ABSTRACT
Ricinus communis L. has ethnopharmacological contraceptive reputation but its stem bark has unexplored mechanisms of action in female reproductive system. In the present study, the effect of methanolic and aqueous extracts from the stem bark of the plant was examined on basic porcine ovarian granulosa cell functions and its response to Luteinising hormone (LH)-the upstream hormonal regulator. Systemic treatment of methanolic and aqueous extracts stimulated cell proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen, PCNA) and also promoted cell apoptosis (caspase-3). Aqueous extract has inverted the stimulatory effect of LH on PCNA but not on caspase-3. Methanolic extract stimulated as well as inhibited progesterone release and stimulated testosterone secretion. Whereas aqueous extract inhibited both steroid releases and suppressed the stimulatory effect of LH on progesterone release and promoted the inhibitory effect of LH on testosterone release. In conclusion, the present study unveils the mechanism of action of R. communis stem bark in in vitro condition. These suggest its possible contraceptive efficacy by exerting its regulatory role over LH and on basic ovarian cell functions and secretion activity.
Subject(s)
Granulosa Cells/drug effects , Luteinizing Hormone/pharmacology , Plant Bark/chemistry , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Ricinus/chemistry , Sus scrofa/physiology , Animals , Apoptosis/drug effects , Caspase 3/analysis , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Cells, Cultured , Contraceptive Agents, Female , Female , Granulosa Cells/metabolism , Granulosa Cells/physiology , Methanol , Progesterone/metabolism , Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen/analysis , Testosterone/metabolism , WaterABSTRACT
A simple technique is described for easy removal of high concentration polyacrylamide gels after electrophoresis from glass tubes without breaking them.
