RESUMEN
The present experimental study was carried out to examine the effects of the alcoholic extract of the aerial parts of Echinophora platyloba on prolactin (PRL) levels and the activity of pituitary-gonadal axis in animal model. Forthy male wistar rats were divided into five groups: control group with normal diet, hypercholesterolemic group with fat diet, and three experimental groups which received Echinophora platyloba alcoholic extract as gavage at the minimum dose of 100, the average dose of 200, and the maximum dose of 400 mg/kgbw over a period of 21 days. At the end of the period, to assess the levels of PRL, cholesterol, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), blood samples were taken and data were analyzed. The levels of testosterone and cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic group compared to the control, showed a significant decrease and increase, respectively (P≤0.05). Echinophora platyloba extract caused significant increases in testosterone, PRL and a significant decrease in cholesterol levels (P≤0.05), however, it had no significant effect on the levels of LH and FSH. The results of this study showed that the consumption of alcoholic extract of Echinophora platyloba is effective in reducing serum cholesterol, increasing testosterone production and enhancing sexual performance.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Echinophora platyloba DC is a widely used herbal medicine and food seasoning in Iran. It is claimed to exert antimicrobial, antifungal, and antispasmodic effects. Despite the prevalent use of this plant as a food and medicine, there are no reports on its possible toxic effects. To evaluate the safety of E. platyloba, we tested its acute and sub-chronic toxicity in male and female Wistar rats. METHODS: Rats were orally treated with four different single doses of E. platyloba total extract and screened for signs of toxicity two weeks after administration. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, E. platyloba was administered for 45 days. Mortality, clinical signs, body weight changes, hematological and biochemical parameters, gross findings, organ weights, and histological markers were monitored during the study. RESULTS: We found no mortality and no abnormality in clinical signs, body weight, or necropsy findings in any of the animals in the acute study. The results of the subchronic study showed no significant difference in hematological parameters in either sex. There was a significant increase in lactate dehydrogenase in the female groups. A significant increase in the relative lung weight of female rats was noted at 500 mg/kg. Histopathological examinations revealed intra-alveolar hemorrhage in the male rats (500 mg/kg). In the females, congestion of the alveolar capillaries (at 500 mg/kg) and liver bridging necrosis (at 200 mg/kg) were significantly increased. CONCLUSION: The no observed adverse effect level of E. platyloba was determined to be 200 and 50 mg/kg for male and female rats, respectively.