which male factors contribute to almost 50% of cases of infertility, the causative factors of which can be counted from faulty lifestyle to stress factors. In Ayurvedic system of medicine, various formulations of MP are explained in Vajikarana (Aphrodisiac) context. In this review, Pubmed, Google Scholar, Scopemed, and other online databases, including fields of pharmacology, pharmacognosy, and health, and published chapters of both classical and contemporary books, were rationally scrutinized to find out the scope, research possibilities, and potential role in improving male infertility and associated sexual dysfunctions. After thorough scrutiny, it has been observed that MP has an action on multiple aspects of infertility like aging, depression, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and Parkinson's disease due to the presence of a complex mixture of alkaloids (like L-DOPA and its metabolites) and its nutritional component, along with its antioxidant and adaptogenic properties, which raises hope for the researchers to explore the effect of the drug in more accurate and aggressive way to fulfill the demand of the global issue.
Male infertility is becoming an important untouched area that needs immediate attention due to the increasing demand for breeding strategies, keeping in view the production and increasing per animal productivity. Many additives and antioxidants have been tried for enhancing the seminal quality, but still there is no evidence of full- proof effect on the conception rates in female animals. However, herbal preparations which promise multi-factorial effect in the breeding male animals can be explored, and in turn could prove to be a better tool to encounter the problem of male infertility holistically. The herbal preparations and its effect at the cellular, molecular and metabolic level still needs to be understood. However, the advantage of using the herbal ingredients could be, use of available local herbal ingredients which are more economical, affordable, can reduce the use of hormonal therapy, have less side effects on long term usage, and have greater acceptability by the farmers. These herbal ingredients will be useful in breeding programmes for improvement of germplasm in terms of productivity. The current review covers how the herbs can be utilized in improving the semen quality and quantity, enhancing function of sertoli and leydig cells, mating behaviour, fecundity, seminal antioxidant status, hypophyseal adrenal gonadal axis cum endocrine regulation, microcirculation of testes, as well as in semen cryopreservation and post thaw quality of different species.
Background: Conventional remediation techniques involving male fertility include hormonal therapy, in vitro fertilization and surgery. However, the use of natural products continues to be a popular option. Emerging new products that have not been well investigated is the use of Mucuna pruriens seed powder. Aim: This study aimed at determining the efficacy and safety of Mucuna pruriens (MP) seed powder on the male fertility using normal animal models. Methodology: Four groups of seven (7) male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Groups comprised Control (distilled water), Low dose (500 mg/kg b.wt MP), Medium dose (1000 mg/kg b.wt MP) and high dose (2000 mg/kg b.wt MP). Test groups were administered aqueous crude extract of MP by gavage over 90 days. Upon sacrifice, the following assays were performed: FSH, testosterone, oestrogen, PSA, semen analyses, histology of reproductive organs, and general haematological and biochemical analyses. Results: FSH increased, whilst oestrogen decreased, across groups: however, it was not statistically significant between groups. Although testosterone increases were not statistically significant, increases were dose-dependant. Sperm count increased significantly between the Control and Medium dose groups (p
The present investigation was to find out efficacy of Mucuna pruriens (M. pruriens) seeds. The antimicrobial activity of methanol and aqueous extract of M. pruriens seeds was determined by well diffusion method with ATCC strains of gram positive and gram negative bacteria clinical strains of multidrug resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae, and clinical strains of Candida albicans. It was observed that both the aqueous and the methanol extract of M. pruriens seeds had antibacterial activity against all the ATCC bacterial strains. The MDR strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae was resistant to both aqueous and methanol extract of M. pruriens seed. Antifungal activity against Candida albicans was exhibited by both aqueous and methanol extracts of M. pruriens seed.
A Mucuna pruriens é uma leguminosa nativa da Índia e Antilhas e todos os seus órgãos possuem valiosas propriedades farmacológicas, tanto que é tradicionalmente usada como planta medicinal para o tratamento de várias enfermidades, que inclui desde doenças parasitárias até distúrbios fisiológicos. Seu principal componente é a L-DOPA e os extratos de sementes com altos teores desta substância são bastante empregados no tratamento da Doença de Parkinson. Além disso, são também ricos em alcalóides, cujas funções farmacológicas são objetos de intensas investigações. Este trabalho tem como objetivo compilar as informações a cerca das aplicações medicinais da Mucuna pruriens e discutir as possíveis aplicações farmacológicas desta planta.
Aphrodisiacs are foods or beverages that increase sexual arousal in those who consume them. Substances that improve libido (i.e., sexual desire, arousal), substances that promote sexual potency (i.e., erection effectiveness), and substances that increase sexual pleasure are the three types of aphrodisiacs. Quality of life is influenced by sexual health and function. Various natural aphrodisiac plants potentials are favoured to overcome the problem of male sexual (or) erectile dysfunction. This overview discusses the aphrodisiac potential of plants, including their botanical names, families, parts used, and isolated substances, as well as the mechanisms of aphrodisiac activity and references was tabulated to aid researchers in the production of new herbal products.
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance
Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens (T-MP) has been traditionally used in treating depressive disorders, dysuria and enhancing male sexual desire. Although T-MP seed is demonstrated to have antioxidant capacity, its aphrodisiac and protective tissue damage properties have never been documented. Recently, ethanol (Eth) is known to cause sexual behavior dysfunction and damage reproductive system. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of T-MP seed extract on sexual behavior dysfunction and reproductive damages in male rats admisted with Eth.
Materials and methods
T-MP possessing antioxidant activity was determined for L-DOPA content using NMR analysis. Thirty-six male rats were divided into four groups (9 animals/group). Control rats received DW and the ethanol (Eth) group was given with Eth (3 g/kgBW; 40%v/v). In preventive groups (T-MP150 + Eth and MP300 + Eth groups), animals were treated with T-MP extract at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kgBW before Eth administration for consecutive 56 days. Sexual behaviors including mounting frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), mounting latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), ejaculation latency (EL), post-ejaculatory interval (PEI), and ejaculation frequency (EF) were evaluated. Epididymal sperm quality and daily sperm production (DSP) were examined. Testicular histology was observed using Masson's trichrome staining. The malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and expressions of androgen receptor (AR), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR), and tyrosine-phosphorylated (TyrPho) proteins in testis were also determined.
Results
T-MP extract contained L-DOPA and improved sexual behaviors including increased MF and IF and decreased ML and IL in Eth treated rats. Significantly, sperm quality, DSP, and testicular histopathology observed in Eth group were improved after T-MP treatment. T-MP also decreased the testicular MDA levels. Additionally, T-MP could correct testicular functional proteins of AR and StAR except HSP70 expression in Eth group. Expressions of TyrPho proteins in testicular and sperm lysates were improved in co-administered groups.
Conclusions
T-MP seed extract possessing L-DOPA could enhance the sexual behaviors and protect reproductive damages via improvement of testicular functional proteins.
Background: Betel nut (Areca catechu L) are traditional beverages in Jambi. Betel nut high dose has a cytotoxic effect on testis and other organs—limited data about the effect of betel nut as male antifertility.Purposes: This study aimed to determine the effect of infertility on betel nut use at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight (BW) in male rats. Methods: Ten male Sprague Dawney rats that had passed the fertility test, aged 2-3 months and weighing 150-200 grams ware used in this study. The rat was grouped into two groups randomly. Group 1, as the negative control, were received aqua dest, and group 2 was treated by betel nut with dose 50 mg/kg BW for 35 days. When terminated, testis weight weighed using micro scales. Blood collected for measuring testosterone levels. Histopathology assessment of testis used Hematoxylin Eosin Staining and sperm counting from cauda epididymis.Results: The weight of testis in the group received betel nut was lower than the control group. The histopathology of testis showed shrunk, reduced the diameter of seminiferous tubules, and like cytolytic lesions in the germinal layer—the total sperm number and progressive sperms also lower than the control group (p<0.05). There was no abnormality in Leydig cell and interstitium tissue. Male rats after treatment could not impregnate the female rats.Conclusion: Betel nut at dose 50 mg/kg BW have antifertility activity in male rats.
The management options available for the treatment of infertility in males include the use of drugs and variety of surgical procedures (Purvis and Christiansen, 2008). In fact only 5% of males, suffering from hormonal imbalance are helped by these medications. Testosterone supplements are offered frequently to patients who have secondary erectile dysfunction or hormonal deficiency. The main drugs used in hormonal disorders are Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), recombinant Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and GnRH for hypogonadotropic, hypogonadism, bromocryptine for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and prednisolone in Immunologic disease.
(PDF) Indian Medicinal Plants: Therapeutic Alternatives for Fertility Enhancement.
Objective
In traditional medicine, the seeds of Thai Mucuna pruriens (T-MP) are used to treat male dysuria and are believed to enhance fertility. However, information pertaining to the toxicity of T-MP and its interaction with other properties is limited. This study was thus conducted to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and subacute toxicity of T-MP in the reproductive system.
Methods
Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of T-MP seed extract were determined using total phenolic content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. Male and female adult rats were treated orally with T-MP at a dosage of 150 or 300 mg/kg body weight for 14 consecutive days. Sex hormones and functional parameters in the liver and kidney were evaluated. Histopathology of all tissue was conducted using Masson’s trichrome staining. Sperm parameters, including concentration, morphology, acrosome reaction status and DNA damage, were also examined. Expression of tyrosine phosphorylated protein (TyrPho), androgen receptor and A-kinase-anchoring protein 4 (AKAP4) were investigated using the Western blot technique.
Results
T-MP seed extract contained phenolic compounds and exhibited high antioxidant capacity with no toxicity at the tested doses. It did not affect liver or kidney function parameters in the male rats, but increased estradiol, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels in the females. Additionally, it decreased serum progesterone and alkaline phosphatase levels in female rats. Serum and intratesticular testosterone levels were significantly lower in male rats that received a high dosage of T-MP. Histopathological changes were not observed in any tissue treated with T-MP. T-MP also significantly increased sperm concentration (but did not affect sperm parameters), and enhanced testicular TyrPho protein and androgen receptor and expression of AKAP4 in sperms.
Conclusion
T-MP seed extract exhibited antioxidant capacity and was not harmful to reproductive tissues. It also had a phytoestrogenic effect on females and increased the expression of testicular and sperm markers of male fertility.
Please cite this article as: Iamsaard S, Arun S, Burawat J, Yannasithinon S, Tongpan S, Bunsueb S, Lapyuneyong N, Choowong-in P, Tangsrisakda N, Chaimontri C, Sukhorum W. Evaluation of antioxidant capacity and reproductive toxicity of aqueous extract of Thai Mucuna pruriens seeds. J Integr Med. 2020; Epub ahead of print.
It has been previously reported that the systemic administration and withdrawal of exogenous testosterone has a quantitative influence on sexual reflexes of castrated spinal male rats. In the present study an attempt was made to determine whether this effect occurred in the peripheral or central elements of the sexual reflexes. Castrated spinal male rats that had a low level of sexual reflex activity received spinal implants of either testosterone propionate or cholesterol. The accessory sex glands were examined to control for absorption of the implanted androgen into the systemic circulation, and subjects which showed such evidence of absorption of the androgen were excluded from further consideration. Testosterone implanted subjects exhibited an increase in sexual reflex activity, whereas cholesterol implanted subjects showed a decline in sexual reflex activity. The results suggest that testosterone has a facilitory influence on sexual reflexes by means of a direct action on spinal neural tissue mediating sexual reflexes.
The seeds of M. pruriens are widely used for treating male sexual dysfunction in Tibb-e-Unani (Unani Medicine), the traditional system of medicine of Indo-Pak sub-continent. The effect of the powdered seeds on general mating behaviour, libido and potency, was studied in sexually normal male rats. The drug produced a striking and sustained increase of sexual activity.
Objective: To study the effect of V.tessellata on the sexual behaviour of male mice and general toxicity, if any, in mice. Methods: An aqueous suspension (2 g/kg, wet wt.) or extract (water or alcohol, 200 mg/kg) of root, flower or leaf of V. tessellata was administered (p.o.) to male mice and 1 hr, after administration their mounting behaviour was observed. The most active extract (alcohol extract of flower) was administered (50 or 200 mg/kg, p.o.) to different groups of male mice and their mounting behaviour, mating performance and reproductive performance were determined. The general short term toxicity of the alcohol extract in male mice was also determined. Results: The flower and, to some extent, the root, but not the leaf of V. tessellata was found to stimulate the mounting behaviour of male mice. This activity was found in the alcohol extract of the flower. This extract (50 or 200 mg/kg) also increased mating performance in the mice. The pups fathered by the extract treated mice were found to be normal with an increasing trend in the male/female ratio of these pups. The alcohol extract was devoid of any conspicuous general toxicity. Conclusion: The alcohol extract of V.tessellata flower stimulates the sexual behaviour of male mice.
The chemical composition and nutritional characteristics of seeds of Mucuna pruriens were investigated. The mature seeds contained 314.4 g/kg crude protein, 51.6 g/kg crude fiber, 67.3 g/kg crude fat, 41.1 g/kg ash, and 525.6 g/kg carbohydrates. Potassium, phosphorus, and calcium registered higher concentrations compared with the most commonly consumed pulses. The globulins and albumins together constituted the major storage proteins (22.7 g/100 g of seed flour). The essential amino acids profile of total seed proteins compared favorably with the FAO/WHO reference pattern except for deficiency of sulfo amino acids. When compared with globulins, albumins appeared to be a rich source of valine and tryptophan. However, cystine, methionine, and leucine were deficient in both the protein fractions. Both oleic and linoleic acids constituted the predominant fatty acids (65.5%) along with a substantial quantity of palmitic acid (20.16%). Dry heating as well as autoclaving significantly reduced the antinutritional factors. Protein effeciency ratio, true protein digestibility, biological value, net protein utilization, and utilizable protein were significantly improved by autoclaving as compared with dry heating. However, the values of true protein digestibility and net protein utilization of dry-heated samples were significantly higher than the raw samples. Keywords: Mucuna pruriens; chemical composition; amino acids; fatty acids; antrinutritional factors; heat treatments; biological evaluation
Six Mucuna species (M. pruriens, M. cochinchinensis, M. rajada, M. veracruz white, M. veracruz mottle and M. deeringeana) have been subjected to standard analytical techniques in order to evaluate their in physicochemical, nutritional and antinutritional properties.Physicochemical characterization indicated that M. veracruz white and M. veracruz mottle had the lowest hydration capacities and indices, and swelling capacities and indices.Proximate analysis showed that they had low moisture and ash contents (3.65–5.88% and 2.74–3.41%, respectively). The carbohydrate content was fairly high (43.7–49.7%). Starch constituted the dominant carbohydrate while some reducing and non-reducing sugars were also found in the seeds. The crude protein content in the seeds varied from 33.2% to 38.4%. In all, 18 amino acids were detected in the protein. M. pruriens had the highest total essential amino acids TEAA (555) mg g−1 protein, while M. veracruz mottle had the lowest (500 mg g−1 protein). Methionine and cysteine were the limiting amino acid in the seeds. Protein digestibilities of the seeds were high (81.3–85.5%). Results on the valuable nutritional minerals and trace elements indicated that potassium was the most abundant mineral present in the seeds (356–433 mg 100 g−1). In addition, the seeds also had a high content of calcium and phosphorus.The antinutritional factors estimated in the seeds included total polyphenolic substances, protease inhibitor, saponins, phytic acid, l-dopa and flatulence sugars. The concentration of phenolic substances ranged from 4.34% to 7.75%, while the concentration of protease inhibitor, TIA, ranged from 18.5 to 23.1 mg g−1 sample. Saponin concentration ranged from 0.52% to 3.01% while the phytic acid concentration in the seeds was between 1.23% and 2.56%. l-dopa concentration ranged from 3.87% to 7.12%. Out of the three flatulence sugars estimated in the seeds, verbascose showed the highest value.
Previous studies have shown that withdrawal and administration of testosterone propionate (TP) has a quantitative influence on sexual reflexes which parallels changes in copulatory activity following castration and administration of TP. The present study involving castrated spinal male rats explored further this parallel, focusing on the effects on sexual reflexes of the administration of dihydrotestosterone propionate (DHTP) and estradiol benzoate (EB), both of which can activate sexual behavior in spinally intact castrated male rats, but only if given in very large doses for a prolonged period of time. A parallel effect on reflexes and behavior was not found inasmuch as DHTP activated sexual reflexes at a dose (200 microgram daily) considerably below that needed to activate behavior, and EB did not appreciably activate reflexes, even after prolonged treatment at levels (100-200 microgram) higher than necessary to activate behavior. The results, with EB in particular, point out that the display of intromissive and ejaculatory patterns in rats may not involve spinal neural mechanisms that are customarily associated with these behavioral patterns.
We determined the minimum number of hours per day of testosterone (T) exposure required to activate male sexual behavior, and correlated these changes with the temporal parameters of androgen receptor occupation. For the first part of the study, castrated Long-Evans male rats received two 10 mm T-filled Silastic capsules in open flank pouches for 4, 8, 12, 16, 18, 21, or 24 hours per day over a 10 day period. Tests for male sexual behavior were conducted on days 2-3, 4-5, 7-8, and 9-10 of T treatment. A significantly higher proportion of males receiving 21 or 24 hr of daily T exposure mounted, intromitted and ejaculated compared to groups with daily T exposures of 18 hr or less. In the second part of this study we assessed whether it was necessary to maintain high levels of androgen receptor occupation during the 21-24 hr exposure period in order to activate male sexual behavior. Cell nuclear androgen receptor occupation was measured in HPAS (combined hypothalamus, preoptic area, amygdala and septum) of rats receiving 12, 21, or 24 hr of T exposure. In all three groups, nuclear androgen receptor occupation was high at the time of capsule removal, and fell significantly by 3 hr following T capsule removal. By 6 hr after T capsule removal, androgen receptor binding had fallen to castrate levels. These results demonstrate that, although relatively brief (less than or equal to 18 hr/day) exposures to testosterone can activate mounts and intromissions, significantly more responses are found in males receiving at least 21 hr of T exposure per day.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Different compounds, including drugs ulcerogenic for man (acetylsalicylic acid, phenylbutazone, indomethacin, and reserpine), drugs not producing ulcers in man (aminopyrine, desoxycorticosterone, chlorpromazine, diphenydramine, methantheline, and vitamin C) or not well known under this respect (cortisone, prednisone), and drugs never investigated (tetracaine and procaine) have been studied in rats and compared with benzydamine, a new analygesic antiinflammatory compound. In the basic experiment, consisting of a single administration to rats thereafter fasted for 6 or 24 hours before examination of the stomach, only the first class of compounds was clearly ulcerogenic for rats. When given to rats fasted for 24 hours, some compounds not ulcerogenic for man (chlorpromazine, diphenydramine, methantheline) and prednisone, and tetracaine, also produced ulcers.Reserpine, chlorpromazine, and to a lesser extent, cortisone and prednisone, produced gastric ulcerations when given daily for 1 week. The corticoids produced a significant degree of ulceration when given for a week to rats fasted every other day. In experiments carried out in rats fasted for 4 days unconclusive results were obtained, because of the high percentage of gastric lesions and deaths in control animals. In experiments on restraint ulcers only reserpine produced gastric lesions in much lower doses than in normal rats, while chlorpromazine exerted a protective action. Benzydamine did not produce any ulcerogenic action in any of the experimental conditions used. Significance of these results is discussed.
The male rat's sexual behavior constitutes a highly ordered sequence of motor acts involving both striate and smooth muscles. It is spontaneously displayed by most adult made rats in the presence of a sexually receptive female. Although the behavior is important for the survival of the species it is not necessary for survival of the individual. In that way it is different from other spontaneous behaviors such as eating, drinking, avoidance of pain, respiration or thermoregulation. Among other things, this means that it is difficult to talk about sexual deprivation or need. Nevertheless, studies of male sex behavior distinguish sexual motivation (the ease by which behavior is activated, "libido") from the execution of copulatory acts (performance, "potency") (Meisel, R.L. and Sachs, B.D., The physiology of male sexual behavior. In: E. Knobil and J.D. Neill (Eds.), The Physiology of Reproduction, 2nd Edn., Vol. 2, Raven Press, New York, 1994, pp. 3-105 [13]). The hormonal control of male sexual behavior has been extensively studied. It is clear that steroid hormones, androgens and estrogens, act within the central nervous system, modifying neuronal excitability. The exact mechanism by which these hormones activate sex behavior remains largely unknown. However, there exists a considerable amount of knowledge concerning the brain structures important for sexual motivation and for the execution of sex behavior. The modulatory role of some non-steroid hormones is partly known, as well as the consequences of manipulations of several neurotransmitter systems.
Ayurveda, the Indian system of traditional medicine, uses a concoction of several spices, herbs and minerals for the treatment of diseases. In a clinical prospective study we have evaluated the efficacy of Ayurveda treatment (a concoction in cow's milk of powdered Mucuna pruriens and Hyoscyamus reticulatus seeds and Withania somnifera and Sida cordifolia roots) in 18 clinically diagnosed (with a mean Hoen and Yahr value of 2.22) parkinsonian patients. As per Ayurveda principles, 13 patients underwent both cleansing (for 28 days) and palliative therapy (56 days), 5 patients underwent palliative therapy alone (84 days). Only the former group showed significant improvement in activities of daily living (ADL) and on motor examination as per UPDRS rating. Symptomatically, they exhibited better response in tremor, bradykinesia, stiffness and cramps as compared to the latter group. Excessive salivation worsened in both the groups. Analyses of powdered samples in milk, as administered in patients, revealed about 200 mg of L-DOPA per dose. The study establishes the necessity of cleansing therapy in Ayurveda medication prior to palliative therapy. It also reveals contribution of L-DOPA in the recovery as observed in Parkinson' disease following Ayurveda medication.
The Indian traditional system of medicine prescribed traditional plant therapies. Two such plants, i.e. Momordica charantia (MC) and Mucuna pruriens (MP), earlier shown to reduce hyperglycaemia, were assessed for their anti hyperglycaemic effect on varying degrees of hyperglycaemia and diabetic complications. Alcohol and aqueous extracts of MC (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day) and only an alcohol extract of MP (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day) were evaluated in a pilot study (plasma glucose >180 mg/dL, 21 days), a chronic study in alloxanized rats (plasma glucose >280mg/dL, 120 days) and streptozotocin (STZ) mice (plasma glucose >400 mg/dL, 60 days). In the pilot study, the maximum antihyperglycaemic effect occurred with an aqueous extract of MC at week 3 and an alcohol extract of MP at week 6 at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day. In chronic alloxanized rats, the selected dose of MC led to a significant fall of 64.33%, 66.96%, 69.7% and 70.53% in plasma glucose levels at 1, 2, 3 and 4 months, respectively. MP showed a decrease of 40.71%, 45.63%, 50.33% and 51.01% at the same time period. In chronic STZ diabetic mice, MC led to a mean reduction of 15.37%, 18.68% and 22.86% in plasma glucose levels on days 40, 50 and 60 of sampling while MP had no significant effect. The alteration in hepatic and skeletal muscle glycogen content and hepatic glucokinase, hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate and phosphofructokinase levels in diabetic mice were partially restored by MC but not by MP. The mechanism of action of MC and MP is discussed.
Despite the increasing availability of effective conventional medical treatments, plant-derived and herbal remedies continue to provide a popular alternative for men and women seeking to improve their sex life. Nevertheless, the efficacy of most herbal agents in treating sexual problems remains uncertain. Therapists and consumers alike would benefit from an increased understanding of commonly used herbal agents on the market, their purported or supported effects, and their potential side effects. To this end, we cataloged the major prosexual herbal agents currently sold in several representative health food stores. We also specify the sexual problem purportedly ameliorated by each herbal agent. Finally, we evaluate eight herbal agents commonly promoted for the treatment of sexual problems. This evaluation includes a review of the research supporting the use, efficacy, dose, adverse effects, contraindications, and possible mechanism of action of each. We conclude by commenting on the quality of current research, pointing out gaps in our knowledge, and noting the need for rigorous research and product control to adequately address questions regarding the efficacy of these agents.
With the assumption that infertility and related diagnostic and therapeutic processes are stressful, an uncontrolled pilot study was designed to evaluate the effect of sildenafil citrate on sexual compliance and reproductive outcome. A group of sexually healthy men were studied after the administration of 50 mg sildenafil before semen collection for intrauterine artificial insemination (n = 25) or planned intercourse for a postcoital test (n = 12). We demonstrated that sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in patients undergoing diagnostic procedures for infertility, and that sildenafil is effective in reversing stress-induced transitory impotence. Furthermore, sildenafil improved some seminal parameters, such as the percentage of spermatozoa with linear progressive motility, as well as the number of spermatozoa penetrating the cervical mucus. Two pregnancies were obtained after sildenafil administration.
The seeds of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. after chemical analysis afforded four tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids which have been isolated for the first time from M. pruriens. Out of them, two are new whose structures have been elucidated by spectroscopic methods.
Steroid hormones regulate sexual behavior primarily by slow, genomically mediated effects. These effects are realized, in part, by enhancing the processing of relevant sensory stimuli, altering the synthesis, release, and/or receptors for neurotransmitters in integrative areas, and increasing the responsiveness of appropriate motor outputs. Dopamine has facilitative effects on sexual motivation, copulatory proficiency, and genital reflexes. Dopamine in the nigrostriatal tract influences motor activity; in the mesolimbic tract it activates numerous motivated behaviors, including copulation; in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) it controls genital reflexes, copulatory patterns, and specifically sexual motivation. Testosterone increases nitric oxide synthase in the MPOA; nitric oxide increases basal and female-stimulated dopamine release, which in turn facilitates copulation and genital reflexes. Serotonin (5-HT) is primarily inhibitory, although stimulation of 5-HT(2C) receptors increases erections and inhibits ejaculation, whereas stimulation of 5-HT(1A) receptors has the opposite effects: facilitation of ejaculation and, in some circumstances, inhibition of erection. 5-HT is released in the anterior lateral hypothalamus at the time of ejaculation. Microinjections of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors there delay the onset of copulation and delay ejaculation after copulation begins. One means for this inhibition is a decrease in dopamine release in the mesolimbic tract.
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