Effect of Withania Somnifera [L.]dunal on sex hormone and gonadotropin levels in addicted male rats

Background: Opioid consumption has been widely increasing across the globe; however, it can cause adverse effects on the body. Morphine, an opioid, can reduce sex hormones and fertility. Withania somnifera [WS] is a traditional herb used to improve sexual activities. This study strives to investigate the effect of WS on sex hormones and gonadotropins in addicted male rats

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, forty-eight male National Maritime Research Institute [NMRI] rats were randomly divided into four groups: i. Control group, ii. WS-treated control group, iii. Addicted group, and iv. WS-treated addicted group. Water-soluble morphine was given to rats for 21 days to induce addiction, concurrently the treated groups [2 and 4] also received WS plantmixed pelleted food [6.25%]. At the end of the treatment, the sex hormone and gonadotropin levels of the rats' sera were deter- mined in all the groups

Results: Except for follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], morphine reduced most of the gonadotropin and sex hormone levels. Whereas WS caused a considerable increase in the hormones in the treated addicted group, there was only a slight increase in the treated control group

Conclusion: WS increased sex hormones and gonadotropins-especially testosterone, estrogen, and luteinizing hormone-in the addicted male rats and even increased the progesterone level, a stimulant of most sex hormones in addicted male rats

Neuroprotective effect of thymoquinone, the nigella sativa bioactive compound, in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced hemi-parkinsonian rat model

Parkinson disease [PD] is the most common movement disorder with progressive degeneration of midbrain dopaminergic neurons for which current treatments afford symptomatic relief with no-prevention of disease progression. Due to the neuroprotective property of the Nigella sativa bioactive compound thymoquinone [TQ], this study was undertaken to evaluate whether TQ could improve behavioral and cellular abnormalities and markers of oxidative stress in an experimental model of early PD in rat. Unilateral intrastriatal 6-hydroxydopamine [6-OHDA]-lesioned rats were daily pretreated p.o. with TQ at doses of 5 and/or 10 mg/Kg three times at an interval of 24 h. After 1 week, apomorphine caused contralateral rotations, a reduction in the number of neurons on the left side of the substantia nigra pars compacta [SNC] was observed, malondialdehyde [MDA] and nitrite level in midbrain homogenate increased and activity of superoxide dismutase [SOD] reduced in the 6-OHDA lesion group. TQ pretreatment significantly improved turning behavior, prevented loss of SNC neurons,and lowered level of MDA. These results suggest that TQ could afford neuroprotection against 6-OHDA neurotoxicity that is partly due to the attenuation of lipid peroxidation and this may provide benefits, along with other therapies, in neurodegenerative disorders including PD

effect of oral feeding of Tribulus terrestris L. on sex hormone and gonadotropin levels in addicted male rats

Opioids can exert adverse effects on the body. Morphine, an opioid drug, reduces hormone levels and fertility, and causes sexual activity disorders. Tribulus terrestris [TT] is a traditional herbal medicine used to enhance sexual activities. This study investigates the possible role of TT on sex hormones and gonadotropins with the intent to show its usefulness in treating fertility disorders in opioid users. In this experimental study, we randomly divided 48 rats into four groups: i. control, ii. TT-treated, iii. addicted and iv. TT-treated addicted. Watersoluble morphine was administrated orally for 21 days to induce addiction, after which the treated groups 2 and 4 received plant-mixed pelleted food [6.25%] orally for four weeks. At the end of the treatment period, the sex hormone and gonadotropin levels of all rats' sera were determined by radioimmunoassay and Elisa kits. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance, followed by post-hoc Tukey test. P<0.05 was considered significant. The addicted group had a significantly lower luteinizing hormone [LH] level than the control group [p<0.027]. LH levels increased significantly in the TT-treated addicted group [p<0.031]. The testosterone level in the treated addicted group was lower than the treated control group. The addicted group had a significantly low testosterone level [p<0.001]. The estrogen level was significantly [p<0.002] lower in the addicted group than in the control group. In addition, there was a significant difference between the treated addicted group and the treated control group [p<0.048]. The treated control group had a significant increase in its progesterone level [p<0.002]. Overall, except for follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], morphine reduced most of the gonadotropins and sexual hormones. Whereas TT caused a considerable increase [p<0.05] in the hormones in the treated addicted group, there was only a slight increase in the treated control group. Oral consumption of TT could markedly antagonize the reduction of sex hormones and gonadotropins [except for FSH] due to morphine addiction

Antiepileptic effect of vitamin E on kainic acid-induced temporal lobe epilepsy in rats

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease with the prevalence of around one percent. Despite the introductions of several anti-epileptic drugs, around 1/3 of epileptic patients are resistant to the anti-epileptic medications. Considering the evidence regarding the anti-oxidant action of Vitamin E and its beneficiary effect in the treatment of epilepsy, we investigated the anti-convulsive effect of Vitamin E in a rat model of kainic acid-induced epilepsy. Forty male rats were divided to five groups [sham, Vit E, epileptic, epileptic treated with Vit E and epileptic treated with valproic acid]. Epilepsy was induced by intra hippocampal injection of 4 microgram of kainic acid. Rats receiving daily intraperitoneal injections of Vit E [100 mg/kg] or valproic acid [200 mg/kg] in the week preceding the surgery. Intensity of epileptic convulsions was graded using Racine's criteria. No convulsions were observed in the sham-Vit E groups. Widespread convulsions were observed in the kainic acid-treated group. Intensity of convulsions were significantly reduced in the epileptic rats receiving either Vit E or valproic acid [P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively]. Pre-treatment with Vit E decreases the convulsion intensity in kainic acid-induced epilepsy in rats

Synthesis and anti-inflammatory performance of newly cyclizine derivatives on adult male wistar rats

Cyclizine [1-benzhydryl-4-methyl-piperazine, CAS 82-92-8, CYC, I], a piperazine derivative, belongs to H1 antihistamine group of drugs that shows such pharmacological properties as anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-platelet effects, similar to other H1-receptor antagonists. In this study, two new tolyl and cumene derivatives of I [1-ethyl- 4-[[p-isopropylphenyl] [p-tolyl] methyl]-piperazine, II and 1-[3, 4-dichlorophenyl]-4-[[p-isopropylphenyl] [p-tolyl] methyl]-piperazine, III] were synthesized to investigate their acute and chronic anti-inflammatory activities in formalin and histamine-induced rat paw edema. In addition, the vascular permeability in formalin and histamine-induced paw edema, xylene-induced ear edema, and peritonitis due to acetic acid application into peritoneal cavity were measured. The cotton pellet-induced granuloma model was chosen for inducing chronic inflammation in rats. Findings proved reduction in formalin-induced rat paw edema and vascular permeability [acute inflammation] by I and II at 30 min after the injection. In addition, results in histamine-induced rat paw edema showed anti-inflammatory effects of all drugs started 60 min after the injection as these effects continued for a longer period by II and III comparing to I, as discussed above. In addition, the data on vascular permeability in xylene-induced ear edema and acetic acid-induced to peritoneal cavity confirmed that substitutions on cyclizine molecule were more effective and could decrease the vascular permeability and acute inflammation. However, the results from the cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation in rats revealed that none of the drugs [I-III] were effective to reduce the reactions and intermediates of chronic inflammation

Antiepileptic and antioxidant effect of brassica nigra on pentylenetetrazol-induced kindling in mice

Considering the high rate of epilepsy today, with respect to the insufficiency of the available therapies, new strategies and methods are recommended for medical treatment of epileptic patients. Therefore, the present study experimentally investigated the anticonvulsant effect of a herbal medicine candidate brassica nigra, by using kindling method. Sixty male mice were randomly selected and divided into six experimental groups [n = 10] including: 1-control, 2-pentylentetrazole [PTZ]-kindled mice, 3-positive control group received valproate [100 mg/Kg] as anti-convulsant drug, 4-5 and 6 received brassica nigra seed extract in three doses [75, 150 and 300 mg/Kg; IP]. All groups except for the control ones were kindled by 11 period injections of PTZ [35 mg/Kg; IP]. In the 12th injection, all groups except for the control group were tested for PTZ challenge dose [75 mg/Kg]. However, the exhibited phases of seizure [0-6] were observed and noted till 30 min after the PTZ injection. At last, the brains of all the mice were removed and then malondialdehyde [MDA], superoxide dismutase [SOD] and nitric oxide [NO] levels of the brain tissues were determined. Statistical analysis of the data shows that the seed extract could reduce the intensity, improvement and duration of seizure. In addition, the brassica nigra extract increased the SOD and NO levels and decreased the MDA level in the brain tissues. Attained results show that the extract of Brassica nigra seed can be used in grand mal seizure treatment. Moreover, the antiepileptic effect of this extract is probably caused by its antioxidant properties and acts via enzyme activity mechanism

[ effect of aqueous Crocus sativus L. [saffron] extract on learning and memory in male streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats]

Diabetes mellitus is accompanied with disturbances in learning, memory, and cognitive skills in the human society and experimental animals. Considering the potential anti-diabetic effect of the medicinal plant Crocus sativus [Saffron] and the augmenting effect of its consumption on the memory and mental health, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of chronic interaperitoneal administration of Crocus.S extract on learning and memory in diabetic rats. In this experimental study a total of 60 male rats were divided into normal and diabetic groups. Then, each of these groups was divided into three subgroups. Two of these subgroups received 30 and 60 mg/kg crocus.s extract in the treatment periods, but the third group didn't receive any treatment. At the end of treatment period, each of these subgroups was evaluated by two ways: Ymaze [alternative behavior percentage] and shuttle box [initial latencies [IL] and step-through latencies [STL]] in passive avoidance test. Finally, obtained data were subjected to one way ANOVA test and post hoc Tokey analysis. Treatment of the diabetic animals with the extract could antagonized the augmenting effect of diabetics on initial latency [P< 0.05]. Also, treatment of the diabetic rats with the extract [60 mg/kg] increased the reduced step through latency time [recall of the data] induced by diabetic in the animals [P< 0.05]. However, obtained data from Y maze test show that the extract could not improved the spatial memory disruption due to diabetics. Chronic Crocus.S injection is effective on the capability of maintaining information in the stores memory and reminding in the diabetic rats. However, the extract could not improve the spatial memory in the diabetic rats

[Effects of alcoholic extract of Zingiber officinalis rhizome on acute and chronic inflammation and pain in rats]

Patients with chronic, painful diseases often seek alternative therapy. The rhizome of Zingiber [Z] officinalis is a common constituent of diets around the world and its extracts have been reported to exhibit several pharmacological activities. We investigated the effects of alcoholic Zingiber oficinalis rhizome extract on two different models of acute and chronic inflammation and pain. Formalin, xylen and acetic acid were used to induce acute inflammation in paw, ear and peritoneum, respectively. The amount of Evans' blue dye leakage into these tissues was used as an index of acute inflammation. For chronic inflammation, a piece of sterile cotton [30 mg] was impalnated into the groin region for a period of seven days. Following, the weight of the cotton piece before implanted is subtracted from the weight of the dried piece and used as an index of chronic inflammation. Finally, acute and chronic pain assessment was carried out via the formalin test protocol. In acute inflammation model, the formalin-induced inflammation in paw and peritoneum was significantly [P<0.05] reduced by the extract of Z. oficinalis rhizome at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. Also, the extract at the dose of 400mg/kg significantly [P<0.05] reduced the paw diameter. In chronic inflammation model, the extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg significantly [P<0.01] dimished inflammation. Finally, both acute and chronic pain significantly [P<0.05] suppressed by the extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg. Findings of this study indicate that alcoholic extract of Z. oficinalis has anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects. Thus, using the extract of Z. oficinalis could be a potential alternative therapy in ameliorating inflammation and pain in patients suffering from chronic diseases

[Anti-convulsant effect of alcoholic hyoscyamus niger L seed extract on PTZ model of kindling in male mice]

Regarding the prevalence of epilepsy in human society and with respect to inefficiency of the usual treatments, finding new strategies and methods for the medical treatment of epileptic patients are essential. Henbane seed has been used in Iranian traditional medicine as an anti-convulsion herb. With this regard the present study was carried out to consider the anti-convulsive effect of Henbane seed extract on the chemical kindling-induced convulsion. The present experimental study has been conducted at Medical Faculty of Shahed University in 2009. Sixty male mice have been chosen randomly and divided into 5 experimental groups including 12 mice in each group as follows: 1-control group receiving only Pentylene tetrazole [PTZ], 2[nd], 3[rd] and 4[th] experimental groups received alcoholic extract of henbane seed in doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg intraperitoneally 30 minutes before PTZ injection and 5[th] group was positive control that received valproic acid 100 mg/kg 30 minutes before PTZ injection. Chemical kindling was performed in all of them by a total of 11 treatments with intraperitoneal injection of PTZ 35 mg/kg at every 48 hours. In the 12[th] injection all groups were tested for PTZ challenge dose [75 mg/kg]. Mice were observed 30 minutes after the last injection to detect convulsion. Data analysis was carried out by One way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests. Data analysis shows that administration of henbane seed extract had an inhibitory effect on the steps, progression and duration of seizure, especially in the last steps of convulsion. However, therapy with henbane seed extract resulted in an efficient anticonvulsive effect from the 8[th] injection reaching the highest level of efficiency at the 12[th] step [p<0.001]. The results obtained from the present study showed that alcoholic Hyoscyamus niger seed extract could have markedly alleviated PTZ-induced seizure phases in male mice. Also, the extract at 100 mg/kg significantly increased and reduced the threshold and duration of 5th seizure phase

[Study and comparison of the effect of oral administration of peganum harmala seeds and methadone on morphine withdrawal syndrome in rats]

Addiction, especially morphine dependence is a prevalence and incurable disease. With Regard to low ability of new chemical drugs in treatment of addicted ones and with respect to herbal medicine recommendation due to lower side effects and cheap production. This study experimentally examined the effect of P. harmala on morphine withdrawal syndrome. Animals were addicted with escalating morphine consumption in drinking water within 21 days. Naloxone [2.5 mg/kg, i. p] was injected for precipitating of pharmacological withdrawal syndromes. The signs were observed for 40 min after naloxone injection. Physiological withdrawal syndromes were followed 48 h after disruption of morphine consumption. In the treatment groups P. harmala [6.25% in food pellaete], methadone and Raha with 30 mg/kg and 1.7 l/kg were respectively prescribed via drinking water. The grade physiological sign, ejaculation was significantly diminished by methadone consumption [P<0.05]. Also, teeth chattering sign was markedly reduced in methadone Peganum h., and Raha groups [P<0.05]. Also, the physiologic chocked sign diarrhea was markedly reduced by methadone. Jumping, ejaculation and teeth cattering pharmacological grade signs were decreased in Peganum, methadone and raha groups more than control ones. Also diarrhea pharmacologic sign was diminished by Peganum and methadone significantly. Finally, if methadone could decrease both physiological and pharmacologic Opiate withdrawal score [OWS], but the effect of Peganum in reduction of physiological OWS is more significant than methadone group. The data from peganum show that this plant could diminished both pharmacological and physiological withdrawal signs in morphine dependent rats. However it was found that its effect for of morphine physiological withdrawal signs is more potent than methadone and raha treatment groups

role of nitric oxide and prostaglandins in the effect of adenosine on contractility, heart rate and coronary blood flow in guinea pig isolated heart

It is a well-established fact that adenosine and its receptor subtypes [A 1 and A 2] are involved in changes of contractility, heart rate and coronary blood flow [CBF] under different circumstances. This study was conducted to evaluate the role of nitric oxide and prostaglandins in development of these changes. For this purpose, Nitro-L-Arginine methyl ester [L-NAME], and indomethacin as inhibitors of nitric oxide and prostaglandins synthesis were used respectively. In this respect, guinea pig isolated hearts were randomly divided into control [receiving adenosine] and groups II and III which received L-NAME [100 micro M] and indomethacin [50 nM] before adenosine application, respectively, using isolated heart setup. The results showed that adenosine increased CBF and decreased heart rate and contractility in control group. In the presence of L-NAME, adenosine was less effective in enhancing the CBF and decreasing cardiac contractility. Furthermore, no significant change was observed in the presence of indomethacin [regarding all of parameters]. It can be concluded that nitric oxide [and not prostaglandins] is essential for the effect of adenosine on CBF and cardiac contractility

Antinociceptive effects of oral and intraperitoneal administration of alcoholic Datura stramonium seeds extract in male rats

The present study is a designed protocol for investigation of the analgesic effect if oral and intraperitoneal [i.p.] administration of alcoholic Datura stramonium [DS] seed extract as a rich source of alkaloid substances. Male NMRI rats were divided into control and treatment groups. The treatment rats received different doses of the DS seed extract, which was prepared from alcoholic smashed seeds. Then, the animals from each group were subjected to pain scoring experiments such as hot plate and formalin tests. The results of the experiments i.e., antinociceptive effect of DS seeds extract in i.p [5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 250 mg/kg] and oral application methods [200, 400 and 800 mg/kg] were compared with other groups, morphine sulfate and naloxone as positive and negative control groups, respectively. We found the 30 and 100 mg/kg of the extract as intraperitoneal ED50 in the hot plate and formalin tests, respectively. However, the extract over than 100 mg/kg, i.p could potentially alleviate the pain in hot plate and both phases of formalin test. Besides, there was a marked antinociceptive effect for the extract [over than 400 mg/kg] in oral method in hot plate and both phases of formalin tests. In our following experiments the effective doses of morphine sulfate as positive control test were obtained over than 15 mg/kg; i.p. and the acquired LD50 was close to 2300 mg/kg. In summary, comparing the analgesic effect of different doses of morphine sulfate with DS seed extract in i.p and oral conditions and considering to the extract LD50, we conclude that the DS seeds extract have a potent, absorbable, and nearly safe ingredient which can exert a potential analgesic effect in acute and chronic pain