Genotoxic and biochemical effects of yohimbe after short term treatment in somatic and germ cells of swiss albino mice

Yohimbe was evaluated for its effects on cytological and biochemical toxicity in male Swiss albino mice. Adult male mice were treated with different doses [750, 1500 and 3000 mg yohimbe/kg., body weight/day] in form of an aqueous suspension for 7 consecutive days by gavage. The following parameters were evaluated: [i] cytological studies on micronucleus test, [ii] cytological analysis of spermatozoa abnormalities, [iii] Cytogenetic analysis of meiotic chromosomes in the testes, [iv] quantification of proteins, ribose nucleic acid [RNA] and deoxy ribose nucleic acid [DNA] in hepatic and testicular cells and [v] estimation of malondialdehyde [MDA] and nonprotein sulfhydryl [NP-SH] in hepatic and testicular cells. The treatment caused significant changes in the frequency of micronuclei in the femoral cells and induced spermatozoal abnormalities and testicular chromosomal aberrations. The study on biochemical parameters showed an increase of MDA and depletion of NP-SH, proteins, RNA and DNA in both hepatic and testicular cells. The data elucidated the role of free radical species in cytological and biochemical changes in both somatic and germ cells of Swiss albino mice. The exact mechanism of the genesis of lipid peroxides is not known, however, this might be related to the influence of yohimbine [the principal constituent of yohimbe] to enhance some catecholamines, including norepineprine which possess destructive stimuli on biological systems. It is suggested that, in view of the observed cytological and biochemical effects of yohimbe, it may be subjected to a thorough evaluation of toxicity before making it available for human use

Reproductive, cytological and biochemical toxicity of Yohimbe in male Swiss albino mice / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To study the effect of Corynanthe Yohimbe (Yohimbe) on germ cells in Swiss albino mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Adult male mice were orally (gavage) treated with different doses (188, 375 and 750 mg/[kg x day]) of aqueous suspension of Yohimbe for 90 days. The following parameters were evaluated: (i) reproductive organ weight, (ii) motility and count of sperm, (iii) study on rate of pregnancy and mean implants, (iv) spermatozoa morphology, (v) cytology of the testes chromosomes, and (vi) biochemical study on estimation of proteins, RNA, DNA, malondialdehyde, nonprotein sulfhydryl (NP-SH) and hormones.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The treatment caused significant increase in the weight of seminal vesicles, motility and count of spermatozoa, pre- and post-implants. Male fertility was decreased. These results are confirmed by our data on spermatozoa abnormalities and chromosomal aberrations. The data on biochemical parameters showed increase of malondialdehyde and depletion of NP-SH, proteins, RNA and DNA in the testicular cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our results elucidated the role of free radical species in cytological and reproductive changes, possibly, under the influence of yohimbine (principal constituent of Yohimbe) on neurotransmitters, including norephinephrine. These data warrant careful use of Yohimbe.</p>

Genetic and biochemical effects of Ginkgo Biloba on somatic and germ cells of mice

Ginkgo biloba has immense folkloric significance in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and age-related dementia. The present study on the genetic and biochemical effects of Ginkgo biloba was undertaken, in view of the reports on the carcinogenic effects of the dietary supplements containing Ginkgo biloba. the cytotoxic and mutagenic potentials of its constituents and a paucity of literature on the genotoxicity. The protocol included the oral treatment of mice with different doses [100. 200 and 400 mg/kg] of Ginkgo biloba for 7 consecutive days. The following experiments were conducted: [i] cytological studies on micronucleus test. [ii] cytological analysis of spermatozoa abnormalities, [iii] quantification of proteins and nucleic acids in hepatic and testicular cells and [iv] estimation of malondialdehyde [MDA] and nonprotein sulihydryl [NPSH] in hepatic and testicular cells. The results obtained in this study clearly demonstrate lack of any effect of Ginkgo biloba on the frequency of micronuclei, ratio of polychromatic erythrocytes [PCE]/normochromatic erythrocytes [NCE], spermatozoa abnormalities and hepatic concentrations of nucleic acids, while the nucleic acid levels of testicular cells were significantly depleted. The results on testicular nucleic acids failed to reflect our data on spermatozoa abnormality. The discordance might be related to the role of excurrent duct system in eliminating morphologically abnormal spermatozoa during transit from testis to vas deferens and caudac epididymis. The observation on MDA and NP-SH showed Ginkgo biloha to cause genesis of lipid peroxides. This study indicates that the changes observed in the somatic and germ cells were independent of the Ginkgo biloba-induced genesis of lipid peroxides. The observed changes of Ginkgo biloba might be related to its effect on the increase of MDA and depletion of NP-SH. In view of the observed oxidant potentials, our study warrants careful use of Ginkgo biloba