Aphrodisiac and androgenic effects of the aqueous extract of the roots of Vepris afzelii on cyproterone acetate-induced hypogonadism in rat.

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of Vepris afzelii roots on a rat model of hypogonadism. Phytochemical screening and acute toxicity of the extract were performed using different procedures. Hypogonadism was induced orally in adult Wistar rats using cyproterone acetate (30 mg/kg) for ten days. Besides six normal rats (10 ml/kg of distilled water, normal control), 30 hypogonadal rats were subdivided into five groups of six animals each, receiving for 14 days: distilled water (10 ml/kg, hypogonadal control), testosterone (4 mg/kg/3days) and the extract of V. afzelii (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg). Sexual behavior, sperm parameters, testes function and structure were assessed. Compared to the normal controls, significant (p = 0.0000) increases in mount (24 ± 0.94 seconds vs. 1200 ± 00 seconds) and intromission (49.16 ± 10.85 seconds vs. 1200 ± 00 seconds) latencies, and post-ejaculatory interval (381.72 ± 37.55 seconds vs. 1200 ± 00 seconds) were observed in all groups receiving cyproterone acetate on day 0. Total inhibitions of mounts (63.50 ± 8.91 vs. 00 ± 00), intromissions (36.66 ± 3.51 vs. 00 ± 00) (p = 0.0000), ejaculations (2.83 ± 00 vs. 00 ± 00, p = 0.0002) frequencies and mean copulatory interval (627.30 ± 81.80 vs. 00 ± 00, p = 0.0000) were also observed in these groups. Moreover, decreases in daily sperm production (2.65 ± 0.19 vs. 1.17 ± 0.08, p = 0.0498), percentage of sperm mobility (78.64 ± 8.41 vs. 10.12 ± 2.32), serum testosterone level (8.39 ± 0.63 ng/dl vs. 1.68 ± 0.19 ng/dl), diameter of seminiferous tubules (111.97 ± 0.51 µm vs. 94.51 ± 0.57 µm) and height of germinal epithelium (46.58 ± 0.34 µm vs. 33.74 ± 0.66 µm) (p = 0.0000) associated with increases in sperm transit (3.13 ± 0.45 vs. 11.07 ± 1.45, p = 0.0000) were also observed in these groups. Interestingly, compared to hypogonadal control and day 0, the administration of V. afzelii extract induced significant (p = 0.0000) improvements in all these altered parameters with 400 mg/kg being the most active dose. These results, attributed to saponins, flavonoids, polyphenols and triterpenes detected in this plant's extract confirm its traditional usage and could be useful for the management of patients suffering from hypogonadism.

Amaranthus hybridus (Amaranthaceae) prevents the detrimental effects of cyclophosphamide on ovarian function in Wistar rats: An experimental study.

Background: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an anticancer agent, but its chronic administration induces ovarian toxicity. Objective: We evaluated the effects of aqueous extract (AE) and methanol extract (ME) of Amaranthus hybridus (A. hybridus) on CP-induced ovarian toxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: 40 female Wistar rats (10 wk, 170-200 gr) were distributed into 8 groups (n = 5/each) as follows: 1) healthy control; 2) CP+distilled water (10 ml/kg/d); 3) CP+3%-tween 80 (10 mL/kg/d); 4) CP+clomiphene citrate (2 mg/kg/d); 5, 6) CP+AE of A. hybridus (55 and 110 mg/kg/d); and 7, 8) CP+ME of A. hybridus (55 and 110 mg/kg/d). After 28 days of treatment, estrus cyclicity, ovarian and uterine weights as well as estradiol levels and ovarian histology were determined. Results: CP induced ovarian toxicity after 28 days of exposure. More specifically, CP disturbed the estrus cycle, decreased ovary and uterus weights (p = 0.04), and the 17-ß estradiol level (p = 0.04), and induced severe ovarian damages. Remarkably, A. hybridus significantly increased (p = 0.03) the ovarian weight (AE and ME at all doses) and uterus weight (ME at 110 mg/kg/d), compared with the CP-treated rats. Moreover, the 17-ß estradiol level was significantly elevated (p = 0.02) in rats given clomiphene citrate and A. hybridus (AE 110 mg/kg/d; ME 55 mg/kg/d). Finally, the ovaries of rats given plant extracts had many corpus luteum and normal follicles, and no cystic follicles. Conclusion: prevented the detrimental effects of CP on ovarian function, which could support its traditional use as a fertility enhancer.

Dracaena arborea (Dracaenaceae) Increases Sexual Hormones and Sperm Parameters, Lowers Oxidative Stress, and Ameliorates Testicular Architecture in Rats with 3 Weeks of Experimental Varicocele.

Varicocele is a disease characterized by an abnormal dilation of the pampiniform plexus that drains the testis. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the curative effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Dracaena arborea on some reproductive and antioxidant markers in rats with experimental varicocele. Following varicocele induction, rats (5 per group) were randomly partitioned into untreated varicocele, vitamin E-treated (150 mg/kg), aqueous extract-treated (500 mg/kg), and ethanolic extract-treated (100 mg/kg) animals. Two other groups served as normal and sham-operated. After 2 or 4 weeks of treatments, body and sex organ weights, spermatozoa characteristics, antioxidant status, NO level, sex hormones, and testis histology were measured. Animals with 3 weeks of varicocele showed a significant (p < 0.05-0.001) decrease in body and sex organ weights, total proteins, sperm characteristics, testosterone concentration, SOD, catalase, and total peroxidase activities. An increase in the plasmatic FSH, LH, and testicular MDA and NO concentrations was also recorded. Moreover, marked disorganization of the testicular architecture was observed. Treatment with D. arborea significantly reversed these impairments due to varicocele. For instance, after 4 weeks, treatment with aqueous extract of D. arborea significantly (p < 0.05-0.001) increased testes and epididymis weights, sperm viability (89.12 ± 1.09 vs 68.22 ± 1.42), sperm density (148.50 ± 2.59 vs 110.25 ± 2.51), and sperm motility (68.16 ± 2.39 vs 55.88 ± 3.20) in the left side, compared with varicocele-untreated rats. The extract also significantly (p < 0.05-0.001) decreased malondialdehyde level (2.19 ± 0.04 vs 3.50 ± 0.13) but elevated catalase (0.97 ± 0.03 vs 0.55 ± 0.03), SOD (0.5 ± 0.03 vs 0.15 ± 0.03), and peroxidase (65.80 ± 2.9 vs 40.95 ± 2.44) activities. Present results showed that D. arborea extracts possess antioxidant effects and improve sperm quality in male rats with an existing varicocele.

Dracaena arborea improves sperm characteristics and antioxidant enzymes in adult male rats with experimental varicocele.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the preventive effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Dracaena arborea on sperm characteristics and oxidative stress markers in adult male rats with varicocele. METHODS: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly distributed into 6 groups (6 animals/group) and treated for 30 days as follows: (1), normal rats receiving distilled water (10 ml/kg); (2), sham operated rats receiving distilled water (10 ml/kg); (3), varicocele rats receiving distilled water (10 ml/kg); (4), varicocele rats receiving vitamin E (150 mg/kg); (5-6), varicocele rats administered respectively with aqueous (500 mg/kg) and ethanolic (100 mg/kg) extracts of D. arborea. All rats (except normal and sham-operated groups) underwent varicocele induction. At the end of the treatment period, sexual organ weights, oxidative stress, sperm characteristics and some biochemical parameters were measured. RESULTS: A significant decrease (p<0.01) in sperm density (137.81±7.76 vs. 175.83±4.86), sperm motility (55.43±4.49 vs. 77.96± 3.15) and sperm normality (44.75±2.80 vs. 79.25±1.84) was noticed in varicocele-untreated rats compared with controls. Varicocele also induced oxidative stress by decreasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities, and increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. These alterations were prevented by D. arborea. For instance, the aqueous extract of D. arborea (500 mg/kg) significantly increased (p<0.05-0.001) testes and epididymis weights, sperm viability and sperm motility, while the ethanolic extract (100 mg/kg) increased sperm normality compared with varicocele-untreated rats. D. arborea extracts also decreased MDA levels, but elevated catalase activity. CONCLUSIONS: Dracaena arborea prevents the deleterious effects of varicocele and could be considered as an alternative treatment of this physiopathology.

Uterotonic Effects of Aqueous and Methanolic Extracts of Lannea acida in Wistar Rats: An In Vitro Study.

Lannea acida (Anacardiaceae), commonly called Kikié in the Noun division (West-Cameroon), is a tree whose bark is used locally to facilitate delivery. This study was aimed at evaluating the in vitro uterotonic effects of aqueous and methanol extracts of L. acida in Wistar rats. Uterine strips isolated from rats pretreated with 5 µg estradiol (48 h) were mounted in a single-organ bath containing aerated and thermostated De Jalon solution (37 °C). After equilibration, non-cumulative effects of L. acida extracts were recorded after application. The effect of the methanol extract (the most active extract) was monitored in the presence of atosiban (a competitive antagonist of oxytocin receptors), atropine (a specific type 3 muscarinic receptor antagonist), nifedipine (an L-type calcium channel antagonist), and 2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-ADB, a specific antagonist of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors type 1), and in calcium-free medium containing EGTA to elucidate its mechanism of action. L. acida induced uterine contraction in a concentration-dependent manner with the methanol extract (1.506 ± 0.032 gf) being the most effective. Administration of atosiban (2 µmol/L) and atropine (1 µmol/L) reduced the contractile effect of L. acida. Complete inhibition was observed with nifedipine, 2-APB, and calcium-free medium containing EGTA. These results suggest that L. acida possesses uterotonic effects mediated through oxytocin receptors with mobilization of extracellular calcium.

Cytoarchitectural improvement in Leydig cells of diabetic rats after treatment with aqueous and ethanol extracts of Dracaena arborea (Dracaenaceae).

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Recent studies have demonstrated the androgenic effects of Dracaena arborea in castrated and diabetic rats, but the cytoarchitectural mechanism at the level of Leydig cells (LCs) justifying this improvement in androgens production in diabetic rats has never been examined. We investigated the effects of aqueous and ethanol extracts of D. arborea on diabetes-induced cytoarchitectural impairments of LCs in rats. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE: Besides a normal group, 4 groups of diabetic rats were treated orally with Millipore water (10 ml/kg, diabetic), sildenafil citrate (1.44 mg/kg), aqueous (500 mg/kg) and ethanol (100 mg/kg) extracts of D. arborea for 21 days. On day 22, rats were sacrificed and the testes were removed and prepared for electron microscopic analyses of LCs ultrastructure. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The ultrastructure of LCs in control rats was normal, while that in diabetic rats exhibited large heterochromatization in the nuclei, reduced amount of smooth endoplasmic reticulum with no lipid droplets in the cytoplasm, many autophagosomes and degenerated mitochondria containing lots of electron dense granules in the matrix. Interestingly, treatment with D. arborea especially its aqueous extract (500 mg/kg) alleviated these impairments, characterized by a rarification of heterochromatization in the nuclei coupled to an increase and the presence in the cytoplasm of prominent smooth endoplasmic reticulum and a reduction of electron dense granules in the matrix of mitochondria. These alleviating properties of D. arborea on LCs ultrastructure of diabetic rats could explain its androgenic potential. These results are useful for the management of patients suffering from diabetes-induced hypogonadism.

Anti-androgenic, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic effects of the aqueous and methanol extracts of Pterorhachis zenkeri (Meliaceae): Evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Pterorhachis zenkeri (Meliaceae) on sex organ growth in immature male rats and, oxidative stress and apoptosis markers in CCL-97 (R2C) Leydig cells. For the in vivo studies, 70 immature male Wistar rats (n = 10/group) were treated for 2 or 4 weeks with: distilled water (10 ml/kg, per os) plus soya oil (1 ml/kg, sc), bicalutamide (10 mg/kg, per os), aqueous or methanol extract of P. zenkeri (10 mg/kg or 62 mg/kg, per os) or testosterone propionate (3 mg/kg, sc). After each treatment period, body and sexual organ weights, plasmatic testosterone, total proteins and total cholesterol levels were measured. In the in vitro test, the effects of the methanol extract of P. zenkeri on cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, intracellular calcium release and caspases 3/9 were assessed using CCL-97 Leydig cells. Pterorhachis zenkeri extracts decreased sex organ weights, plasmatic testosterone and protein levels in rats. In the in vitro studies, P. zenkeri inhibited apoptosis, ROS production, calcium release and caspase 3/9 activities. These results suggest that P. zenkeri has anti-androgenic, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic activities with methanol extract being the most active and could be an effective alternative for the management of androgen-related diseases.

Semen quality among men attending urology services in the Dschang Health District, west Cameroon: A retrospective study on 379 cases.

BACKGROUND: Infertility is a common condition affecting at least 15% of couples worldwide, and male factors are involved in about half of this prevalence rate. In Cameroon, about 20%-40% of couples are the victims. However, the sperm characteristics of infertile men are yet to be described in the health districts in Cameroon for better management of male infertility. OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to assess the sperm profile and related sociodemographic factors of men attending the urology services at the Dschang Health District. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It consisted of a 10 yr retrospective study carried out in the Dschang Health District. The results of patients' semen analysis (SA) were computed using Epi Info software and expressed as qualitative and quantitative spermogram state as described by the clinician and sociodemographic features of those patients. RESULTS: Out of the 379 patients studied, 83.91% had abnormal spermogram. Patients older than 50 yr were the most affected when grouped into age categories. With regard to patient's profession, 52.51% had specified their profession and from that group, although farmers (9.31%) represented the lowest size category, they were the most affected with 94.74% having abnormal spermogram. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that the sperm damage is the major cause of male infertility in the Dschang Health District. It also shows that farmers are the most affected category and it could be linked to the long-term exposure to pesticides. These results call for the assessment of the reproductive toxicity of locally used pesticides.

In vivo effects of Rauvolfia vomitoria (Apocynaceae) ethanolic extract on sexual performance and reproductive activity in male rats.

Plants and plant-derived products have a long history in the treatment of sexual disorders. Rauvolfia vomitoria is one of such plant used traditionally for the enhancement of male sexual and reproductive activity. This study was carried out to elucidate the potential activity of R. vomitoria ethanolic extract on sexual behaviour and male reproductive function. Twenty-five male rats were assigned to five groups and orally treated with distilled water (control), sildenafil citrate (standard) and R. vomitoria ethanolic extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg BW) for 22 days. Sexual behaviour parameters such as mount latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), ejaculation latency (EL), mount frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), ejaculation frequency (IF) and post-ejaculatory interval (PEI) were recorded at day 0, 1, 8, 15 and 22. The reproductive function including reproductive organ weights, testicular histology and sperm parameters was also assessed. Results showed enhancement in sexual behaviour through significant reduction (p < .01) in ML, IL and PEI and significant increase (p < .01) in EL, MF IF and EF. The extract also caused an increase in sperm count, motility and transit. Present findings demonstrate the ability of R. vomitoria ethanolic extract to improve male sexual behaviour and reproductive activity in rats.

Aphrodisiac property of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Raphia vinifera (Arecaceae) in sexually experienced male rats.

BACKGROUND: Raphia vinifera (Arecaceae) is a medicinal plant commonly used as a sexual enhancer. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the aphrodisiac potential of aqueous extract (AE) and methanolic extract (ME) of R. vinifera in sexually experienced male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly distributed into six groups (5 rats per group) and administered for 14 days with distilled water (10 ml/kg), sildenafil citrate (1.44 mg/kg), and AE or ME of R. vinifera (100 or 500 mg/kg). The copulatory activity was tested on days 0, 7, and 14 using receptive females. Further, on day 14, rats were sacrificed and biochemical analyses (testosterone, total protein, and acid phosphatase) were performed. RESULTS: Sildenafil citrate significantly decreased the intromission latency (day 14, p = 0.04) and frequency (days 7 and 14, p = 0.03) but increased the mount frequency (day 14, p = 0.04), compared with control. Remarkably, R. vinifera enhanced the sexual activity by significantly decreasing the intromission latency (AE and ME, 500 mg/kg, day 14, p = 0.04) and increasing the mount frequency (AE and ME, 100 mg/kg, day 7, p = 0.02) compared with control. Moreover, R. vinifera improved plasmatic (AE, 100 mg/kg, p = 0.03; AE, 500 mg/kg, p = 0.001; ME, 100 mg/kg, p = 0.01) and testicular (AE, 100 mg/kg, p = 0.001; AE, 500 mg/kg, p = 0.01; ME, 100 mg/kg, p = 0.001; ME, 500 mg/kg, p = 0.01) testosterone levels as well as plasmatic total proteins concentration (ME, 500 mg/kg, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: These findings showed that R. vinifera possesses an aphrodisiac property which could further justify its folkloric use in traditional medicine as a sexual enhancer.

Aqueous and ethanol extracts of Dracaena arborea (Wild) Link (Dracaenaceae) alleviate reproductive complications of diabetes mellitus in rats.

Reproductive dysfunction is one of the most prevalent diabetes complications. Draceana arborea is known to enhance sexual function in diabetic rats, but the underlying mechanisms have not been thoroughly elucidated. This study examined the effects of D. arborea on some reproductive complications of diabetes in rats. Aqueous and ethanol (500 and 100 mg/kg respectively) extracts of D. arborea, Sildenafil citrate (1.44 mg/kg), trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO, 20 mg/kg) and distilled water (10 ml/kg) were orally administered for 28 days to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Glycaemia, body and reproductive organ masses, fertility parameters, total proteins, antioxidant enzymes activities, serum and testicular testosterone and the histology of the testes and epididymis were determined. Results revealed significant decreases in body and absolute and relative masses of testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate and vas deferens, fertility parameters, epididymal and testicular total proteins, serum and testicular testosterone levels as well as antioxidant enzymes activities. Interestingly, while having minor anti-hyperglycaemic effects, these abnormalities associated with testicular and epididymal alterations were alleviated by D. arborea especially the aqueous extract (500 mg/kg). These outcomes provided evidence of the androgenic properties of D. arborea in diabetic rats, which could be useful for a better management of sexual dysfunctions in diabetic patients.

Cyclophosphamide-induced reproductive toxicity: Beneficial effects of Helichrysum odoratissimum (Asteraceae) in male Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is commonly used to treat some cancers, but its clinical efficacy is also linked with testicular toxicity. We investigated the effects of aqueous extract (AE) and methanolic extract (ME) of Helichrysum odoratissimum for reducing CP-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. METHODS: In addition to a normal control (group 1), drugs or vehicles were administered orally to seven groups (n = 5) of rats that had already received 4-weeks of pre-treatment with CP (5 mg/[kg·d], per oral administration); group 2 received CP + distilled water (10 mL/[kg·d]); group 3 received CP + 5% tween 80 (10 mL/[kg·d]); group 4 received CP + clomiphene citrate (0.25 mg/[kg·d]); groups 5 and 6 received CP + AE (50 and 100 mg/[kg·d]) and groups 7 and 8 received CP + ME (50 and 100 mg/[kg·d]). Animals were sacrificed on day 15, and body and sexual organ weights, sperm characteristics, testosterone level and testicular histology were evaluated. RESULTS: The CP-treated group showed a significant reduction (P < 0.001) in the body and seminal vesicle weights, testosterone level, sperm count, sperm motility and sperm viability, but elevated (P < 0.001) sperm morphological abnormalities and testicular structure alterations, compared to the control group. Interestingly, these detrimental effects of CP were reversed by treatment with H. odoratissimum extracts. For instance, both extracts and all doses of H. odoratissimum significantly increased the sperm count (P < 0.001), sperm motility (AE, 50 mg/kg, P < 0.05; ME, 50 and 100 mg/kg, P < 0.05) and sperm viability (AE, 50 mg/kg, P < 0.001; ME, 50 and 100 mg/kg, P < 0.001) compared to the CP group. H. odoratissimum also improved plasmatic and intratesticular testosterone levels and prevented histological alterations of the testes. CONCLUSION: H. odoratissimum might be considered as an alternative drug to alleviate/prevent reproductive damage in cancer patients receiving CP chemotherapy.

Sexual stimulant effects of the mixture of Mondia whitei, Dracaena arborea, and Bridelia ferruginea in normal and prediabetic male Wistar rats.

Background We investigated the effects of a polyherbal formulation prepared from the extracts of Mondia whitei (Periplocaceae), Dracaena arborea (Dracaenaceae), and Bridelia ferruginea (Euphorbiaceae) (MDB) on the sexual behavior of normal rats (NR) and prediabetic rats (PR). Methods Male Wistar rats were administered with drinking fructose solution (21%) or tap water for 16 weeks. After induction of prediabetic status, NR (n = 30) and PR (n = 30) were randomly distributed into 10 groups of six animals each and orally treated with distilled water (10 mL/kg), sildenafil citrate (5 mg/kg), or MDB (50, 100, or 500 mg/kg) for 21 days. Sexual behavior parameters per series (S) of ejaculation were evaluated on days 1, 7, 14, and 21. Results Drinking fructose solution (21%) induced prediabetic status in rats, characterized by a significant (p < 0.01) increase in glycemia by 43.41% compared with the control group. MDB improved sexual performances of NR and PR by increasing the mount frequency (MF) and the intromission frequency (IF) as well as the number of rats capable of ejaculating. For instance, the MF and the IF were significantly increased in animals administered with MDB for 7 (50 mg/kg, S1 and S2), 14 (100 mg/kg, S3), or 21 days (100 or 500 mg/kg, S2). This increase was more pronounced on days 7 and 14 in NR and PR treated with sildenafil citrate or MDB extracts, respectively. Conclusions The mixture of MDB improved sexual activity in NR and PR. This result may further justify the traditional use of these plants as sexual performance enhancers.

Aframomum melegueta prevents the ejaculatory complications of propylthiouracil-induced hypothyroidism in sexually experienced male rats: Evidence from intravaginal and fictive ejaculations.

OBJECTIVE: Hypothyroidism has been claimed to generate sexual dysfunctions such as ejaculatory disorders. Aframomum melegueta is an aphrodisiac plant with pro-ejaculatory properties. We investigated the protective effects of aqueous extract (AE) and methanolic extract (ME) of A. melegueta on the ejaculatory function of hypothyroid male rats. METHODS: Forty sexually experienced male rats were partitioned into 8 groups (5 rats per group) and treated for 28 d as follows: Group 1, Control; Group 2, propylthiouracil (PTU, 10 mg/kg) + distilled water (DW, 10 mL/kg); Group 3, PTU + 5% Tween 80 (10 mL/kg); Group 4, PTU + bromocriptine (6 mg/kg); Group 5, PTU + AE (20 mg/kg); Group 6, PTU + AE (100 mg/kg); Group 7, PTU + ME (20 mg/kg), and Group 8, PTU + ME (100 mg/kg). On days 0, 7, 14 and 28 of treatment, each male rat was paired with primed receptive female for measurement of ejaculatory latency time (ELT) and post-ejaculatory interval (PEI) for 1.5 h. On day 29, each male rat was urethane-anesthetized and the spinal cord was transected. Thereafter, following urethral/penile stimulations and intravenous injection of dopamine, contractions of the bulbospongiosus muscles and the intraseminal pressure were registered. After these recordings, blood was collected through the catheterization of abdominal artery and plasma was used for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin and testosterone assays. RESULTS: PTU-induced hypothyroidism was characterized by a significant elevation (P < 0.001) of plasmatic TSH and prolactin levels, but a decline (P < 0.001) in plasmatic testosterone, compared to untreated group. ELT, PEI, contractions of the bulbospongiosus muscles and the intraseminal pressure were also altered by PTU treatment. On the contrary, A. melegueta extracts elevated testosterone (AE, 100 mg/kg, P < 0.01; ME, 100 mg/kg, P < 0.05) and decreased prolactin (AE, 100 mg/kg, P < 0.05; ME, 20 mg/kg, P < 0.05) levels, compared to corresponding controls. With regard to DW + PTU group, prolactin concentration was lowered (P < 0.05) in rats administered with bromocriptine. Treatment with A. melegueta extracts significantly prevented the lengthening of ELT (P < 0.05) and PEI (P < 0.001). Hypothyroid state also altered the fictive ejaculation by increasing the latency and decreasing the number and frequency of bulbospongiosus muscle contractions. There was also a decrease in the intraseminal pressure. These alterations were significantly (P < 0.05) alleviated in plant extract-treated groups. CONCLUSION: This study highlighted the ejaculatory disturbance of hypothyroidism in male rats and its prevention with A. melegueta extracts.

The methanolic extract of Guibourtia tessmannii (caesalpiniaceae) and selenium modulate cytosolic calcium accumulation, apoptosis and oxidative stress in R2C tumour Leydig cells: Involvement of TRPV1 channels.

This study evaluated the effects of the methanolic extract of Guibourtia tessmannii (GT) and selenium (Se) on cell viability, intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+ ]i ), apoptosis and oxidative stress through transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel activity in CCL-97 (R2C) tumour Leydig cells. The cells were divided into nine groups and treated as follows: (a)-Control, (b)-Capsazepine (CPZ, 0.1 mM, a TRPV1 channel blocker), (c)-Capsaicin (CAP, 0.01 mM, a TRPV1 channel activator), (d)-GT (500 µg/ml), (e)-GT+CPZ, (f)-GT+CAP, (g)-Se (200 nM), (h)-Se+CPZ and (i)-Se+CAP. After treatments, cell viability, [Ca2+ ]i , apoptosis, caspase 3/9, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane depolarisation (MMD) were evaluated. The [Ca2+ ]i , apoptosis, caspase 3/9, MMD and ROS levels were significantly (p < 0.001) increased in CAP group, but lowered in CPZ group. Interestingly, these parameters were significantly (p < 0.001) improved by GT and Se, compared to the CAP group. Moreover, the co-administration of GT+CAP or Se+CAP inhibited the cytotoxicity of CAP. Thus, the modulatory properties of GT and Se on Ca2+ influx, apoptosis and oxidative stress require the integrity of TRPV1 channel in CCL-97 Leydig cells. These results suggest that GT and Se might be used in the management of cytotoxicity in the testes, involving TRPV1 channel activity.

Androgenic effects of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Ficus asperifolia in male Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Androgen deficiency is a clinical syndrome resulting from the inability of the testes to produce physiological levels of testosterone due to a disturbance occurring at one or more levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the androgenic properties of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Ficus asperifolia on normal and castrated immature rats. METHODS: Normal rats were treated either per os with aqueous or methanolic extract of Ficus asperifolia (100 mg/kg or 500 mg/kg b.w.), distilled water (10 ml/kg b.w.), 5% Tween 80 (10 ml/kg b.w.) or subcutaneously with testosterone propionate (0.5 mg/kg b.w.). Castrated rats were treated with plant extracts (100 mg/kg b.w. or 500 mg/kg b.w.) alone or with the co-administration of plant extracts and testosterone propionate (s.c., 0.5 mg/kg b.w.) or bicalutamide (2 mg/kg b.w. per os). Animals were treated once a day during four weeks. Body weight growth and relative sexual organ weights were recorded at the end of each treatment. Some biomedical parameters were measured in the plasma (proteins, cholesterol), testes (cholesterol) and epididymis (proteins). RESULTS: In normal rats, Ficus asperifolia significantly (p < 0.05) increased the relative weights of the testes and all sexual-dependent organs whereas total testicular cholesterol concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased. In castrated groups, treatment with Ficus asperifolia was followed by an increase in the sexual organ weights, epididymal protein and prostatic acid phosphatase concentrations. The co-administration of testosterone and plant extracts significantly (p < 0.05) increased the weight of accessory sexual organs and epididymal protein contents. In the presence of bicalutamide (an anti-androgen), the sexual stimulating activity of Ficus asperifolia was diminished with remarkable effects on vas deferens weight (p < 0.05), plasma (p < 0.01) and epididymal (p < 0.05) protein contents. CONCLUSION: Ficus asperifolia possesses androgen-like activity through possible stimulation of cytoplasmic and/or nuclear receptors by the bioactive compounds found in its extracts.

Ultrastructural Analysis of In Vivo Hypoglycemiant Effect of Two Polyoxometalates in Rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes.

Two polyoxometalates (POMs), synthesized through a self-assembling method, were used in the treatment of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. One of these nanocompounds [tris(vanadyl)-substituted tungsto-antimonate(III)-anions­POM1] was previously described in the literature, whereas the second [tris-butyltin-21-tungsto-9-antimonate(III)-anions­POM2], was prepared by us based on our original formula. In rats with STZ-induced diabetes treated with POMs (up to a cumulative dose of 4 mg/kg bodyweight at the end of the treatments), statistically significant reduced levels of blood glucose were measured after 3 weeks, as compared with the diabetic control groups (DCGs). Ultrastructural analysis of pancreatic ß-cells (including the mean diameter of secretory vesicles and of their insulin granules) in the treated diabetic rats proved the POMs contribute to limitation of cellular degeneration triggered by STZ, as well as to the presence of increased amounts of insulin-containing vesicles as compared with the DCG. The two POMs also showed hepatoprotective properties when ultrastructural aspects of hepatocytes in the experimental groups of rats were studied. Based on our in vivo studies, we concluded that the two POMs tested achieved hypoglycemiant effects by preventing STZ-triggered apoptosis of pancreatic ß-cells and stimulation of insulin synthesis.

Dracaena arborea alleviates ultra-structural spermatogenic alterations in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Infertility is a common complication in diabetic men and experimental animals, mainly due to loss of germ cells by apoptotic cell death. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Dracaena arborea in streptozotocin-induced ultra-structural spermatogenic alterations in Wistar rats. METHODS: Diabetic animals were orally treated with Millipore water (10 ml/kg), sildenafil citrate (1.44 mg/kg) or Dracaena arborea aqueous (500 mg/kg) and ethanol (100 mg/kg) extracts for three weeks. A group of non diabetic rats received Millipore water (10 ml/kg) and served as healthy control group. Blood glucose was monitored at the beginning and the end of the study. One day after the last treatment, animals were sacrificed and the testes immediately removed were morphologically observed and prepared for electron microscopy analysis of spermatogenesis. RESULTS: Our results showed that Dracaena arborea was devoid of any anti-hyperglycemic activity. In the untreated diabetic rats, hyperglycemia severely damaged the testes morphology as well as the spermatogenic process as evidenced by the: thickness of basement membrane of the seminiferous tubule; mitochondria alteration; abnormal spermatocyte cells displaying polymorphous nuclei, cytoplasmic vacuolization and necrosis; and disorganization and degeneration of sperm germ cells. Administration of sildenafil citrate and Dracaena arborea extracts to the diabetic rats improved testes morphology and reversed, although not completely, the impairment of spermatogenesis; this alleviating effect was more pronounced in animals treated with the aqueous extract (500 mg/kg) of Dracaena arborea. CONCLUSION: Dracaena arborea improves testes morphology and restores spermatogenesis in type 1 diabetic rats, without having major anti-hyperglycemic properties. These effects could be attributed to saponins, flavonoids, phenols and sterols revealed in this plant, which could be a useful component in the treatment of diabetes-induced testicular dysfunction.

Mondia whitei (Periplocaceae) prevents and Guibourtia tessmannii (Caesalpiniaceae) facilitates fictive ejaculation in spinal male rats.

BACKGROUND: Mondia whitei and Guibourtia tessmannii are used in Cameroon traditional medicine as aphrodisiacs. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the pro-ejaculatory effects of the aqueous and organic solvent extracts of these plants in spinal male rats. METHODS: In spinal cord transected and urethane-anesthetized rats, two electrodes where inserted into the bulbospongiosus muscles and the ejaculatory motor pattern was recorded on a polygraph after urethral and penile stimulations, intravenous injection of saline (0.1 ml/100 g), dopamine (0.1 µM/kg), aqueous and organic solvent plant extracts (20 mg/kg). RESULTS: In all spinal rats, urethral and penile stimulations always induced the ejaculatory motor pattern. Aqueous or hexane extract of Mondia whitei (20 mg/kg) prevented the expression of the ejaculatory motor pattern. The pro-ejaculatory effects of dopamine (0.1 µM/kg) were not abolished in spinal rats pre-treated with Mondia whitei extracts. Aqueous and methanolic stem bark extracts of Guibourtia tessmannii (20 mg/kg) induced fictive ejaculation characterized by rhythmic contractions of the bulbospongiosus muscles followed sometimes with expulsion of seminal plugs. In rats pre-treated with haloperidol (0.26 µM/kg), no ejaculatory motor pattern was recorded after intravenous injection of Guibourtia tessmannii extracts (20 mg/kg). CONCLUSION: These results show that Mondia whitei possesses preventive effects on the expression of fictive ejaculation in spinal male rats, which is not mediated through dopaminergic pathway; on the contrary, the pro-ejaculatory activities of Guibourtia tessmannii require the integrity of dopaminergic system to exert its effects. The present findings further justify the ethno-medicinal claims of Mondia whitei and Guibourtia tessmannii.