The Effect of Vitis vinifera L. Juice on Serum Levels of Inhibin B, Sperm Count in Adult Male Rats

PURPOSE: Vitis vinifera is a species of Vitis that is native to the Mediterranean region, central Europe, and southwestern Asia, and has been used as a drug in traditional medicine. Traditional medicinal plants have been used for medical purposes with increasing effectiveness. It is important to identify drugs that inhibit spermatogenesis. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of grape juice (GJ) on serum levels of inhibin B and sperm count in normal male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five adult male rats were randomly divided into five groups, each containing seven rats. Rats in the control group received 1 mL of normal saline over the course of the study. The experimental groups received GJ (100, 200, 400, and 1,600 mg/kg, orally, for 35 days consecutively). At the end of the treatment period, fertility indices were measured, including body weight difference, sex organ weight, sperm motility and count, epididymal sperm reserve, daily sperm production (DSP), and serum inhibin B levels. RESULTS: We found that GJ reduces body weight difference, was associated with decreased sperm motility and count in all treatment groups (p< or =0.05 and p< or =0.001, respectively). Moreover, DSP was significantly decreased in all treatment groups compared to the control group (p< or =0.05), except in the group receiving 100 mg/kg of GJ. Inhibin B levels were significantly decreased in all treatment groups (p< or =0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest that GJ in all doses, but especially in higher doses, may decrease fertility in male rats.

Antispasmodic effects of Citrus aurantium flowers aqueous extract on uterus of non-pregnant rats

Citrus aurantium is a small citrus tree, with scented white flowers. The C. aurantium is used in Asian herbal medicine primarily to treat digestive problems. The goal of this study is to investigate the effect of C. aurantium flower's aqueous extract on uterine contraction in presence of some known uterus stimulants. In experimental study 30 virgin Wistar rats 200-300gr were obtained. After laparatomy, a piece of Uterus was dissected out and mounted in an organ bath [10ml] containing De Jalon [29°C] and contracted by KCl [60mM], oxytocin [10mU/ml] and barium chloride [4mM] then the effect of C. aurantium flower's aqueous extract [1-8 mg/ml] on the uterine contractions was investigated. Uterus was separately incubated with propranolol [1microM], naloxone [1microM] and the role of beta-adrenoceptors, opioid receptors were evaluated. Cumulative concentrations of the extract [1-8 mg/ml] decreased KCI, oxytocin and barium chloride induced uterine contractions, dose-dependently [p<0.001]. C. aurantium flower's aqueous extract was unaffected on incubation the tissue with propranolol and naloxone. It seems that the extract induced antispasmodic effect mainly via calcium influx blockade. However, neither beta-adrenoceptors nor opioid receptors were involved. Since the extract has antispasmodic effect on uterus contraction therefore we can suggest that more study will be necessary to relief dysmenorrheal