Article

Effect of Mucuna pruriens (Linn.) on Sexual Behavior and Sperm Parameters in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rat

April 2010
Journal of Sexual Medicine 9(12)

DOI:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01831.x

Source
PubMed

Authors:

University of Madras

Introduction. Sexual dysfunction is one of the major secondary complications in the diabetic. Mucuna pruriens, a leguminous plant identified for its antidiabetic, aphrodisiac, and improving fertility properties, has been the choice of Indian traditional medicine. Aim. Objective of the present study was to analyze the efficacy of M. pruriens on male sexual behavior and sperm parameters in long-term hyperglycemic male rats. Methods. Male albino rats were divided as group I control, group II diabetes induced (streptozotocin [STZ] 60 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.) in 0.1 M citrate buffer), group III diabetic rats administered with 200 mg/kg b.w. of ethanolic extract of M. pruriens seed, group IV diabetic rats administered with 5 mg/kg b.w. of sildenafil citrate (SC), group V administered with 200 mg/kg b.w. of extract, and group VI administered with 5 mg/kg b.w. of SC. M. pruriens and SC were administered in single oral dosage per day for a period of 60 days. The animals were subjected to mating behavior analyses, libido, test of potency, and epididymal sperms were analyzed. Main Outcome Measure. The mating behavior, libido, test of potency, along with epididymal sperms were studied. Results. The study showed significant reduction in sexual behavior and sperm parameters in group II. Daily sperm production (DSP) and levels of follicular stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone were significantly reduced in group II, whereas the animals with diabetes administered with seed extract of M. pruriens (group III) showed significant improvement in sexual behavior, libido and potency, sperm parameters, DSP, and hormonal levels when compared to group II. Conclusion. The present work reveals the potential efficacy of ethanolic seed extract of M. pruriens to improve male sexual behavior with androgenic and antidiabetic effects in the STZ-induced diabetic male rats. This study supports the usage of M. pruriens in the Indian system of medicine as sexual invigorator in diabetic condition and encourages performing similar study in men. Suresh S, and Prakash S. Effect of Mucuna pruriens (Linn.) on sexual behavior and sperm parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rat. J Sex Med 2012;9:3066–3078.

Abnormalities in sex hormones and sexual dysfunction in males with diabetes mellitus: A mechanistic insight

Article

Jan 2023
ACTA HISTOCHEM

Diabetes is a considerate metabolic disorder that can lead to a series of complications, involving the malfunctioning of the reproductive system of males. It has been observed that there is a gradual rise in male diabetic patients and almost half of the diabetic males have low semen quality and decrease reproductive function. In diabetic conditions, prolonged hyperglycemia leads to oxidative stress, diabetic neuropathy, and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance and its deficiency can impair the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, gonads, and perigonads. This causes a decrease in the secretion of gonadal steroids such as GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone), FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone), and Testosterone. Moreover, it also causes damage to the testicles, spermatogenic and stromal cells, seminiferous tubules, and various structural injuries to male reproductive organs. During spermatogenesis, glucose metabolism plays an important role, because the fundamental activities of cells and their specific features, such as motility and mature sperm fertilization activity, are maintained by glucose metabolism. All these activities can influence the fertility and reproductive health of males. But the glucose metabolism is primarily disrupted in diabetic conditions. Until now, there has been no medicine focusing on the reproductive health of diabetic people. In this chapter, we review the consequences of diabetes on the reproductive system of males and all the pathways involved in the dysfunction of the reproductive system. This will help interpret the effects of DM on male reproductive health.

Pathobiology of ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiosus muscles in long-term diabetic male rats and its implication on erectile dysfunction

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2019

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.

Effect of Mucuna pruriens (Linn.) on oxidative stress-induced structural alteration of corpus cavernosum in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat.

Article

May 2018

Muhammed Ibrahim

INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction is one of the major secondary complications of diabetes. Mucuna pruriens (M. pruriens), a leguminous plant identified for its antidiabetic, aphrodisiac, and fertility enhancing properties, has been the choice of Indian traditional medicine. AIM: The objective of the present study was to analyze the efficacy of M. pruriens on free radicals-mediated penile tissue alterations in hyperglycemic male rats. Methods. Male albino rats were divided as group I (sham) control, group II (STZ) diabetes-induced (streptozotocin 60 mg/kg of body weight [bw] in 0.1 M citrate buffer), group III (STZ + MP) diabetic rats administered with 200 mg/kg bw of ethanolic extract of M. pruriens seed, group IV (STZ + SIL) diabetic rats administered with 5 mg/kg bw of sildenafil citrate, group V (sham + MP) administered with 200 mg/kg bw of extract alone, and group VI (sham + SIL) administered with 5 mg/kg bw of sildenafil citrate. The M. pruriens and sildenafil citrate were given (gavage) once daily for a period of 60 days. At the end of 60 days, the animals were sacrificed and subjected to analysis of reactive oxygen species levels, enzymic and nonenzymic antioxidant levels, levels of NOx, histological, and histomorphometrical study of penile tissue. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Remedial use of M. pruriens seed extract on diabetes-induced erectile tissue damage. RESULTS: Significantly high levels of oxidative stress and low levels of antioxidants in the penile tissue seem to contribute to the increased collagen deposition and fibrosis of erectile tissue in STZ rats. Relatively, there was increased damage in STZ + SIL group. Supplementation of M. pruriens in STZ + MP group has revealed the potency to overcome oxidative stress, and good preservation of penile histoarchitecture. CONCLUSION: The ethanolic extract of M. pruriens seed significantly recovered or protected erectile tissue from the oxidative stress-induced degeneration by its antioxidant potentials. These findings propound to serve mankind by the treatment of diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction.

Therapeutic potential of Mucuna pruriens (Linn.) on ageing induced damage in dorsal nerve of the penis and its implication on erectile function: an experimental study using albino rats

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2018

Objective: To study the effect of ethanolic seed extract of Mucuna pruriens on damaged dorsal nerve of the penis (DNP) in aged rat in relation to penile erection. Methods: The rats were divided into four groups Young (3 months), Aged (24 − 28 months), Aged + M. pruriens, and Young + M. pruriens (200 mg/kg b.w/60 days) and were subjected to the hypophysial − gonadal axis, nerve conduction velocity (NCV), and penile reflex. DNP sections were stained with nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NaDPH) diaphorase, androgen receptor (AR), and osmium tetroxide. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) staining, electron microscopy(EM) and histometric analyses were done. Results: Significant disturbance in hypophysial − gonadal axis was noted in aged rat. With reduced number of myelinated fibers, diameter, vacuolization, indentation of the myelin sheath, and degeneration. nNOS and its cofactor (NaDPH diaphorase) were reduced in aged rat DNP. NCV was slow in aged rats and concomitant poor penile reflex was also noted. AR showed reduced expression in aged rat DNP when compared to young and control groups. TUNEL positive cells were increased in aged rat DNP. These pathological changes were remarkably reduced or recovered in M. pruriens treated aged rats. Conclusions: The results indicate a multi-factorial therapeutic activity in penile innervations towards sustaining the penile erection in the presence of the extract in aged rats and justifying the claim of traditional usage.

Neural Androgen Receptor And Myelin Repair: Analyzes Of Androgenic Potential Of M. pruriens In Aged Rat Dorsal Nerve Of Penis Repair

Article

Jan 2016

Diabetes mellitus-induced male reproductive impairment: The role of natural products: A review

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2017

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycaemia, with multi-organ complications. DM is known to trigger oxidative stress in virtually all tissues of the body including male reproductive organs. Several experimental and clinical studies have reported varying degrees of male reproductive impairment in DM. Disruption in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, abnormal testicular energy metabolism, testicular and epididymal oxidative stress and oxidative stress-induced germ cell apoptosis have been reported in DM. The use of natural products in the treatment of various diseases is gaining more attention in experimental and clinical studies for the management and/or treatment of various diseases. In this review, the effects of DM on male reproductive system at pre-testicular, testicular and post-testicular levels are discussed. The role of various natural products including whole plant extracts and some pure compounds isolated from plants, with their suggested mechanism of actions is also reviewed.

Ameliorative effects of Lycium chinensis on male sexual dysfunction and testicular oxidative damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Article

Jan 2019

The root bark of Lycium chinense (LC) has been reported to have potent antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. In the present study, we investigated the attenuative effect of LC against diabetes induced sexual dysfunction and testicular damages in animal models. Diabetic animals were treated with LC (100 and 400 mg/kg) once daily for 6 weeks. At the end of the treatment, mating behavior tests were performed and the animals were sacrificed for the determination of hormonal profile, oxidative stress indices and sperm analysis. LC administration significantly decreased blood glucose level, enhancement of the antioxidant enzyme activities, restored altered sperm characteristics and markedly improved levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone as compared to the untreated diabetic animals. Furthermore, LC also improved sperm count, viability, motility, increased the reproductive organs weight. The results obtained indicated that L. chinense has beneficial effects in diabetes sexual dysfunction.

The penile baculum in monkey (Macaca radiata), rat (Rattus norvegicus), and bat (Pipistrellus mimus) and its functional significance—a mini review

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2018

Evolution of the penis in sexual method of reproduction had showed complex developmental processes, leading to extreme species variation. The presence and absence of the os penis vary in taxa within mammals indicate adaptive value of the mammalian penis bone, and understanding the diversity is challenging. Surprisingly, little is known about its details. Comparative analysis of the penis with special reference to the os penis (penile baculum) was analyzed in monkey (Macaca radiata), rat (Rattus norvegicus), and bat (Pipistrellus mimus). In monkey, the baculum appears like a miniature of a long bone, a clear central medullary cavity, and surrounded by osteons. Similarly, the baculum in rat showed a medullary canal and surrounded by smaller channels of osteons. In bat, it is seated over the corpus spongiosum that shows a small diameter channel which forms the main lamellar bone and appears to be a single osteon or Haversian system. Though microanatomical examination revealed that the presence of vascular and non-vascular structures contribute for penile erection, the presence of the os penis would be helpful for the penis erection and stiffness and vaginal friction. Anatomical relationship to other penile elements and its specific functional significance and the explanation for this general adaptive diversity across species is challenging.

In vitro Investigation of Mucuna pruriens Seed Extracts to Treat Erectile Dysfunction

Article

Apr 2018

M. pruriens seeds are a natural product with health benefits, including treating erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the active compounds and their mechanisms of action are unclear. In this study, we used polarity gradient extraction to isolate four fractions from the crude extract of M. pruriens seeds using hexane, EtOAc, BuOH, and water. All fractions were used to treat three cell lines: C6, Ea.hy926, and HCT-15. The water fraction significantly promoted nitric oxide (NO) production in C6 cells via neuronal nitric oxide synathase (nNOS) gene upregulation. M. pruriens fractions with high polarity promoted NO production in Ea.hy926 through the upregulation of endothelial NOS (eNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS) genes. The BuOH and water fractions of M. pruriens extract were involved with cyclic GMP specific-phosphodiesterase (PDE5) and iNOS gene upregulation in HCT-15, which might result in maintenance of intracellular cGMP. According to the NIST library, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-phenol, a phytochemical, may play a role in nNOS upregulation; this was only found in the water fraction. Protocatechuic acid, methyl ester, and γ-sitosterol were also found in the high-polar fractions of M. pruriens extract and might be involved with eNOS gene upregulation. The ability of M. pruriens extract to provoke NO production in neurons indicated the potential for using M. pruriens seeds as an alternative medicine for erectile dysfunction therapy.

Dietary supplementation of low levels of unprocessed Mucuna pruriens utilis seed meal induces mild antinutritional entero-physio-metabolic perturbations without compromising performance and meat quality in finisher broilers

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2023
TROP ANIM HEALTH PRO

The rapidly growing world human population accentuates the need for improved production especially of protein-rich food. Broiler meat production offers opportunity to ensure security of this food. However, the production of modern broilers is not only limited by high feed costs due to dietary use of expensive energy and protein sources but also their meat possesses undesirable quality attributes. This study thus examined the effect of dietary Mucuna pruriens utilis seed meal (MSM) on growth performance, blood profile, carcass traits, and meat quality in finisher broiler chickens. In a completely randomised design (CRD), 320 21-day-old chicks were randomly allocated to 32 pens in which they were allotted 4 dietary treatments with 0, 2.5, 5, and 10% MSM, each with 8 replicate pens of 10 birds, for 28 days. Growth performance, carcass characteristics, internal organs, haemato-biochemistry, and meat quality were measured. Results showed that dietary MSM did not affect (P > 0.05) broiler performance, weights, and lengths of carcass cuts and internal organs, haematology, and meat quality. The only exception was MSM-induced increase in duodenal weight (linear, P < 0.05) and serum phosphorus (quadratic, P = 0.05) in contrast to a decrease in procalcitonin (quadratic, P < 0.01) and serum levels of total protein (linear, P < 0.05; and quadratic, P < 0.01), albumin (quadratic, P < 0.05), and bilirubin (quadratic, P = 0.001). Therefore, MSM could be supplemented up to 10% without compromising performance, carcass traits, internal organs, haemato-biochemistry, and meat quality in finisher broiler diets.

Medicinal Agroecology Reviews, Case Studies, and Research Methodologies, Chapter 3: Mucuna pruriens vs. Morbus Parkinson, Making the case for medicinal supplements within Medicinal Agroecology

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2023

Mucuna pruriens vs. Morbus Parkinson, Making the case for Medicinal Supplements within Medicinal AgroEcology is the lead article of the publication Medicinal AgroEcology: Reviews, Case Studies and Research Methodologies, edited by Dr. Immo Norman Fiebrig. This chapter (3) is a joint article by the editor and lead author Immo Norman Fiebrig, Monique van de Vijver and Corrie J. van Kan. It offers a 360 degree perspective on health and the use of medicinal plants in support of health and wellbeing and sustainability.

Mucuna pruriens vs. Morbus Parkinson

Chapter

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May 2023

A Systematic Review On Testicular Failure/Male Hypogonadism

Article

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May 2022

Testicular failure or male hypogonadism is an uncommon disorder in which the body does not synthesized enough of the hormone testosterone, which is important for male growth and development throughout puberty, or enough sperm, or both. This paper will review the symptoms, cause, diagnosis and possible management of the condition by modern science and herbs.

Prevention of seminal vesicle damage by Mucuna pruriens var. pruriens seed extract in chronic unpredictable mild stress mice

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2023
PHARM BIOL

Context Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens (Fabaceae) or T-MP seed extract has been shown to improve sexual performance and sperm quality. Objective This study investigates the preventive effects of T-MP against seminal vesicle damage, apoptotic and Nrf2 protein expression in mice under chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Materials and methods Forty-eight male ICR mice were divided into four groups: control, CUMS, T-MP300 + CUMS and T-MP600 + CUMS. Mice in control and CUMS groups received distilled water, while those in treated groups were pretreated with T-MP extract (300 or 600 mg/kg BW) for 14 consecutive days. The CMUS and co-treated groups were exposed to one random stressor (of 12 total) each day for 43 days. Components and histopathology of the seminal vesicle were examined, along with localization of androgen receptor (AR) and caspase 3. Expression of seminal AR, tyrosine phosphorylated (TyrPho), heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), caspases (3 and 9) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) proteins was investigated. Results T-MP extract at a dose of 600 mg/kg BW improved seminal epithelial damage and secretion of fluid containing essential substances and proteins in CUMS mice. It also increased the expression of AR and TyrPho proteins. Additionally, T-MP increased expression of Nrf2 and inhibited seminal vesicular apoptosis through the suppression of Hsp70 and caspase expression. Conclusion T-MP seeds have an antiapoptotic property in chronic stress seminal vesicle. It is possible to apply this extract for the enhancement of seminal plasma quality.

Therapeutic potential of Mucuna pruriens (Linn.) on high-fat diet-induced testicular and sperm damage in rats

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2022

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.

Universal Aspects of the Genus Mucuna and the Properties Describe of Mucuna urens and Mucuna pruriens

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2022

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.

Standardized Extract of Costus Afer Ker. Gawl leaves Modulates Reproductive Toxicity Caused by FructoseStreptozotocin Administration in Type-2 Diabetic Rats Model

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2021

Background: Co-administration of streptozotocin and fructose is believed to induce type 2 diabetes as well as to cause reproductive toxicity and testicular damage via increasing oxidative stress in rats. Objectives: In this study, the potential protective effect of Costus afer leaves methanol extract (CAME) on andrological parameters and pituitary-gonadal axis hormones of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in rats treated with streptozotocin and fructose was investigated. Methods: A total of 35 rats were divided into five groups, each including seven rats. Group 1 received normal saline, whereas T2D was induced in rats from groups 2, 3, 4, and 5. Group 2 served as diabetic control; while groups 3, 4, and 5 were treated orally with 12 mg/kg body weight (BW) of metformin as well as 100 and 200 BW of CAME, respectively, for 4 weeks. Hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal responses, andrological parameters, DNA fragmentation, and oxidative stress parameters of the reproductive organs were examined in all treatment groups. Results: Administration of CAME reduced the degenerative changes in testes, epididymis and improved pituitary-gonadal axis hormone concentrations, and sperm morphology occasioned by the treatments. Conclusion: It was concluded that the administration of CAME ameliorated reproductive abnormalities in T2D rat models treated with streptozotocin-fructose administration.

Seed extract of Thai Mucuna pruriens reduced male reproductive damage in rats induced by chronic stress

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2022
PHARM BIOL

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.

Herbs Used for Fertility of Male Animals: A Review

Article

Dec 2021

Dibyajyoti Talukdar

Fertility of male animals is influenced by various factors such as neurohormonal imbalances, reproductive organ tissue changes, seminal attributes, libido and sexual behavior. The global decline in male reproductive health is a big worry, and modern therapeutic options to prevent male infertility are costly, less accessible, require long-term treatment, and have a variety of adverse effects. Herbal remedies, on the other hand, are better suited to providing more comprehensive approaches to improve the male reproductive health. There is a particular set of herbs known as vajikarana or aphrodisiacs in Ayurvedic pharmacology that nourishes and stimulates the sexual tissues. This review focuses on the Ayurvedic approach to improving male reproductive health, referring to some of the most important scientifically tested herbs that have been found to boost male fertility by having stimulating or nourishing effects on the male reproductive organs.

Beneficial Effects of Ethanolic Seed Extract of Cyperus esculentus on Blood Glucose and Sperm Quality in Validat ion of Ant i-diabet ic Pot ent ial of Avirai kudineer a Siddha herbal formulat ion-A Review RAJALAKSHMI K Reproduct ive Paramet ers in Diabet ic Male Rat aft er Exposure t o Cannabis Sat iva Hydroalcoholic Ext r… Beneficial Effects of Ethanolic Seed Extract of Cyperus esculentus on Blood Glucose and Sperm Quality in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2021

Background: An important complication of diabetes mellitus is the disturbance in the male reproductive system. Aim: To determine the effects of ethanolic seed extract of C. esculentus on blood glucose and sperm quality in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five (25) normal adult male wistar rats weighing between 150-200g were used. Group I Served as the positive control group and received distilled water only. Groups II-V were the test groups and were induced with diabetes. Group II was the negative diabetic control group with no treatment. Group III received 400mg/kg of C. esculentus. Group IV received 800mg/kg of C. esculentus while Group V received 150mg/kg of standard diabetic drug Metformin. Their fasting blood glucose levels were estimated. The animals were sacrificed and the semen sample was collected for sperm analysis. Results: Significant (P<0.05) increase in blood glucose level in group II (108.00±3.52 mg/dL) and significant decrease in group IV (57.0±2.49 mg/dL) when compared with the control group I (74.60±1.63 mg/dL). No significant difference in blood glucose was observed in groups III (79.0±3.07 mg/dL) and V (77.0±2.55 mg/dL) when compared with the control group I. There was significant decrease (P<0.05) in sperm count in group II (3.80 ± 0.22 x10 6 /mL) and significant increase in group IV (7.68 ± 0.20 x10 6 /mL) when compared with the control group I (6.16 ± 0.26 x10 6 /mL). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in sperm count in groups III (6.28 ± 0.19 x10 6 /mL) and V (5.60 ± 0.19 x10 6 /mL) when compared with control group I. The sperm motility and morphology significantly decreased in group II but significantly increased in group IV when compared with control group I. Groups III and V showed no significant difference in sperm motility and morphology when compared with the control. Conclusion: C. esculentus seed extract may be beneficial in diabetes mellitus as well as its deleterious effect on sperm quality.

The use of plant extracts to control tilapia reproduction: Current status and future perspectives

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2021
J WORLD AQUACULT SOC

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.

Bioactive Compounds of Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens L.) Seeds

Chapter

Mar 2021

Determination of Biological Activity and Active Substances of Thecocarpus Carvifolius (BOISS.) Hedge & Lamond

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2021

We have studied the antioxidant activity and analyzed active substances of the aqueous and methanol extracts of endemic species Thecocarpus carvifolius Hedge and Lamond. The antioxidant activity was identified and assessed using the DPPH, FRAP and iron chelating capacity assay. Active substances were detection, total phenolic, flavonoids and volatile compounds were analyzed. According to DPPH analyzes, the inhibition percentage was 48.57% for aqueous extract and 76.34% for methanol extract. The FRAP reduction capacity was determined as 3.32 mg/mL for aqueous extract and 11.75 mg/mL FESO4 for methanol extract. The total concentrations of phenolics and flavonoids were calculated as 64.08 – 35.29 μg/mL and 146.84 – 555.66 μg/mL in aqueous and methanol extracts, respectively. Finally, five volatile compounds were detected in methanol extracts. The results indicated that the endemic species of T. carvifolius can be evaluated as a natural antioxidant plant.

Streptozotosin Kaynaklı Diyabetik Sıçanlarda Diplotaenia Turcica Kök Ekstraktının Sperm Parametreleri ve Üreme Hormonları Üzerine Etkileri

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2020

This study was conducted to determine the effects of Diplotaenia turcica root extract on sperm parameters and reproductive hormones in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. The study was performed on a total of 42 male rats divided into 6 groups of equal numbers. Single-dose physiological saline was administrated intraperitoneally to Group 1. STZ 45 mg/kg was administered intraperitoneally to Group 2. Diplotaenia turcica root extract 100 mg/kg was administrated through gastric gavage for 28 days to Group 3. Diplotaenia turcica root extract 200 mg/kg was administrated through gastric gavage for 28 days to Group 4. STZ 45 mg/kg administrated intraperitoneally to Group 5. In addition, Diplotaenia turcica root extract 100 mg/kg was administrated through gastric gavage for 28 days. STZ 45 mg/kg administrated intraperitoneally to Group 6. Also, Diplotaenia turcica root extract 200 mg/kg was administrated through gastric gavage for 28 days. Reproductive hormones and sperm parameters were analyzed. In Group 2, it was determined that sperm motility and density and reproductive hormone values were significantly lower when compared to group 1, and the abnormal sperm rate was significantly higher when compared to Group 1. Testosterone levels in Groups 3 and 4 were significantly higher than Groups 2, 5, and 6. It was determined that the 100 mg/kg dose of Diplotaenia turcica root extract, which is given also to the diabetic group, creates an improvement in sperm parameters and the hormone testosterone, but the 200 mg/kg dose does not have the same effect. As a result, we can recommend the 100 mg/kg dose of Diplotaenia turcica root extract in patients with diabetes.

Protective Effects of Nucleosides-Rich Extract from Cordyceps cicadae against Cisplatin Induced Testicular Damage

Article

Oct 2020

Cisplatin (CISP) is an efficacious anticancer agent used in chemotherapy, however, the constraint to its clinical utility is the stray organ toxicity including testicular damage linked to oxidative and inflammatory cascades. This study aimed to explore the protective effect of nucleosides-rich extract from Cordyceps cicadae (NRCE) against CISP-induced testicular damage in rats. Rats were subjected to prophylactic oral administration of NRCE (50, 100 and 400 mg/kg body weight/day) for 7 days prior to testiculotoxicity induced by CISP (10 mg/kg, ip) and were sacrificed after 72 hours post-CISP injection. Cisplatin caused significant deficits in sperm count, viability and motility, testosterone and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) compared to normal control. It depressed testicular activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant content (TAC), whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) increased remarkably. CISP considerably increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-one beta (IL-1β) with alterations in testis histology compared to normal control. Interestingly, NRCE pretreatment inhibited the CISP-induced alterations in reproductive indices, restored the antioxidant activities in testes as well as inflammatory mediators and histology comparable to control. Our findings demonstrate that NRCE could prevent CISP testicular damage via inhibition of oxidative stress and pro-inflammation in rats.

Parkinsonism and Potential of Mucuna Beans

Chapter

Full-text available

Jul 2020

Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease, which is common all over the world. Various aspect like damages of reactive oxygen species, excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation-facilitated cell damages are included in the etiology of disease. Good-balanced nutrition is an important part involved in the body health maintenance and reduction in the risk of chronic diseases. Genus Mucuna falls under family Fabaceae, containing high contents of L-DOPA (commonly used as an anti-Parkinson drug). Plant-based medicines are the superfluous source of polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, antioxidants (ROS and RNS), terpenoids, isoflavonoids, and other biologically active phytochemicals. All these molecules have health beneficial effects with superlative pharmaceutical values. The existing chapter summaries to determine the influence of different nutritional, anti-nutritional, and medicinal potential of the Mucuna species present in India and its significance in the management of Parkinson’s disease (Shaking Palsy) as well as other medicinal values. It also covers various treatment models used in studying the Parkinson’s disease like Drosophila melanogaster, zebrafish, mice, rat, and humans. This chapter also focuses light on the neurosurgical treatments used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. This study concluded that the use of Mucuna seeds for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease is the best choice besides chemical drugs and other therapies.

Characterisation of streptozotocin induced diabetes mellitus in Wistar albino rats - A histological and haematological perspective

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2020

The present study was designed to investigate the characteristics of Diabetes Mellitus by Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats as assessed by blood glucose concentration and structural changes in the pancreatic islets. Wistar albino rats of either sex were intraperitoneally administered single dose of Streptozotocin 130 mg/kg (Group I), 100 mg/kg (Group II) and 65 mg/kg (Group III) respectively. Persistent hyperglycemia with above the range of 180 mg/dl was observed during the entire experimental study period in all the groups. Severe to moderate levels of mortality rates were observed among Group I and II by 6 weeks. Whereas no causality was observed in animals in Group III. The histopathological studies of pancreas showed severe structural damages in the is lets of group I and II. Whereas moderate beta cell damage was observed in Group III. Therefore, it is 65 mg/kg b.w injection is appeared to be safe and effective dose to create a diabetic at model for long term diabetes studies. Key Word: Diabetic rat model, Hyperglycemia, Pancreatic islets, Streptozotocin

Protective effect of Berberine on reproductive function and spermatogenesis in diabetic rats via inhibition of ROS/JAK2/NFκB pathway

Article

Feb 2020

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) induces impairment of male reproductive system and is considered as a key factor that could partially provide an explanation for male infertility. Thus, understanding the mechanism underlying DM-induced infertility will aid in the identification of novel therapeutic stratagems. Objectives: To delineate the role of ROS/JAK2/NFκB pathway in DM-induced low reproductive function and impaired spermatogenesis. Additionally, to investigate the protective effect of monomeric Berberine (BB), that inhibits ROS/JAK2/NFκB pathway, in the pathogenesis of DM-induced infertility. Methods: 12-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control group, DM group, control plus BB group, and DM plus BB group. Streptozotocin was used to induce DM. After treating the rats with BB for 4 weeks, fertility tests were conducted to investigate the reproductive function, and testis weight along with sperm motility were assessed through microscope. Oxidative stress was evaluated by DHE staining. TUNEL staining was utilized to detect the state of apoptosis. Cell experiments were carried out to define the role of BB in vitro. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and western blotting were employed to measure the protein expression. Results: Our results indicate that the reproductive function of DM rats was low, accompanied by decreased testis weight and sperm motility in addition to the impairment of the seminiferous tubules. However, there was a significant improvement in the reproductive function parameters in the BB-treated DM rats. Subsequently, our data revealed that DM rats produce an increased level of ROS in the testis, which activates JAK2 further activating the NFκB pathway, leading to increased apoptosis and impaired cells in the testicles. However, BB could attenuate the ROS production and abrogate activation of JAK2/NFκB pathway, thus inhibiting the apoptosis in the testicular cells of DM rats. Conclusion: ROS/JAK2/NFκB pathway is involved in the DM-induced low reproductive function and impaired spermatogenesis. BB can play a protective role in preserving the reproductive function and spermatogenesis in DM by inhibiting ROS/JAK2/NFκB pathway.

Evaluation of testis hormonal and histopathological alterations in type I and type II diabetic rats

Article

May 2019

Background Diabetes is a devastating metabolic disease that causes long‐term damage to various organs. An important leading complication of diabetes is a degenerative effect on the reproductive system including infertility and gonadal dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of experimental type I and II diabetes on the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone. Methods Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four separate groups: (1) type I diabetes (T1DM), (2) type II diabetes (T2DM), (3) cetrorelix acetate‐treated nondiabetic control group, and (4) normal untreated group (n = 6). T1DM was experimentally induced by a single injection of alloxan (135 mg/kg) while T2DM was induced by feeding the animals with drinking water enriched with fructose (10%). Cetrorelix acetate (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal for 1 week) treatment group was used as a positive control. All rats were killed and blood and testes were collected after 8 weeks of the study. The effects of induced diabetes on the levels of blood glucose and insulin were assessed. The levels of sex hormones and insulin were determined by radioimmunoassay. Histological staining was used to check abnormal patterns of testicular morphology, the diameter of seminiferous tubules, testicular diameter, and germinal layer thickness. Results A significant reduction in the testosterone, FSH, and LH levels were observed in T1DM, T2DM, and also in cetrorelix acetate‐treated groups. Analysis of testicular histology sections revealed significantly reduced thickness of cell layer in T1DM and cetrorelix acetate‐treated groups compared with the T2DM group. In T2DM, the cell numbers, the thickness of cell layer, the diameter of seminiferous tubules, and weight of testicles were slightly increased. In contrast, total tubules of empty seminiferous increased significantly in T1D and cetrorelix treated groups compared with the control group. Conclusion Overall, diabetes can induce hypothalamus‐pituitary‐gonad axis dysfunction, affects hormonal secretion, and causes histological damage to testes, collectively leading to deleterious effects on male fertility.

Mucuna and Parkinson’s Disease: Treatment with Natural Levodopa

Chapter

Full-text available

May 2018

Rafael Gonzalez Maldonado

Testicular toxicity and reproductive performance of streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats: the ameliorating role of silymarin as an antioxidant

Article

May 2018

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a glucose, fat, and protein metabolism disorder. Testicular toxicity and reproductive dysfunction are consequences of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Oxidative stress has been suggested as one of the main mechanism involved in STZ-induced toxicity. Since many studies revealed that Silymarin (SMN), a plant extract, has anti-diabetic and antioxidant activity, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of this natural agent on testicular function and male reproductive parameters in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Sperm parameters, in vivo reproductive performance, and oxidative stress markers were measured. In addition, relative expression of apoptotic-related genes and testosterone level were evaluated. STZ-induced diabetes altered sperm parameters, reduced reproductive performances, increased lipid peroxidation (LPO), and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities. Our results showed that SMN intake improved sperm parameters, reproductive performances, decreased LPO, and increased antioxi-dant enzyme activities. The relative mRNA expression of Bcl-2 was significantly reduced, and that of Bax, Caspase-3 was significantly increased in the diabetic rats compared to the control group. SMN significantly increased the expression of Bcl-2 and decreased the expression of Bax, Caspase-3. Serum levels of testosterone showed a significant decreased in diabetic rats, compared to the control group and serum testosterone levels revealed a significant increase in groups that received SMN. The protective potential of SMN against oxidative stress in STZ-induced testicular toxicity and its potential to improve fertility in diabetic rats makes it a potential candidate to reverse the toxic effect of diabetes on the testis by herbal antioxidants. ARTICLE HISTORY

Medicinal herbs in the management of male infertility

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2018

Male infertility can range from neurohormonal imbalances, reproductive tissue disruptions, qualitative and quantitative deterioration of semen to sexual behavioral problems. The global deterioration of male reproductive health is a major concern and the modern therapeutic approaches to combat male infertility are expensive, less accessible, have long term treatment tenure and possess various side effects. Whereas, the herbal therapies, are better positioned to offer more holistic approaches to improve male reproductive health. In Ayurvedic pharmacology, there exists a special group of herbs, classified as vajikarana or aphrodisiacs, which nourishes and stimulates the sexual tissues. This review concentrates on the Ayurvedic approach to ameliorate male reproductive health referring to some of the most important scientifically tested herbs which have been reported to accentuate male fertility by imposing either stimulating or nourishing effects on the male reproductive organs.

Allantoin Alleviates Male Sexual Dysfunction in Diabetic Rats through Augmenting the Level of Testosterone

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2018

Objective: A majority of the diabetic patients experience sexual dysfunction. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of allantoin on sexual dysfunction in diabetic rats. Methods: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups: diabetic control group, diabetes + allantoin 100 mg/kg and diabetes + allantoin 200 mg/kg. Diabetic rats were treated with allantoin for 6 weeks and were assessed for its effect on sexual behavior, blood pressure, sperm count, sperm morphology, and levels of glycosylated hemoglobin, serum testosterone, and nitrite. Effects of treatment on diabetic rats were compared with diabetic control rats and normal healthy rats. Results: Diabetes decreased sexual behavior, sperm count and levels of serum testosterone and nitrite while increased blood pressure, the level of glycosylated hemoglobin and sperm defects in comparison to healthy rats. After a 6-week treatment period, there was a significant decrease in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and blood pressure in the allantoin treatment groups when compared to diabetic control. Also, the rats treated with allantoin performed significantly well in sexual behavioural studies with a significant increase in body weight, sperm count, and levels of serum testosterone and nitrite compared to diabetic control. Conclusion: Oral administration of allantoin improves sexual function in diabetic rats by improving glycemic control and maintaining blood pressure. It also improves sexual function in diabetic rats by preventing the reduction in levels of nitrite and serum testosterone.

Diabetes-induced hyperglycemia impairs male reproductive function: a systematic review

Article

Nov 2017

Background: Hyperglycemia can result from a loss of pancreatic beta-cells or a decline in their function leading to decreased insulin secretion or may arise from insulin resistance and variable degrees of inadequate insulin secretion resulting in diabetes and related comorbidities. To date several reviews have addressed the issue of diabetes-related male infertility but most have focused on how metabolic syndrome causes the decline in male fertility. However, a comprehensive overview as to how diabetes-induced hyperglycemia impairs male fertility is missing. Impaired regulation of glucose and the resultant hyperglycemia are major threats to the health of individuals in modern societies especially given the rapidly rising prevalence affecting an increasing number of men in their reproductive years. Consequently, diabetes-induced hyperglycemia is likely to contribute to a decline in global birth rates especially in those societies with a high diabetic prevalence. Objective and rationale: This systematic review addresses and summarizes the impact of hyperglycemia on male reproductive health with a particular emphasis on the molecular mechanisms that influence the testis and other parts of the male reproductive tract. Search methods: A systematic search of the literature published in the MEDLINE-Pubmed database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed) and Cochrane Library (http://www.cochranelibrary.com) was performed, as well as hand searching reference lists, from the earliest available online indexing year until May 2017, using diabetes- and male fertility-related keywords in combination with other search phrases relevant to the topic of hyperglycemia. Inclusion criteria were: clinical studies on type 1 diabetic (T1D) men and studies on T1D animal models with a focus on reproductive parameters. Case reports/series, observational studies and clinical trials were included. Studies on patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) or animal models of T2D were excluded to distinguish hyperglycemia from other metabolic effects. Outcomes: A total of 890 articles were identified of which 197 (32 clinical, 165 animal studies) were selected for qualitative analysis. While the clinical data from men with hyperglycemia-induced reproductive dysfunction were reported in most studies on T1D, the study designs were variable and lacked complete information on patients. Moreover, only a few studies (and mostly animal studies) addressed the underlying mechanisms of how hyperglycemia induces infertility. Potential causes included impaired function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, increased DNA damage, perturbations in the system of advanced glycation endproducts and their receptor, oxidative stress, increased endoplasmatic reticulum stress, modulation of cellular pathways, impaired mitochondrial function and disrupted sympathetic innervation. However, intervention studies to identify and confirm the pathological mechanisms were missing: data that are essential in understanding these interactions. Wider implications: While the effects of regulating the hyperglycemia by the use of insulin and other modulators of glucose metabolism have been reported, more clinical trials providing high quality evidence and specifically addressing the beneficial effects on male reproduction are required. We conclude that interventions using insulin to restore normoglycemia should be a feasible approach to assess the proposed underlying mechanisms of infertility.

Cowhage

Chapter

Oct 2023

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.

Chronic levamisole exposure in male rats alters sexual behavior and induces apoptosis in the testis

Article

May 2023
DRUG CHEM TOXICOL

Levamisole is an anti-helminthic drug developed and introduced in veterinary medicine, and it has been used more frequently after the inclusion of its usage in human medicine regarding disorders with immunomodulatory properties. In recent years, it has started to attract attention since it has beneficial effects on the treatment of COVID-19 due to its immunomodulatory properties. To investigate the effects of levamisole on sexual behavior and the reproductive system in male rats, two groups were formed the vehicle (n = 10) and levamisole (n = 10) groups. The vehicle group was given purified water whereas the levamisole group was administered with levamisole (2 mg/kg) by oral gavage daily for 4 weeks. Levamisole treatment significantly increased the mount latency (ML, P < 0.001) as well as the intromission latency (IL, P < 0.01). It also significantly prolonged postejaculatory interval (PEI , P < 0.01), decreased copulatory rate (CR, P < 0.05), and sexual activity index (SAI, P < 0.05). It significantly decreased serum monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) levels (P < 0.05). Additionally, levamisole induced disorganizations of germinal epithelial cells of seminiferous tubules, congestion, edema in the interstitial area, and metaphase arrest in some spermatocytes (P < 0.001), and it significantly increased the immunohistochemical expressions of apoptotic Bax and cytochrome c, which is crucial proapoptotic protein, in the testis (P < 0.001). Also, levamisole significantly upregulated the mRNA levels of the apoptosis-related key regulatory genes, including Bax (Bcl-2-associated X protein, P = 0.05) and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (P < 0.01) in testis. The current research is the first to show that levamisole may decrease sexual performance, potency, sexual motivation, and libido and induce apoptosis in the testis.

Moderate doses of Mucuna pruriens seed powder is safe and improves sperm count and motility

Article

May 2023

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

Aging induced testicular damage: analyzing the ameliorative potential of Mucuna pruriens seed extract

Article

May 2023

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.

Oxidative Stress and Male Infertility: Role of Herbal Drugs

Chapter

Dec 2022
ADV EXP MED BIOL

Infertility is a universal health problem affecting 15% of couples, out of which 20–30% cases are due to male infertility. The leading causes of male infertility include hormonal defects, physical reasons, sexual problems, hazardous environment, stressful lifestyle, genetic factors, epigenetic factors, and oxidative stress. Various physiological functions involve reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species at appropriate levels for proper smooth functioning. ROS control critical reproductive processes such as capacitation, acrosomal reaction, hyperactivation, egg penetration, and sperm head decondensation. The excessive free radicals or imbalance between ROS and endogenous antioxidant enzymes damages sperm membrane by inducing lipid peroxidation causing mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage that eventually lead to male infertility. Numerous synthetic products are available in the market to treat infertility problems, largely ending in side effects and repressing symptoms. Ayurveda contains a particular group of Rasayana herbs, called vajikarana, that deals with nourishment and stimulation of sexual tissues, improves male reproductive vitality, and deals with oxidative stress via antioxidant mechanism. The present study aims to describe oxidative stress and the role of herbal drugs in treating male infertility.KeywordsOxidative stressVajikaranaAntioxidantHerbal drugsMale infertility

Seed extract of Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens enhances sexual performance and improves male reproductive damages in ethanol-induced rats

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2022
J ETHNOPHARMACOL

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.

Bioactive Compounds of Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens L.) Seeds

Chapter

Jul 2021

Ejaculatory dysfunction in men with diabetes mellitus

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2021

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder that is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels due to absolute or relative insulin deficiency, in the background of β-cell dysfunction, insulin resistance, or both. Such chronic hyperglycemia is linked to long-term damage to blood vessels, nerves, and various organs. Currently, the worldwide burden of DM and its complications is in increase. Male sexual dysfunction is one of the famous complications of DM, including abnormal orgasmic/ejaculatory functions, desire/libido, and erection. Ejaculatory dysfunction encompasses several disorders related to DM and its complications, such as premature ejaculation, anejaculation (AE), delayed ejaculation, retrograde ejaculation (RE), ejaculatory pain, anesthetic ejaculation, decreased ejaculate volume, and decreased force of ejaculation. The problems linked to ejaculatory dysfunction may extend beyond the poor quality of life in diabetics as both AE and RE are alleged to alter the fertility potential of these patients. However, although both diabetes patients and their physicians are increasingly aware of diabetic ejaculatory dysfunction, this awareness still lags behind that of other diabetes complications. Therefore, all these disorders should be looked for thoroughly during the clinical evaluation of diabetic men. Besides, introducing the suitable option and/or maneuvers to treat these disorders should be tailored according to each case. This review aimed to explore the most important findings regarding ejaculatory dysfunction in diabetes from pre-clinical and clinical perspectives.

The protective effect of recombinant globular adiponectin on testis by modulating autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Article

Apr 2020
EUR J PHARMACOL

This study was to investigate whether recombinant globular adiponectin produced its protective effect on the testis of diabetic mice by modulating autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress. Male mice were randomly divided into control, diabetic, diabetic treated with low and high dose of adiponectin. Mice were killed at the termination after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of adiponectin treatment. Serum levels of glucose, lipids, testosterone, insulin, LH and FSH were measured. The protein expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), Caspase12, Beclin1, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) and p62 was determined by western blotting. The mRNA expression of adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1), p22phox, p47phox, nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The testicular weight, the sperm number and motility, and the serum levels of testosterone and insulin were significantly decreased in diabetic mice (P < 0.05). The expression of Beclin1, LC3, Nrf2, NQO1, HO-1, SOD and AdipoR1 were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while the expression of GRP78, CHOP, Caspase12, p62, p22phox and p47phox were notably increased in the testes of diabetic mice (P < 0.05). Adiponectin treatment significantly reversed the above-mentioned changes in the testes of diabetic mice, some of which were dose- and time-dependent (P < 0.05). These data suggested that recombinant globular adiponectin may produce the protective effect on the testes of diabetic mice by inducing autophagy and inhibiting ER stress and oxidative stress.

Evaluation of antioxidant capacity and reproductive toxicity of aqueous extract of Thai Mucuna pruriens seeds

Article

Mar 2020

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.

Could Mucuna pruriens be the answer to Parkinson's disease management in sub-Saharan Africa and other low-income countries worldwide?

Article

Mar 2020
PARKINSONISM RELAT D

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive, disabling, neurodegenerative disease that requires long term care and pharmaceutical treatment. Levodopa remains the gold standard treatment for PD globally, although it is largely unavailable and unaffordable for the majority of patients in many sub-Saharan African and other low-income countries (LICs). We suggest the potential for Mucuna pruriens (MP), a leguminous plant, to replace or supplement levodopa-based medicines in countries where levodopa is unaffordable and inaccessible due to its low costs of preparation and high natural availability. MP has been shown to induce a great improvement of motor symptoms with few adverse events in recent studies. However, caution is important until more robust data on the long-term safety of MP are available. We believe that MP could potentially be part of the answer to affordable, symptomatic treatment of PD in LICs worldwide.

Ethnomedicinal plants used by traditional healers in the management of HIV/AIDS opportunistic diseases in Lusaka, Zambia

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2018
S AFR J BOT

Despite the use of ethnobotanical remedies to manage human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), there is paucity of empirical data on the specific plant species used by traditional healers to manage HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections in Zambia. Therefore, this study documented putative plant species used to manage HIV and AIDS-related opportunistic diseases in Lusaka, Zambia. Exploratory, semi-structured interviews and detailed descriptive studies of 40 traditional healers were conducted. The following ethnobotanical data were recorded: plant species, parts used, modes of preparation, administration, and diseases treated. Data were analyzed by calculating percentage frequencies, familiarity index (Fi), and informant consensus factor (FIC). A total of 84 plant species from 38 families, mostly the Fabaceae, were used as ethnomedicines. Roots, leaves and stem bark were mostly harvested for the treatment of STIs including HIV, skin infections, diarrhea, malaria, tuberculosis, persistent cough, erectile dysfunction, oral infections, cancer and weight loss. Thirteen plants were used to manage three different diseases: Abrus precatorius, Albizia anthelmintica, Carica papaya, Cassia abbreviata, Combretum elaeagnoides, Flueggea virosa, Mimosa pigra, Mundulea sericea, Musa acuminata, Piliostigma thonningii, Ricinus communis, Securidaca longepedunculata, and Syzygium guineense. Garcinia livingstonei, Kigelia africana, Peltophorum africanum and Ziziphus mucronata were individually used to manage four different disease conditions. Only Plumbago zeylanica was used to manage five different disease conditions. These multi-use plants may have broad antimicrobial activities but risk over-exploitation. The results of this study urge a fundamental rethink of how patients and public health authorities view traditional plant medicines for HIV/AIDS management in Lusaka, Zambia.

Effect of Mucuna pruriens (Linn.) on mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage in epididymal sperm of streptozotocin induced diabetic rat.

Article

May 2018

Muhammed Ibrahim

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Mucuna pruriens Linn. (M. pruriens) is a leguminous plant that has been recognized as an herbal medicine for improving fertility and related disorders in the Indian traditional system of medicine, however without proper scientific validations. AIM OF THE STUDY: To study the effect of ethanolic seed extract of M. pruriens on mitochondrial dysfunction and the DNA damage in hyperglycemic rat epididymal spermatozoa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar albino rats were divided as control (Sham), diabetes induced [streptozotocin 60 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.) in 0.1M citrate buffer] (STZ), diabetic rats administered with 200mg/kg b.w. of extract (STZ+MP) and normal rats administered with 200mg/kg b.w. of extract (Sham+MP). M. pruriens was administered (gavage) once daily for a period of 60 days. On 60th day animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation sperm were collected from epididymis and subjected various analysis like antioxidants, ROS, lipid peroxidation (LPO), DNA damage, chromosomal integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). RESULTS: Significant reduction in the sperm count, motility, viability and significant increase in the number of abnormal sperm in STZ compared to sham was noticed. STZ rat sperm showed significant increase in LPO and DNA damage. Both the enzymic and non-enzymic were decreased; MMP and the mitochondrial functions were severely affected in STZ group. The diabetic rats supplemented with M. pruriens showed a remarkable recovery in antioxidant levels and reduced LPO with well preserved sperm DNA. MMP and mitochondrial function test were also preserved in STZ+MP rat sperm. CONCLUSION: The present study has clearly demonstrated the potency of M. pruriens to reduce the diabetic induced sperm damage induced by oxidative stress (OS). These observations are encouraging to perform similar studies in human.

Mucuna pruriens: Antiparkinsonics of plant origin

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2018

Mucuna pruriens (Fabaceae), tropical plant commonly known as „velvet bean“and „atmagupta“in India, is a climbing legume growing in India and in other parts of the tropics. The seed powder of the M. pruriens has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic Indian medicine for a number of diseases, including parkinsonism. The seeds of M. pruriens contain 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine (L-DOPA) which is a precursor of catecholamines and effective means to alleviate symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The rapid onset of action and longer on time without concomitant increase in dyskinesias suggest that this natural source of L-DOPA might possess advantages over conventional L-DOPA preparations in the long term management of Parkinson’s disease. © 2018 Publishing House of the Higher School of Economics. All rights reserved.

Mucuna pruriens: Antiparkinsonikum rostlinného původu [Mucuna pruriens: Antiparkinsonics of Plant Origin]

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2018

Mucuna pruriens (Fabaceae), tropical plant commonly known as „velvet bean“ and „atmagupta“ in India, is a climbing legume growing in India and in other parts of the tropics. The seed powder of the M. pruriens has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic Indian medicine for a number of diseases, including parkinsonism. The seeds of M. pruriens contain 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine (L-DOPA) which is a precursor of catecholamines and effective means to alleviate symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The rapid onset of action and longer on time without concomitant increase in dyskinesias suggest that this natural source of L-DOPA might possess advantages over conventional L-DOPA preparations in the long term management of Parkinson disease.

Involvement of growth factors in diabetes mellitus and its complications: A general review

Article

Mar 2018

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major endocrine metabolic disease and is marked by a lack of insulin. The complication of DM is one of the most difficult problems in medicine. The initial translational studies revealed that growth factors have a major role in integrating tissue physiology and in embryology as well as in growth, maturation and tissue repair. In some tissues affected by diabetes, growth factors are induced by a relative deficit or excess. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a promising regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism with multiple beneficial effects including hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic and vascular permeability factor and is implicated in both of these complications in diabetes. Increase or decrease in the production of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) has been associated with diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy. The insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is a naturally-occurring single chain polypeptide which has been widely used in the treatment of diabetic glomerular and renal tubular injuries. This review summarizes the recent evidences for an involvement of growth factors in diabetic complications, focusing on their emergence in sequence of events leading to vascular complications or their potential therapeutic role in these diseases. Growth factor therapy in diabetic foot ulcers is already a clinical reality. As methods to finely regulate growth factors in a tissue and time-specific manner are further developed and tested, regulation of the growth factor to normal level in vivo may well become a therapy to prevent and treat diabetic complications.

Effect of Mucuna pruriens on oxidative stress mediated damage in aged rat sperm

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2009
INT J ANDROL

Mucuna pruriens Linn., a leguminous plant, has been recognized as an aphrodisiac and spermatogenic agent. Protective efficacy of M. pruriens on reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced pathophysiological alterations in structural and functional integrity of epididymal sperm in aged Wister albino rat was analysed. Animals were grouped as groups I, II, III and IV, i.e. young (control), aged, aged treated with ethanolic extract (200 mg/kg b.w.) of M. pruriens and young rats treated with M. pruriens, respectively. At the end of the experimental period, i.e. after 60 days animals were sacrificed, epididymal sperm were collected and subjected to count, viability, motility, morphology and morphometric analysis. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, ROS, lipid peroxidation (LPO), DNA damage, chromosomal integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential were estimated. Results obtained from the aged animals showed significant reduction in sperm count, viability and motility, increased morphological damage and an increase in the number of sperm with cytoplasmic remnant, and these alterations were significantly reversed in M. pruriens treated group. Significant increase in LPO, HO and H(2)O(2) production and significant decline in the levels of the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were observed in the aged animals. Supplementation of M. pruriens significantly reduced ROS and LPO production and significant increase in both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels. There were significant DNA damage, loss of chromosomal integrity and increase in mitochondrial membrane permeability in aged rat sperm. This was significantly reduced in group III. Present observation indicates the antioxidant enhancing property, free radical quenching ability and spermatogenic efficacy of the M. pruriens. Collectively, sperm damage in ageing was significantly reduced by quenching ROS, improving antioxidant defence system and mitochondrial function.

Changes in Mating Behavior, Erectile Function, and Nitric Oxide Levels in Penile Corpora Cavernosa in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2002

This study assessed whether the in vivo production of nitric oxide (NO) in the penis is impaired in experimental diabetes and whether this phenomenon can be explained by abnormal levels of NO synthase isoenzymes and/or plasma androgens. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) (40 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle. One half of the STZ-treated animals received daily insulin replacement. Twelve weeks later, the animals were tested for mating behavior and erectile reflexes. They were then anesthetized with urethane (1 g/kg), and the NO levels in their corpora cavernosa were monitored electrochemically with porphyrin microsensors before and after electrostimulation of the cavernous nerve. The intracavernous pressure (ICP) was measured simultaneously. The diabetic animals had substantial impairment in the mating and erectile reflexes tests, decreased basal and stimulated NO levels in the corpora, and a reduced ICP response to cavernous nerve stimulation. Insulin replacement fully reversed the effects of diabetes on the mating reflexes, the basal NO signals, and the ICP responses to electrical field stimulation and partially restored the stimulated NO release. Neither diabetes nor diabetes with insulin treatment had significant effects on serum testosterone levels or NOS isoform (nNOS, eNOS, and iNOS) protein content in penile homogenates, indicating that the changes found in erectile function were independent of such variables. These results also suggest that the diabetes-induced reduction in corporeal NO levels could be mainly due to the lack of some essential cofactors for NOS activity rather than to changes in the amount of enzyme proteins.

Erectile Dysfunction and Quality of Life in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A serious problem too often overlooked

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2002
DIABETES CARE

Within the context of a large, nationwide outcomes research program in type 2 diabetes, we assess the prevalence of self-reported erectile dysfunction and evaluate its impact on quality of life. The study involved 1,460 patients enrolled by 114 diabetes outpatient clinics and 112 general practitioners. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire investigating their ability to achieve and maintain an erection. Various aspects of quality of life were also assessed depressive using the following instruments: SF-36 Health Survey, diabetes health distress, psychological adaptation to diabetes, depressive symptoms (CES-D scale), and quality of sexual life. Overall, 34% of the patients reported frequent erectile problems, 24% reported occasional problems, and 42% reported no erectile problems. After adjusting for patient characteristics, erectile dysfunction was associated with higher levels of diabetes-specific health distress and worse psychological adaptation to diabetes, which were, in turn, related to worse metabolic control. Erectile problems were also associated with a dramatic increase in the prevalence of severe depressive symptoms, lower scores in the mental components of the SF-36, and a less satisfactory sexual life. A total of 63% of the patients reported that their physicians had never investigated their sexual problems. Erectile dysfunction is extremely common among type 2 diabetic patients and is associated with poorer quality of life, as measured with generic and diabetes-specific instruments. Despite their relevance, sexual problems are seldom investigated by general practitioners and specialists.

Association of hypogonadism and type II diabetes in men attending an outpatient erectile dysfunction clinic

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2006
INT J IMPOT RES

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) were more often hypogonadal than normal fasting glucose subjects. The aim of this investigation is the assessment of characteristics and psychobiological correlates of DM associated with hypogonadism (DMAH). The Structured Interview SIEDY was used along with several biochemical, psychological and instrumental investigations in a series of more than 1200 patients with erectile dysfunction (ED); 16% of whom with type II DM. Hypogonadism was defined as circulating total testosterone (T) below 10.4 nmol/l. The prevalence of hypogonadism was 24.5% in DM versus 12.6% in the rest of the sample (P < 0.0001); differences in the prevalence of hypogonadism retained significance after adjustment for age and BMI. DMAH was associated with typical hypogonadism-related symptoms, such as reduction in sexual desire, leading to a decreased number of sexual attempts, and with higher depressive symptomatology. In DMAH, testis size and LH concentrations were significantly reduced, suggesting a central origin of the disease. At penile Duplex ultrasound examination, diabetic patients and in particular hypogonadal type II diabetic patients showed lower levels of basal and dynamic (after PGE1 injection) peak systolic velocity and acceleration, when compared to the rest of the sample, even after adjustment for age and BMI. Our results show that hypogonadism is frequently associated with type II DM, at least in the 6th decade. DMAH might exacerbate sexual dysfunction by reducing libido and mood and further compromising penile vascular reactivity.

Lack of central nitric oxide triggers erectile dysfunction in diabetes

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2007

Erectile dysfunction is a serious and common complication of diabetes mellitus. The proposed mechanisms for erectile dysfunction in diabetes include central and autonomic neuropathy, endothelial dysfunction, and smooth muscle dysfunction. The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus is known to be involved in centrally mediated penile erection. This study was designed to examine the role of nitric oxide (NO) within the central nervous system component of the behavioral responses including erection in diabetic rats. N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA)-induced erection, yawning, and stretch through the PVN can be blocked by prior administration of NO synthase (NOS) blocker, L-NMMA, in freely moving, conscious male normal rats. Four weeks after streptozotocin (STZ) and vehicle injections, NMDA-induced erection, yawning, and stretch responses through the PVN are significantly blunted in diabetic rats compared with control rats. Examination of neuronal NOS (nNOS) protein by Western blot analysis indicated a reduced amount of nNOS protein in the PVN of rats with diabetes compared with control rats. Furthermore, restoring nNOS within the PVN by gene transfer using adenoviral transfection significantly restored the erectile and yawning responses to NMDA in diabetic rats. These data demonstrate that a blunted NO mechanism within the PVN may contribute to NMDA-induced erectile dysfunction observed in diabetes mellitus.

Adverse effects of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) on reproductive function in adult male rats

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2007

Ingestion of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) by two groups of adult Sprague-Dawley rats at levels of 250 and 500 mg/kg body wt for 63 days was investigated for its effects on fertility. Body weight and absolute and relative testes weights were not affected, but the average weights of epididymides, ventral prostates, seminal vesicles, and preputial glands decreased significantly. A significant decline in spermatogenesis in testes due to a decrease in the number of primary and secondary spermatocytes and spermatids in treatment group 2 (500 mg/kg) is attributed to a significant decrease in testosterone. Sperm motility and density were also significantly decreased in the cauda epididymis and in the testes of rosemary-treated male rats in group 2. In addition, the treatment markedly increased the number of fetal resorptions in female rats impregnated by group 2 males, thereby reducing their fertility.

Sperm production rates

Article

R.P. Amann

Mucuna pruriens Linn. - A comprehensive review

Article

Jan 2007

Impotence in diabetic men

Article

Jul 1987

Glenn Braunstein

Sexual function improving effect of Mucuna pruriens in sexually normal rats

Article

Jan 1996
FITOTERAPIA

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.

Daily Spermatozoal Production, Epididymal Spermatozoal Reserves and Transit Time of Spermatozoa Through the Epididymis of the Rhesus Monkey

Article

Dec 1976

R. P. Amann

One testis and epididymis from each of 8 sexually rested, rhesus monkeys >6 year old was removed during fall (the natural breeding season) to establish the productivity of the testis and the spermatozoal storage capacity of the epididymis. The efficiency of spermatozoal production was quite uniform and averaged 23 ± 1 x 10⁶ sperm per gram of testicular parenchyma per day, although testicular parenchymal weight ranged from 15 to 32 g. Daily spermatozoal production averaged 547 ± 69 x 10⁶ sperm per testis. Thus, the typical rhesus monkey produces about 1.1 x 10⁹ sperm daily during the breeding season. The caput, corpus and cauda epididymidis in these sexually rested monkeys contained 0.6 ± 0.1, 2.1 ± 0.3 and 2.9 ± 0.3 x 10⁹ sperm and an additional 1.0 ± 0.1 x 10⁹ sperm were found in the proximal 49-70 mm of ductus deferens. The mean transit times of sperm through the epididymal segments were estimated as 1.1, 3.8 and 5.6 days for the caput, corpus and cauda, respectively. Based on comparisons with data for sexually rested males of seven other species, the transit time of sperm through the caput and corpus epididymidis is quite uniform at 2.0 to 5.5 days, despite a 265-fold difference in epididymal spermatozoal reserves. Thus, the time required for maturation of sperm within the epididymis is less than 5 days in several mammals including the rhesus monkey.

Aphrodisiac activity of Vanda tessellates Roxb) Hook. Ex DON extract in male mice

Article

Nov 1999

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.

In Biostatistical Analysis

Article

Jan 1999

J. H. G. Zar

Vascular mechanisms of erectile dysfunction

Article

Oct 2004
Drug Discov Today Dis Mech

Arthur Burnett—The Johns Hopkins University school of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA Erection physiology has long been appreciated to be a vascular biologic process involving contractile changes, both in blood vessels supplying the genitalia and in the erectile tissue itself, that accompany local blood flow effects. However, the precise mechanisms controlling this physiology have remained complex. Notwithstanding the major role of the neurologic system, many other vascular biologic regulators including signaling molecules and novel mechanoinductive factors operating synergistically produce the erectile response. Here, Kanchan Chitaley and Hunter Wessells, major scientific investigators of the vascular biology of erectile tissues, discuss the latest developing knowledge in this exciting area of sexual medicine. This work details the expansive scope of molecular possibilities that could be further exploited to treat sexual arousal disorders.

Guide to the care and use of experimental animals

Article

Jan 1984

The pituitary-testicular axis in the streptozotocin diabetic male rat: Evidence of gonadotroph, Sertoli cell and Leydig cell dysfunction

Article

Dec 1981
INT J ANDROL

Variability in the physicochemical, nutritional and antinutritional attributes of six Mucuna species

Article

Jan 2005
FOOD CHEM

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.

Dose- and time-dependent effects of ethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens Linn. Seed on sexual behaviour of normal male rats

Article

May 2009

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.

Daily spermatozoal production, epididymal spermatozoal reserves and transit time of spermatozoa through the epididymis of the rhesus monkey

Article

Jan 1977

PIP Experiments were performed to establish the daily level of testicular production of spermatozoa, the distribution of spermatozoa within the epididymis, and the time required for transport of spermatozoa through the epididymis in 8 sexually rested rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) of at least 6 years of age. The daily production of spermatozoa was similar among all animals, averaging a production rate of 23 times 10 (6) sperm/gm of testicular parenchyma per day. However, the weight of testicular parenchyma ranged from 15 to 32 gm. Per testis , the average daily spermatozoal production was found to be 547 plus or minus 69 tomes 10(6). Consequently, the normal average production of spermatozda for the rhesus monkey per day during the breeding seasson is about 1.1 times 10(9). The number of sperm in the caput, corpus, and cauda epididymis was found to be .6 plus or minus .1, 2.1 plus or minus .3, and 2.9 plus or minus .3 times 10(9), respectively. 1 plus or minus .1 times 10(9) sperm were found in the proximal 49-70 mm of the ductus deferens. The mean transport times of sperm through the caput, corpus, and cauda epididymis were approximately 1.1, 3.8, and 5.6 days, respectively. The rate of transport of sperm through the epididymis was virtually the same between 2-5.5 days, even though a 265-fold difference in epididymal reserves was found. The results indicate that sperm matures within the epididymis of this species within 5 days.

Testosterone replacement fails to reverse the adverse of streptozotocin induced diabetes on sexual behavior in the male rat

Article

Apr 1990
PHARMACOL BIOCHEM BE

Richard W Steger

The ability of testosterone to reverse the adverse effects of streptozotocin-induced (STZ) diabetes on male sexual function was tested in adult male rats. Treatment with STZ (50 mg/kg) led to a significant reduction of plasma testosterone (T) levels and in the number of rats exhibiting ejaculatory behavior in a 30-minute test period. A similar reduction in T levels and ejaculatory behavior was seen in rats subjected to caloric restriction to mimic the weight loss seen in the STZ-treated rats. T-replacement (200 micrograms/day) restored T levels to those seen in control animals, but did not reverse the adverse effects of STZ on copulatory behavior. STZ-induced changes in copulatory behavior were associated with changes in hypothalamic LHRH levels and catecholamine turnover. Caloric restriction also caused endocrine and neuroendocrine changes, but they were not similar to those seen in STZ rats suggesting that these two treatments affect copulatory behavior by different mechanisms.

Sustained hyperglycemia results in testicular dysfunction and reduced fertility potential in BBWOR diabetic rats

Article

Jan 1991
Am J Physiol

Rats with short-term diabetes show a greater than 50% reduction of serum testosterone and increased lipid in Leydig cells but normal testicular structure. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of testicular pathology (morphology index), integrity of the blood-testis barrier, daily sperm production (DSP), number of Leydig cells per testis (LC/T), and total trunk testosterone (TTT) in diabetic rats (BBWORdp) with long-term hyperglycemia (300-350 mg/dl for greater than 180 days) and to evaluate its effects on fertility potential. Results were compared with similarly aged normoglycemic rats (BBWORdr) and normal control Wistar rats. After 6 mo of diabetes, testis weights, DSPs, TTTs, and the morphology index were significantly reduced. The LC/T was not different from BBWORdr rats. The blood-testis barrier appeared intact, although structural abnormalities were noted in Sertoli-Sertoli junction complexes. There was a significant reduction in the number of pregnancies per rat and implantations per pregnancy in matings utilizing the diabetic BBWORdp rat and control Wistar female rats. Results indicate that long-term diabetes with sustained hyperglycemia leads to significant testicular dysfunction associated with decreased fertility potential.

Diabetes Mellitus/Male Infertility

Article

Feb 1990
ARCH ANDROLOGY

Diabetes mellitus (DM), associated with very subtle disorders, affects, either directly or indirectly, various functions of the reproductive system. Adequate, regular, and timely therapy may prevent or delay these disorders. The T synthesis disorder is caused by molecular changes at the level of Leydig cells and may lead to other disorders in all target organs and tissues. The close correlation between Leydig and Sertoli cells function, i.e., between spermatogenesis and second sex glands function, results in certain anomalies in diabetic patients' spermiograms. Parallel lesions associated with DM, through CNS (hypothalamus-hypophysis), and endocrine profile are indirectly intensified or induced by these disorders, which reflect dysfunction of homeostatic balance in carbohydrate metabolism. Sexual dysfunction in all its forms (reduced erection, impotence, and other libido dissociations) is an accompanying phenomenon of the diabetic disease. However, manifestations of these disorders are related to the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism and to the duration of disease. The duration of disease is not necessarily correlated with sexual dysfunction. Even carbohydrate metabolism remains within normal range in addition to other lesions, diabetes leads gradually but progressively to premature aging of body cells.

Impotence in diabetic men

Article

Dec 1988
AM J MED

Studies relating to pathogenetic mechanisms resulting in impotence in diabetic subjects have been reviewed. Erectile dysfunction was reported to occur in 50 to 75 percent of diabetic patients and the prevalence appeared to increase with age. Contributions of vascular, endocrine, and neurologic system alterations result in this disturbing condition, but a detailed analysis of all the parameters was not found in any individual study. In our review of 301 veterans presenting to a sexual dysfunction clinic, the clinical and hormonal alterations in the diabetic patients closely resemble those seen in nondiabetic impotent subjects. Atherosclerotic vascular changes play an important predisposing role in the development of impotence. A difference exists between the prevalences of associated medical conditions in diabetic patients taking insulin, compared with those receiving oral agents or receiving dietary management. The high prevalence of impotence in diabetic patients seems to be due to the high prevalence of its vascular complications. Considering the availability of useful therapeutic approaches, it is mandatory to evaluate all diabetic men for the presence of impotence.

The effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on the neuroendocrine-male reproductive tract axis of adult rat

Article

Aug 1987

Studies in the streptozotocin rat model for diabetes mellitus suggest that sexual dysfunction in these animals may result from diabetes-induced alterations of the neuroendocrine-reproductive tract axis. Our investigation was performed to better define the effects of diabetes on the neuroendocrine sex accessory organ axis in the male rat. Rats were rendered diabetic, and were either left untreated or treated with insulin, testosterone or both. Diabetes resulted in decreased body and reproductive organ weights, as well as diminished sperm counts and motility and prostatic acid phosphatase. Seminal fructose was increased. A significant decrease in serum LH, FSH and testosterone was noted. Insulin treatment of the diabetic rats restored serum gonadotropins, reproductive organ weight, sperm counts and motility, and seminal fructose to control levels. Prostatic weight and prostatic acid phosphatase levels remained abnormal. Testosterone restored the above mentioned parameters to control levels, with the exception of LH. Treatment with insulin and testosterone had a synergistic effect on spermatogenesis. A GnRH stimulation test demonstrated that pituitaries of diabetic animals had a blunted response, with diminished LH and FSH secretion. In the diabetic animal, there are both pituitary and testicular abnormalities which may be responsible for reproductive dysfunction.

Interstitial compartment pathology and spermatogenic disruption in testes from impotent diabetic men

Article

Sep 1985

Studies utilizing animal models of diabetes suggest that diabetic complications of impotence involve structural lesions in the testis as part of an overall defect in the pituitary‐testicular axis. In the present study testicular biopsies from ten oligospermic and/or impotent men with diabetes were evaluated by light and electron microscopy. One biopsy was judged normal. The remaining tissue showed variable testicular pathology ranging from minimally to grossly affected. Seminiferous tubules had decreased tubule diameters, hyalinized tubule walls, and occluded lumina owing either to epithelial encroachment or cellular debris and exfoliated round germ cells. Sertoli cells were vacuolated and showed a high degree of apical cell membrane redundancy and degeneration. Although Sertoli‐Sertoli cell junctional complexes appeared normal, Sertoli junctional specializations associated with spermatids were structurally abnormal or absent. All tubules were variably depleted of adluminal compartment germ cell types. The interstitial compartment was filled with a collagen‐rich extracellular matrix concentrated around small blood vessels and seminiferous tubule walls. Capillaries and lymphatic endothelia appeared structurally abnormal and compromised by the interstitial “matrix expansion.” Some Leydig cells contained a variable number of small to large lipid droplets, vacuoles, and secondary lysosomes. Results indicate the presence of tissue pathology in testes of impotent diabetic men. Discrete ultrastructural lesions in apical Sertoli cell cytoplasm are associated with spermatogenic disruption and morphological changes in the interstitial compartment suggest microvascular complications.

Impotence in Diabetes: The Neurologic Factor

Article

Sep 1971

MAX ELLENBERG

The Pituitary-Testicular Axis in the Streptozotocin Diabetic Male Rat: Evidence for Gonadotroph, Sertoli Cell and Leydig Cell Dysfunction

Article

May 1981

The pituitary-testicular axis was investigated in the streptozotocin diabetic male rat to determine the relationship between hormonal alterations and Leydig cell morphology. Male Wistar rats (60 days of age) were made diabetic with a single intravenous injection (65 mg/kg body weight) of streptozotocin and were studied with non-diabetic controls at 7-11, 14, 21, and 28 days after treatment. The observations on these animals were compared to those from diabetic rats (28 days) treated with 1-2 U protamine zinc insulin/100 mg body weight. Rats with untreated diabetes had hyperglycaemia and weighed less than controls. Untreated rats also had low plasma testosterone levels associated with decreased prostate and seminal vesicle weights. Insulin treatment partially or completely prevented these abnormalities. Studies of testosterone production y perfused testis suggested Leydig cell insensitivity to LH as one possible cause of decreased androgen blood levels in diabetic rats. Lipid droplets not found in Leydig cells of normal rats were seen in diabetic animals. Plasma FSH levels were also low in untreated diabetic rats but were normal in insulin treated animals. In spite of the decreased plasma concentrations of FSH and testosterone, the concentrations of the specific Sertoli cell protein, androgen binding protein (ABP) in testis and epididymis were elevated and in blood were normal. In conclusion, the abnormalities of Leydig and Sertoli cell function cannot be explained entirely by decreased gonadotrophin levels in these animals. The presence of multiple disorders of the male reproductive tract in diabetic animals suggests that the metabolic disorder associated with insulin deficiency prevents the optimal functioning of the pituitary-testicular axis.

Gonadal dysfunction in the spontaneously diabetic BB rat

Article

Aug 1983
METABOLISM

Diabetes which occurs spontaneously in the BB Wistar rat is associated with reduced fertility, predominantly in breeding males. In the first month of diabetes, there is a significant (p less than 0.05) reduction in serum testosterone associated with a transient decrease of serum LH and the accumulation of lipid in Leydig cells. Between one and three months of diabetes, there is an increase in both serum testosterone and LH and a further deposition of lipid droplets in Leydig cells. From three to six months of diabetes, there is a reduction of serum testosterone similar to age-matched controls, but high serum LH levels persist. Similar levels of LH and testosterone are noted after six months of diabetes, and all BB rats show marked changes in seminiferous tubules. These morphological changes in tubules consist of increased tubular wall thickness, severe germ-cell depletion, and Sertoli-cell vacuolization. Similar morphological changes of testes associated with generalized atrophy are noted in all control rats after 16 months of age. Decreased fertility in the BB rat appears to be associated with a primary disorder of Leydig cells, which precedes changes in seminiferous tubules consistent with accelerated aging. Preliminary data in impotent diabetic men suggest that the BB rat may be a valuable model for investigating human diabetic impotence and infertility.

Sexual dysfunction in the diabetic BB/WOR rat: A role of central neuropathy

Article

Feb 1997
Am J Physiol

The pathophysiological mechanisms of diabetic impotence remain obscure. We have presented an analysis of sexual function in a diabetic rat (BB/WOR) model characterized by diffuse neuropathic changes without a confounding vasculopathy that allows us to define the neural components of erectile failure. Copulatory behavioral testing demonstrated that diabetic males were severely impaired: the controls mounted three times more than the diabetics and had about one-half the latency to first mount. The diabetics had about one-fourth the number of intromissions and took nearly twice as long to achieve first ejaculation. The number of ejaculations was drastically reduced as well. We examined sexual reflexes in the anesthetized acutely spinalized rat. These experiments tested the integrity of spinal circuits controlling sexual function. Reflex testing demonstrated that spinal sexual reflexes were also severely impaired: the onset latency of reflexes was more than doubled, and the duration of reflexes was less than one-half. More than one-half of the diabetic rats showed no penile erections. Neural studies showed even more derangement in reflex measures in rats, without erection. Nerve conduction velocity experiments suggested a peripheral neuropathic change in hypogastric nerve and motor pudendal nerve fibers. These dysfunctional findings were seen without any androgen deficiency. These results indicate that diabetic impotence in this model reflects central and peripheral neuropathic disease processes.

Male rat sexual behavior

Article

Jun 1997
Brain Res Protocol

Anders Agmo

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.

Pharmacological Features of Masculine Sexual Behavior in an Animal Model of Depression

Article

Jun 1998
PHARMACOL BIOCHEM BE

Neonatal treatment with clomipramine induces behavioral alterations during adulthood that resemble symptoms observed in human depression. Therefore, it has been proposed as an animal model of depression. Impairment of male sexual performance is one of the main effects of this treatment. Using this model of depression, we evaluated the effects of drugs that stimulate sexual performance by acting selectively on the adrenergic, serotonergic, or cholinergic system. Yohimbine, a selective antagonist of the alpha-2 receptors; 8-OH-DPAT, a selective agonist of the 5-HT1A receptors; and oxotremorine, a muscarinic agonist, were administered to male rats neonatally treated with clomipramine that showed sexual behavior impairments. Yohimbine and oxotremorine induced only a slight improvement of sexual deficiencies. 8-OH-DPAT not only restored sexual behavior to normal levels, but induced facilitation in most of the copulatory parameters. These results suggest that neonatal treatment with clomipramine induces sexual deficits acting mainly on the adrenergic and cholinergic systems, while the serotoninergic system seems to be preserved.

Preclinical and clinical behaviour paradigms for testing drugs that affect learning and memory process

Article

May 1998
METHOD FIND EXP CLIN

Dr SRK Reddy

Traditional Indian anti-diabetic plants attenuate progression of renal damage in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice

Article

Sep 2001
J ETHNOPHARMACOL

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of daily oral feeding Momordica charantia (MC) (200 mg/kg), Eugenia jambolana (EJ) (200 mg/kg), Mucuna pruriens (MP) (200 mg/kg) and Tinospora cordifolia (TC) extracts for 40 days on blood glucose concentrations and kidney functions in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. Plasma glucose levels, body weight, urine volume and urinary albumin levels were monitored on every 10th day over a 40-day period while plasma creatinine levels were assessed at the beginning and end of experiment. Renal hypertrophy was assessed as the ratio between the kidney weight and total body weight. Plasma glucose concentrations in STZ-diabetic mice were reduced by the administration of extracts of MC, EJ, TC and MP by 24.4, 20.84, 7.45 and 9.07%, respectively (P<0.005 for MC, EJ, MP and P<0.05 for TC). Urine volume was significantly higher (P<0.005) in diabetic controls and MC, EJ, MP and TC treatment prevented polyuria (P<0.001, 0.0001, 0.01 and 0.001, respectively). After 10 days of STZ administration urinary albumin levels (UAE) were over 6 fold higher in diabetic controls as compared to normal controls. Treatment with MC, EJ, MP and TC significantly prevented the rise in UAE levels from day 0 to 40 in comparison to diabetic controls (P<0.0001, 0.0001, 0.05, 0.05, respectively). Renal hypertrophy was significantly higher in diabetic controls as compared to non-diabetic controls. MC and EJ partially but significantly (P<0.05) prevented renal hypertrophy as compared to diabetic controls. TC and MP failed to modify renal hypertrophy. Results indicate that these plant drugs should be studied further.

Androgens and male behavior

Article

Jan 2003
MOL CELL ENDOCRINOL

Sexual differentiation into a male or a female includes sexual differentiation of the brain. The paradigm of mammalian sexual differentiation is that in the presence of androgens (normally produced by the fetal testis) a male brain differentiation occurs, while in the absence of androgens (normal in females) a female brain differentiation follows. In the human there is a sex-dimorphism in gender identity/role, sexual orientation, sexual functioning, and in non-sexual functions, such as spatial ability, and verbal fluency. Inasmuch these properties can be studied in other mammals the effects of androgens are solidly demonstrable. In the human the evidence for androgen effects is equally plausible, evident from observations in subjects with errors in the process of sexual differentiation and in morphological studies of brain structures presumably related to these properties. But clinical observations show compellingly that other, largely unidentified, factors may modulate, or even override the effects of androgens.

Treatment of sexual dysfunctions secondary to male infertility with sildenafil citrate

Article

Apr 2004

Effect of Mucuna pruriens (Linn.) on Sexual Behavior and Sperm Parameters in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rat

Abstract

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