Objective:To investigate the loxic implications of ethanolic stem bark extract of Azadirachta indica(A-indica)at 50,100,200 and 300 mg/kg body weight in Wistar rats.Methods:Fifty male rats of Wistar strains were rando...Objective:To investigate the loxic implications of ethanolic stem bark extract of Azadirachta indica(A-indica)at 50,100,200 and 300 mg/kg body weight in Wistar rats.Methods:Fifty male rats of Wistar strains were randomly grouped into five(A-F.)of ten animals each.Animals in Group A(control)were orally administered 1 mL of distilled water on daily basis for 21 days while those in Groups B-E received same volume of the extract corresponding to 50,100,200 and 300mg/kg body weight.Results:The extract did not significantly(P>0.05)alter the levels of albumin,total protein,red blood cells and factors relating to it whereas the white blood cell,platelets,serum triacylglycerol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly(P<0.05).In contrast,the final body weights,absolute weights of the liver,kidney,lungs and heart as well as their organ-body weight ratios,serum globulins,total and conjugated bilirubin,serum cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and computed atherogenic index increased significantly.The spleen-body weight ratio,alkaline phosphatase,alanine and aspartate transaminases,sodium,potassium,calcium,feed and water intake were altered at specific doses.Conclusions:Overall,the alterations in the biochemical parameters of toxicity have consequential effects on the normal functioning of the organs of the animals.Therefore,the ethanolic extract of A.indica stem bark at the doses of 50,100,200 and 300 mg/kg body weight may not be completely safe as an oral remedy and should be taken with caution if absolutely necessary.展开更多
Objective To study its effects on reproductive performance in albino rats.Methods The chromatographic fraction （CF） of crude methanolic extract of the herb has been subcutaneously administered to female albino rats....Objective To study its effects on reproductive performance in albino rats.Methods The chromatographic fraction （CF） of crude methanolic extract of the herb has been subcutaneously administered to female albino rats. Experiments were carried out in adult cyclic females and oavriectomised （OVX） females during early gestation period. Uterine horns were collected following the respective treatment regimen to stud）, the protein profile in 15% gel SDS-PAGE.Results The CF induced changes in the expression of protein in rat uterus. New proteins have been expressed in uterus of adult cyclic females having ovary in-situ. The OVX females treated with CF showed altered uterine protein profile compared with that of OVX control and OVX estradiol-17β （E2） treated rats. The CF exerted its effect on expression of uterine protein during early gestation period in rats. While uterine proteins of CF treated females were similar to that of controls during preimplantation period; many of the proteins on day 6 of gestation have been found either missing or expressed in lesser intensity.Conclusion The root of Polygonum hydropiper contains potential compound（s） which can alter the reproductive performance of female rats modulating uterine protein expression.展开更多
OBJECTIVE： The leaves of Parquetina nigrescens have been claimed in folk medicine to be useful for managing sexual dysfunction, but there is inadequate scientific evidence for this claim. This investigation was condu...OBJECTIVE： The leaves of Parquetina nigrescens have been claimed in folk medicine to be useful for managing sexual dysfunction, but there is inadequate scientific evidence for this claim. This investigation was conducted to assess the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Parquetina nigrescens （AEPN） in rats induced with sexual dysfunction. METHODS： Male rats were allocated into various groups after being induced into sexual dysfunction with paroxetine hydrochloride. The groups were treated with distilled water, PowMaxM （reference drug）, and the AEPN at 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg body weight （BW） respectively for 7 d. Frequencies of mount （MF）, intromission （IF）, ejaculation （EF）, as well as latencies of mount （ML）, intromission （IL） and post - ejaculatory interval （PEI） were progressively monitored with receptive female rats on days 1, 3 and 7. The precentage of mounted, intromitted, and ejaculated rats, intromission ratio （IR）, copulatory efficiency （CE） and intercopulatory interval （ICI） were also computed. Standard methods were employed to determine the levels of serum luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones （LH and FSH）, testosterone, nitric oxide （NO） and the activity of phosphodiesterase V （PDE5）. RESULTS： The plant contained alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, tannins, phlobatannins, cardenolides, phenolics, anthraquinones and triterpenes with alkaloids （2.32 mg/g） occurring in greatest quantity while flavonoids, anthraquinones and cardenolides （0.01 mg/g, each） were the least. All the 20 standard amino acids were detected in the plant leaf, with the lowest concentration being 0.30 mg/g for methionine and the highest being 2.12 mg/g for cysteine. Furthermore, P. nigrescens leaves contained Na, K, Fe, Mg, Zn, Ca, Cu, Mn, P, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, and Co, with Fe present in the highest and Co the lowest concentrations. Paroxetine significantly （P〈0.05） reduced MF, IF, EF, percentage mounted, intromitted, ejaculated, IR, CE, serum testosterone, LH, FSH and NO, while ML, IL, PEI, IF and PDE5 were significantly （P〈0.05） increased and/or prolonged. The AEPN significantly reversed these paroxetine-treatment-related alterations with most profound activity at the highest dose of 80 mg/ kg BW, similar to that of the PowMaxM-treated animals. CONCLUSION： The AEPN restored both the physical and biochemical indices of male sexual activity/ competence via changes in reproductive hormones, NO and PDE5 activity. The pro-sexual activity, attributed to a myriad of mineral, amino acid and secondary metabolite constituents, was best at 80 mg/kg BW of AEPN.展开更多
OBJECTIVE： This study investigated the aphrodisiac activity of aqueous extract of Anthonotha macrophylla leaves （AEAML） in female Wistar rats. METHODS： Thirty female rats were assigned into five groups of six anim...OBJECTIVE： This study investigated the aphrodisiac activity of aqueous extract of Anthonotha macrophylla leaves （AEAML） in female Wistar rats. METHODS： Thirty female rats were assigned into five groups of six animals each, such that rats in groups A, B, C, D and E received orally 1 mL of distilled water only, 5.7 mg/kg body weight （BW） of Exus Ginseng （a polyherbal formulation）, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg BW of AEAML, respectively. After 1 h of treatment, female sexual behaviour parameters were monitored for 30 min. Luteinizing hormone （LH）, follicle stimulating hormone （FSH）, estradiol （E） and testosterone were also determined using standard methods. RESULTS： Six secondary metabolites were detected in AEAML with alkaloids （13.00 mg/L） being the highest. AEAML at 25 and 50 mg/kg BW significantly （P〈0.05） increased the darting frequency, hopping frequency, lordosis frequency, anogenital grooming, genital grooming and licking behaviour, whereas the darting latency, hopping latency and lordosis latency decreased （P〈0.05） in a manner comparable with Exus Ginseng. The 25 and 50 mg/kg BW of AEAML increased （P〈0.05） the serum concentrations of FSH, LH and E, like Exus Ginseng, whereas testosterone content was not altered （P〉0.05）. The 100 mg/kg BW of AEAML did not alter （P〉0.05） the sexual behaviour parameters, serum FSH, LH and E contents, whereas testosterone content increased significantly. The ovarian histology of the animals treated with Exus Ginseng, AEAML at 25 and 50 mg/kg BW revealed developing and ruptured follicles with numerous corpora lutea in the stroma, whereas the 100 mg/kg BW of AEAML produced fewer follicles and corpora lutea. CONCLUSION： The enhanced proceptive, receptive and orientation components of the female sexual behaviour by the 25 and 50 mg/kg BW of AEAML confers sexual invigorating potential on the plant. This study thus justifies the folkloric claim of the plant as a female aphrodisiac.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the correlation between TNF-α and IL-6 levels in cervical mucous during follicular development and ovulation stimulation in different protocols.Methods:36 infertile women were set up as exper...Objective:To investigate the correlation between TNF-α and IL-6 levels in cervical mucous during follicular development and ovulation stimulation in different protocols.Methods:36 infertile women were set up as experimental groups,divided into CC,HMG,IVF-ET group,each group consisted of 12 infertile women and 15 women with normal menstrual cycles were choiced as control group.Cervical mucous during follicular phase,luteal phase and ovulation phase were collected.TNF-a,IL-6 levels in cervical mucous were measured by radioimmunology assay(RIA).Follicular development were monitored by transvaginal ultrasonagraphy.Results:(1)TNF-α levels in cervical mucous of experimental groups and control group were periodically various among the reproductive cycle.It increased during follicular phase,reached to peak during ovulation phase,and decreased during luteal phase(P<0.05).IL-6 levels had no obvious periodical changes.(2)Compared with CC and control group,levels of TNF-α,IL-6 in HMG and IVF-ET group were significantly higher(P<0.05).(3)Levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in cervical mucous were positively correlated with the dominant follicle diameter(r=0.261,r=0.192 respectively,P<0.05).(4)TNF-α and IL-6 showed positive correlation in the reproductive cycle(r=0.782,P<0.05).Conclusions:(1)TNF-α level shows a cyclic change in the reproductive cycle and peaks during ovulation,whereas IL-6 level does not.(2)TNF-α and IL-6 may play a certain role in the process of follicular development and ovulation.(3)The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 are up-regulated by gonadotrophic hormone.(4)TNF-α and IL-6 may have coordination properties and participate in the same biological effects.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the effects of leptin and neuropeptide Y on steroidogenesis of human ovarian granulosa cells in vitro. Methods: Human ovarian granulosa cells were isolated from follicular fluid obtained duri...Objective: To investigate the effects of leptin and neuropeptide Y on steroidogenesis of human ovarian granulosa cells in vitro. Methods: Human ovarian granulosa cells were isolated from follicular fluid obtained during oocyte retrieval of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer program and cultured for 2 days with various concentration of leptin(1,10,100 ng/ml) or neuropeptide Y (1×10-6, 1×10-7, 1×10-8 mol/L) alone or both,or with the combination of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG 0, 20 IU/L). The medium was collected for estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) measurements. Results: (1)Whether hCG existed or not, the adding of leptin did not alter estradiol and progesterone production by human granulosa cells (P>0.05).(2) Only when the concentration of neuropeptide Y was at 1×10-7mol/L,estradiol level was lower than that in the control (P<0.05).(3) The levels of estradiol in neuropeptide Y (1×10-7mol/L) plus hCG group were significantly higher than those with neuropeptide Y alone(P<0.05). (4) In the absence of hCG, the levels of estradiol in neuropeptide Y (1×10-7mol/L)plus leptin (10 ng/ml) group were significantly higher than those with neuropeptide Y(1×10-7mol/L)alone(P<0.05).Conclusions: (1)Leptin alone produced no direct effect on secretion of E2 and P from granulosa cells in vitro.(2)Neuropeptide Y alone may inhibit the secretion of E2, but the inhibition would probably be blocked with the presentation of hCG.(3)Leptin probably blocked the inhibition of neuropeptide Y on E2 secretion, and this may indicate that there were some coordination between leptin and neuropeptid Y on the level of ovarian function.展开更多
文摘Objective:To investigate the loxic implications of ethanolic stem bark extract of Azadirachta indica(A-indica)at 50,100,200 and 300 mg/kg body weight in Wistar rats.Methods:Fifty male rats of Wistar strains were randomly grouped into five(A-F.)of ten animals each.Animals in Group A(control)were orally administered 1 mL of distilled water on daily basis for 21 days while those in Groups B-E received same volume of the extract corresponding to 50,100,200 and 300mg/kg body weight.Results:The extract did not significantly(P>0.05)alter the levels of albumin,total protein,red blood cells and factors relating to it whereas the white blood cell,platelets,serum triacylglycerol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly(P<0.05).In contrast,the final body weights,absolute weights of the liver,kidney,lungs and heart as well as their organ-body weight ratios,serum globulins,total and conjugated bilirubin,serum cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and computed atherogenic index increased significantly.The spleen-body weight ratio,alkaline phosphatase,alanine and aspartate transaminases,sodium,potassium,calcium,feed and water intake were altered at specific doses.Conclusions:Overall,the alterations in the biochemical parameters of toxicity have consequential effects on the normal functioning of the organs of the animals.Therefore,the ethanolic extract of A.indica stem bark at the doses of 50,100,200 and 300 mg/kg body weight may not be completely safe as an oral remedy and should be taken with caution if absolutely necessary.
基金support and the Department of Zoology,Rajiv Gandhi University for providing laboratory facilities for completion of the work
文摘Objective To study its effects on reproductive performance in albino rats.Methods The chromatographic fraction （CF） of crude methanolic extract of the herb has been subcutaneously administered to female albino rats. Experiments were carried out in adult cyclic females and oavriectomised （OVX） females during early gestation period. Uterine horns were collected following the respective treatment regimen to stud）, the protein profile in 15% gel SDS-PAGE.Results The CF induced changes in the expression of protein in rat uterus. New proteins have been expressed in uterus of adult cyclic females having ovary in-situ. The OVX females treated with CF showed altered uterine protein profile compared with that of OVX control and OVX estradiol-17β （E2） treated rats. The CF exerted its effect on expression of uterine protein during early gestation period in rats. While uterine proteins of CF treated females were similar to that of controls during preimplantation period; many of the proteins on day 6 of gestation have been found either missing or expressed in lesser intensity.Conclusion The root of Polygonum hydropiper contains potential compound（s） which can alter the reproductive performance of female rats modulating uterine protein expression.
文摘OBJECTIVE： The leaves of Parquetina nigrescens have been claimed in folk medicine to be useful for managing sexual dysfunction, but there is inadequate scientific evidence for this claim. This investigation was conducted to assess the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Parquetina nigrescens （AEPN） in rats induced with sexual dysfunction. METHODS： Male rats were allocated into various groups after being induced into sexual dysfunction with paroxetine hydrochloride. The groups were treated with distilled water, PowMaxM （reference drug）, and the AEPN at 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg body weight （BW） respectively for 7 d. Frequencies of mount （MF）, intromission （IF）, ejaculation （EF）, as well as latencies of mount （ML）, intromission （IL） and post - ejaculatory interval （PEI） were progressively monitored with receptive female rats on days 1, 3 and 7. The precentage of mounted, intromitted, and ejaculated rats, intromission ratio （IR）, copulatory efficiency （CE） and intercopulatory interval （ICI） were also computed. Standard methods were employed to determine the levels of serum luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones （LH and FSH）, testosterone, nitric oxide （NO） and the activity of phosphodiesterase V （PDE5）. RESULTS： The plant contained alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, tannins, phlobatannins, cardenolides, phenolics, anthraquinones and triterpenes with alkaloids （2.32 mg/g） occurring in greatest quantity while flavonoids, anthraquinones and cardenolides （0.01 mg/g, each） were the least. All the 20 standard amino acids were detected in the plant leaf, with the lowest concentration being 0.30 mg/g for methionine and the highest being 2.12 mg/g for cysteine. Furthermore, P. nigrescens leaves contained Na, K, Fe, Mg, Zn, Ca, Cu, Mn, P, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, and Co, with Fe present in the highest and Co the lowest concentrations. Paroxetine significantly （P〈0.05） reduced MF, IF, EF, percentage mounted, intromitted, ejaculated, IR, CE, serum testosterone, LH, FSH and NO, while ML, IL, PEI, IF and PDE5 were significantly （P〈0.05） increased and/or prolonged. The AEPN significantly reversed these paroxetine-treatment-related alterations with most profound activity at the highest dose of 80 mg/ kg BW, similar to that of the PowMaxM-treated animals. CONCLUSION： The AEPN restored both the physical and biochemical indices of male sexual activity/ competence via changes in reproductive hormones, NO and PDE5 activity. The pro-sexual activity, attributed to a myriad of mineral, amino acid and secondary metabolite constituents, was best at 80 mg/kg BW of AEPN.
基金Part of this paper was presented at the 8th Congress of Toxicology in Developing Countries(8CTDC)under the auspices of International Union of Toxicology(IUTOX)September 10-13,2012:at Centara Grand at Central Ladprao,Bangkok,Thailand.
文摘OBJECTIVE： This study investigated the aphrodisiac activity of aqueous extract of Anthonotha macrophylla leaves （AEAML） in female Wistar rats. METHODS： Thirty female rats were assigned into five groups of six animals each, such that rats in groups A, B, C, D and E received orally 1 mL of distilled water only, 5.7 mg/kg body weight （BW） of Exus Ginseng （a polyherbal formulation）, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg BW of AEAML, respectively. After 1 h of treatment, female sexual behaviour parameters were monitored for 30 min. Luteinizing hormone （LH）, follicle stimulating hormone （FSH）, estradiol （E） and testosterone were also determined using standard methods. RESULTS： Six secondary metabolites were detected in AEAML with alkaloids （13.00 mg/L） being the highest. AEAML at 25 and 50 mg/kg BW significantly （P〈0.05） increased the darting frequency, hopping frequency, lordosis frequency, anogenital grooming, genital grooming and licking behaviour, whereas the darting latency, hopping latency and lordosis latency decreased （P〈0.05） in a manner comparable with Exus Ginseng. The 25 and 50 mg/kg BW of AEAML increased （P〈0.05） the serum concentrations of FSH, LH and E, like Exus Ginseng, whereas testosterone content was not altered （P〉0.05）. The 100 mg/kg BW of AEAML did not alter （P〉0.05） the sexual behaviour parameters, serum FSH, LH and E contents, whereas testosterone content increased significantly. The ovarian histology of the animals treated with Exus Ginseng, AEAML at 25 and 50 mg/kg BW revealed developing and ruptured follicles with numerous corpora lutea in the stroma, whereas the 100 mg/kg BW of AEAML produced fewer follicles and corpora lutea. CONCLUSION： The enhanced proceptive, receptive and orientation components of the female sexual behaviour by the 25 and 50 mg/kg BW of AEAML confers sexual invigorating potential on the plant. This study thus justifies the folkloric claim of the plant as a female aphrodisiac.
文摘Objective:To investigate the correlation between TNF-α and IL-6 levels in cervical mucous during follicular development and ovulation stimulation in different protocols.Methods:36 infertile women were set up as experimental groups,divided into CC,HMG,IVF-ET group,each group consisted of 12 infertile women and 15 women with normal menstrual cycles were choiced as control group.Cervical mucous during follicular phase,luteal phase and ovulation phase were collected.TNF-a,IL-6 levels in cervical mucous were measured by radioimmunology assay(RIA).Follicular development were monitored by transvaginal ultrasonagraphy.Results:(1)TNF-α levels in cervical mucous of experimental groups and control group were periodically various among the reproductive cycle.It increased during follicular phase,reached to peak during ovulation phase,and decreased during luteal phase(P<0.05).IL-6 levels had no obvious periodical changes.(2)Compared with CC and control group,levels of TNF-α,IL-6 in HMG and IVF-ET group were significantly higher(P<0.05).(3)Levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in cervical mucous were positively correlated with the dominant follicle diameter(r=0.261,r=0.192 respectively,P<0.05).(4)TNF-α and IL-6 showed positive correlation in the reproductive cycle(r=0.782,P<0.05).Conclusions:(1)TNF-α level shows a cyclic change in the reproductive cycle and peaks during ovulation,whereas IL-6 level does not.(2)TNF-α and IL-6 may play a certain role in the process of follicular development and ovulation.(3)The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 are up-regulated by gonadotrophic hormone.(4)TNF-α and IL-6 may have coordination properties and participate in the same biological effects.
文摘Objective: To investigate the effects of leptin and neuropeptide Y on steroidogenesis of human ovarian granulosa cells in vitro. Methods: Human ovarian granulosa cells were isolated from follicular fluid obtained during oocyte retrieval of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer program and cultured for 2 days with various concentration of leptin(1,10,100 ng/ml) or neuropeptide Y (1×10-6, 1×10-7, 1×10-8 mol/L) alone or both,or with the combination of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG 0, 20 IU/L). The medium was collected for estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) measurements. Results: (1)Whether hCG existed or not, the adding of leptin did not alter estradiol and progesterone production by human granulosa cells (P>0.05).(2) Only when the concentration of neuropeptide Y was at 1×10-7mol/L,estradiol level was lower than that in the control (P<0.05).(3) The levels of estradiol in neuropeptide Y (1×10-7mol/L) plus hCG group were significantly higher than those with neuropeptide Y alone(P<0.05). (4) In the absence of hCG, the levels of estradiol in neuropeptide Y (1×10-7mol/L)plus leptin (10 ng/ml) group were significantly higher than those with neuropeptide Y(1×10-7mol/L)alone(P<0.05).Conclusions: (1)Leptin alone produced no direct effect on secretion of E2 and P from granulosa cells in vitro.(2)Neuropeptide Y alone may inhibit the secretion of E2, but the inhibition would probably be blocked with the presentation of hCG.(3)Leptin probably blocked the inhibition of neuropeptide Y on E2 secretion, and this may indicate that there were some coordination between leptin and neuropeptid Y on the level of ovarian function.
