ABSTRACT
A general knowledge among youths is that alcohol enhances sexual desire and sexual performance. In contrast to this, studies have reported various adverse effects of alcohol on reproductive and sexual functions in both male and female. Male alcoholics frequently suffer from erectile dysfunction, intermittent delay in or absence of orgasm, and premature or delayed ejaculation. Alcohol is a toxin that can damage sperm-producing cells in the testicles, decrease testicular size, increase number of abnormally-shaped sperm and lower sperm count. Studies found that heavy alcohol consumption results in reduced testosterone and elevated estrogen levels in the blood and it can decrease the production, release and/or activity of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. Female alcoholics have problems in producing enough natural lubrication for pain-free sex. Alcohol has a disruptive effect on menstrual cycle which can result in amenorrhea and anovulation. It affects estrogen and progesterone levels and also leads to hyperprolactinemia. It has been observed that when a man stops drinking alcohol, the negative effects on fertility and sexual abilities reverse quickly. Long term excessive intake of alcohol can lead to damage to the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system resulting in loss of sexual desire and infertility in men and women.
ABSTRACT
Aim: Obesity is a global epidemic and increased awareness of the association between chronic disease and excess body weight has motivated consumers to seek weight loss and management aids that are safe and effective. Ipomoea batatas L. (Sweet potato) is among the most nutritious subtropical and tropical vegetables, it is believed to contain substances that can help maintain body weight without side effects. It is also used in traditional medicine for type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study was therefore conducted to determine the effect of the aqueous extract of Ipomoea batatas L. (IB) on food intake, fasting blood glucose and body weight in male wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty four in-bred male wistar rats weighing 170g-180g were used for this study. The potato tubers were chopped into small pieces and homogenized in distilled water for 30seconds. Homogenate was filtered through muslin cloth into centrifuge tubes and then centrifuged at 120rpm for 20 minutes. The residue was evaporated to dryness; the dried extract was reconstituted in freshly prepared normal saline for administration to test animals. The animals were randomly assigned into four groups of six rats each. Group 1 served as the control and was fed with 0.3ml of normal saline; Group 2-4 was fed with IB extract at 100, 200 and 300mg/kg body weight respectively. Results: The results showed that in the extract-treated groups, the food intake, blood glucose level and body weight were significantly reduced at p<0.05 when compared with the control group. Conclusion: Consumption of Ipomoea batatas L. caused a reduction in food intake probably by increasing satiety and reduction in weight gain by using up the body’s reserve of fat as a result of the low blood glucose.
ABSTRACT
Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of honey on blood pressure and heart rate on healthy male and female subjects. Methodology: 20ml honey orally administered was evaluated in hundred healthy male and female subjects. Their basal systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) were taken as the control values. After measuring their basal SBP, DBP and HR, 20ml of honey was orally administered and the systolic blood pressure, Diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were measured at 15, 30, 60 minutes with a digital sphygmomanometer and analogue sphygmomanometer as a check. Results: The results of this study showed that mean SBP decreased (p=.05) significantly in female compared to male at control, after 15, 30 and 60 minutes of oral administration of 20ml of honey. DBP decreased (p=.05) significantly in female compared to male at control, after 15 minutes and 60 minutes of oral administration of 20ml of honey and HR decreased (p=.05) significantly in female compared to male at 60 minutes of oral administration of 20ml of honey. Conclusion: The effect of honey on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate shows that it has a hypotensive effect in healthy male and female subjects.
ABSTRACT
Aims: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes may be most likely linked to obesity and its prevalence appears to have increased as the prevalence of obesity increased. Dioscorea alata L. has been observed to possess flavonoids which induce antidiabetic effect and phenolic compounds which could help in weight management. It has been postulated that any therapeutic regimes that can limit weight gain while simultaneously controlling blood glucose levels will be effective in managing diabetes. This study was conducted to determine the effect of this rich plant on food intake, blood glucose and body weight in a normal non- diabetic state. Materials and Methods: The tuber was washed and the edible portion was dried at 50ºC, powdered, passed through 60 mesh sieve (BS), the powder was extracted with hot (70ºC) distilled water in a mechanical shaker for 24 h, filtered and freeze dried to yield aqueous extract. Twenty male wistar rats were used for this study; the rats were randomly assigned into five groups of five rats per group. Rats in group 1 served as control and were administered 0.3ml of 0.9% sodium chloride while Group 2, 3 and 4 received Dioscorea alata L. (DA) extract at 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg of body weight respectively for a period of 21 days. Food intake, Fasting blood glucose and body weight were measured. Results: The results showed that food intake, fasting blood glucose level and body weight were significantly (P=.05) reduced when compared with the control group. Conclusion: Therefore, we recommend that with further research into the extraction of the active constituent of Dioscorea alata L. that caused the reduced food intake, this plant could serve as a great therapeutic diet in the management of diabetes.