Botanical therapies in sexual dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction is a serious medical and social symptom that occurs in 10%-52% in men and 25%-63% in women. Numerous central and peripheral neural circuits control sexual activity. Impairment of one or more of these functional circuits may have a significant impact on personal, social and biological relationships. Although several aspects of sexual motivation and performance are known, a complete picture of the various factors that control human sexual activity is still unknown. The available drugs and treatments have limited efficacy, unpleasant side effects and contraindications in certain disease conditions. A variety of botanicals are known to have a potential effect on the sexual functions, supporting older claims and offering newer hopes. This review, while evaluating various factors that control sexual function, identifies a variety of botanicals that may be potentially useful in treating sexual dysfunction.     

Alternative therapies for osteoporosis

A variety of common complementary and alternative medicine therapies are now being examined for effectiveness in the management of osteoporosis. Short-term studies in postmenopausal women show beneficial effects of soy isoflavone supplementation on bone density, but its long-term effects require clarification. Prospective controlled trials have shown that physical training can increase bone density to varying degrees. Other therapies that have been examined include herbal formulae, essential fatty acids and vitamins A, C, and K, but few data regarding their effectiveness, mechanisms and safety have been published. Further randomized controlled trials are needed.     

自拟英柏汤治疗男性泌尿生殖系感染继发性功能障碍86例

男性泌尿生殖系统感染继发性功能障碍,为本虚标实的兼夹证。肾虚精关不固为发病之本,下焦湿热为致病之标,气滞血瘀为该病缠绵难愈的本质所在,治宜标本同治、扶正祛邪。应宜清热利湿、活血化瘀、补肾为主要治则。宜兼顾标本虚实、消补兼施之法,并注意不妄投苦寒、温热之品,以免损伤肾之阴精阳气。     

新鲜洋葱汁对帕罗西汀所致雄性大鼠性功能障碍的影响及其机制研究

目的探讨新鲜洋葱汁对正常雄性大鼠和帕罗西汀所致性功能障碍雄性大鼠性功能和血清睾酮水平的影响,为后期临床研究提供实验依据。方法将有性行为能力的70只雄性大鼠随机分为7组,每组10只。对照组给予蒸馏水灌胃,0.5 m L洋葱汁组、1.0 m L洋葱汁组血清睾酮水平2.0 m L洋葱汁组分别给予相应剂量的新鲜洋葱汁灌胃,帕罗西汀组给予帕罗西汀悬浮液10 mg/kg灌胃,帕罗西汀加1.0 m L洋葱汁组、帕罗西汀加2.0 m L洋葱汁组分别给予帕罗西汀悬浮液10 mg/kg和相应剂量的新鲜洋葱汁灌胃,均1次/d,连续灌胃20 d。在末次灌胃结束后3 h,记录各组大鼠性行为参数及血清睾酮水平。结果 1.0 m L洋葱汁组和2.0 m L洋葱汁组大鼠的骑跨潜伏期、骑跨次数均明显低于对照组和0.5 m L洋葱汁组(P均0.05),交配有效率和血清睾酮水平均明显高于对照组和0.5 m L洋葱汁组(P均0.05);1.0 m L洋葱汁组和2.0 m L洋葱汁组大鼠的插入潜伏期和1.0 m L洋葱汁组大鼠的射精潜伏期均明显低于对照组(P均0.05);1.0m L洋葱汁组大鼠的插入潜伏期和射精潜伏期均明显低于0.5m L洋葱汁组(P均0.05)。帕罗西汀组大鼠的射精潜伏期明显长于对照组(P0.05),血清睾酮水平明显低于对照组(P0.05);帕罗西汀加1.0 m L洋葱汁组、帕罗西汀加2.0 m L洋葱汁组大鼠的骑跨潜伏期和帕罗西汀加2.0 m L洋葱汁组大鼠的骑跨次数均明显少于对照组和帕罗西汀组(P均0.05);帕罗西汀加1.0 m L洋葱汁组、帕罗西汀加2.0 m L洋葱汁组大鼠的射精潜伏期均明显低于帕罗西汀组(P均0.05),血清睾酮水平均明显高于帕罗西汀组(P均0.05)。结论新鲜洋葱汁可以明显增强雄性大鼠的性功能,并可以通过提高血清睾酮水平来缓解帕罗西汀引起的性功能障碍,增强性交配行为。     

Effect of oral chronic isoflavones supplementation on male rat sexual performances and sexual hormone plasma levels

The aim of our study was to evaluate how a chronic isoflavones oral supplementation could affect male rat sexual behavior in relationship to cause eventual change in plasma sexual hormone concentrations. Isoflavones were administered in the form of a standardized dry extract of soybeans. Three groups of 20 sexually experienced male rats were consecutively treated with saline 2 ml, or isoflavones 0.4 mg/kg(-1) or 0.8 mg/kg(-1) soybean dried extract via gastric tube for 40 days. No significant differences were found as regards sexual performances of the three studied groups at the baseline levels nor at the end of the study: in relationship to the base-line value, only mount frequency increased in the control group (z = -2.047, p = 0.041), while intromission frequency in the high dosage isoflavones group (z = -2.484, p = 0.13). At the base-line test 23.08% of rats in each group were not able to conclude their performance in the standard time, while at the end of the study only 15.38% of the control group rats were not able to do this. No significant difference has been observed as regards FSH, progesterone, androstenedione plasma levels, either between groups or between baseline and study end. Slight differences were found regards LH and testosterone plasma level.     

LDH profiles of male and female rats treated with Vepacide

In the present study we investigated the effect of vepacide, a neem-based compound, on the biochemical target enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in different tissues of male and female albino Wistar rats treated orally with 80, 160 and 320 mg/kg (low, medium and high doses, respectively) for a period of 90 days. Prolonged administration of vepacide caused a significant increase of LDH activity in serum and lung tissues and a decrease in liver and kidney in both male and female rats when measured after 45 and 90 days of daily treatment. Females were more susceptible than males with regard to serum and kidney LDH showing sexual dimorphism in the treated rats. Recovery was observed in the affected enzyme after 28 days post treatment (withdrawal study). A positive correlation was observed with regard to this enzyme between serum and lung tissues, whereas for serum versus liver and kidney there was a negative correlation. The effect of vepacide was more pronounced in the lung tissue followed by liver and kidney tissues. Necrosis of the liver and kidney tissues was observed but in the lung tissue an increase in the LDH enzyme was seen. Therefore, it was concluded that the increase in LDH could be indicative of a stress adaptive response to the toxicant.     

当代治疗男性勃起功能障碍药物的研究进展

全世界男性勃起功能障碍(MED)患者约占男性人口的10％，而中国约有5000万名以上男性存在ED问题。治疗ED口服类药物可分为：非口服类治疗MED药物(包括平滑肌松弛剂、交感神经阻滞剂、一氧化氮供体等)；口服类     

千金妇宝治疗女性性功能障碍临床观察

目的:观察千金妇宝片治疗女性性功能障碍的疗效。方法:将200例患者随机分为治疗组120例、对照组80例,治疗组予千金妇宝治疗,对照组予盐酸哌甲酯治疗,3月为1疗程。结果:治疗组和对照组总有效率分别为95.00%和86.25%,治疗组疗效显著优于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:千金妇宝治疗女性性功能障碍疗效显著。     

西洋参对雄小鼠性行为的影响

西洋参0．43和3．4g/kg灌服可使小鼠跨骑潜伏期明显缩短,3．4 g/kg可使跨骑频度明显增加,交尾潜伏期也明显缩短。去势小鼠口服西洋参0．43和3．4g/kg不能使副性腺增重,但3．4g/kg能使正常幼小鼠睾丸重量增加。     

Effect of Salvia haematodes on sexual behaviour of male rats

The effect of an ethanolic extract of Salvia haematodes roots was studied on the sexual behaviour of male rats. In the initial experiments, male sexual responses were assessed by recording penile erection, licking and grooming of genitals and copulatory movement in absence of females. In the second set, copulatory behaviour was observed by caging males with a receptive female brought into estrus with s.c. injection of estradiol benzoate and progesterone. The frequencies of mounting and intromission and latency of the ejaculation were recorded. The results show that the extract (500 mg/kg, orally) produced a significant increase in episodes of penile erection. The drug was found to enhance the orientation of males towards the female by increased anogenital investigatory behaviour and enhanced licking and grooming of the genitals. The extract also increased the ejaculation latency. These findings support the folk use of this plant as aphrodisiac and for the treatment of premature ejaculation.     

Effects of Chlorophytum borivilianum on sexual behaviour and sperm count in male rats

This study was designed to evaluate the aphrodisiac and spermatogenic potential of the aqueous extract of dried roots of Chlorophytum borivilianum (CB) in rats. Male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. Rats were orally treated with (1) Control group: distilled water; (2) CB 125 mg/kg/day; (3) CB 250 mg/kg/day; and (4) Viagra((R)) group: 4 mg/kg/day sildenafil citrate and their sexual behaviour was monitored 3 h later using a receptive female. Their sexual behaviour was evaluated on days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 of treatment by pairing with a pro-oestrous female rat. For sperm count the treatment was continued further in all groups except the Viagra((R)) group for 60 days. At 125 mg/kg, CB had a marked aphrodisiac action, increased libido, sexual vigor and sexual arousal. Similarly, at the higher dose (250 mg/kg) all the parameters of sexual behaviour were enhanced, but showed a saturation effect after day 14. On day 60 the sperm count increased significantly in both the CB groups, 125 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg, in a dose dependent manner. Thus, roots of Chlorophytum borivilianum can be useful in the treatment of certain forms of sexual inadequacies, such as premature ejaculation and oligospermia.     

雌雄栝楼植株内含物比较研究

目的 分析雌雄栝楼植株内含物组成及量的差异,为早期性别鉴定提供依据.方法 测定雌雄植株叶片生理生化指标并进行差异显著性分析,采用HPLC法分析雌雄植株叶片化学成分差异.结果 雄株的光合色素,可溶性蛋白质的量,SOD、POD活性,DNA浓度高于雌株,其中光合色素的量、POD活性差异达显著性水平.雌株的MDA、可溶性糖、紫外吸收物的量高于雄株,其中紫外吸收物的量差异达显著性水平.HPLC分析结果显示雌雄植株叶片的出峰数目、时间、峰高等参数明显不同.结论 栝楼雌雄植株中内含物的组成及量存在一定差异,紫外吸收物及HPLC特征峰可望作为性别鉴定的指标.     

电针对雌雄两性实验性肥胖大鼠脂代谢的影响

目的:探讨电针刺激对雌雄两性肥胖大鼠脂代谢影响的差异及其作用机制。方法:SD大鼠随机分为模型雌组、模型雄组、电针雌组、电针雄组,并设正常雌组和正常雄组进行对照。采用谷氨酸钠和高脂饮食诱导的下丘脑性肥胖模型。电针雌组、雄组电针大鼠后三里三阴交丰隆等穴。计算各组治疗前后Lee’s指数,生化法检测各组血浆甘油三酯(TG)、胆固醇(TC)、低密度脂蛋白(LDL-C)、高密度脂蛋白(HDL-C)含量。结果:电针雌、雄两组的Lee’s指数及血浆TG、TC、LDL-C含量均较模型雌、雄两组明显降低(P<0.01,P<0.05),而血浆HDL-C含量均有明显升高(P<0.05)。电针雄组Lee’s指数较电针雌组明显降低(P<0.05);电针雌组血浆TG、TC含量较电针雄组明显降低(P<0.05);电针雌组血浆HDL-C、LDL-C的含量与电针雄组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:电针刺激对雌雄两性肥胖性大鼠均有不同程度的减肥作用,但在降低Lee’s指数和调节脂代谢方面存在着一定的差异,电针可更明显地降低雄性大鼠的Lee’s指数及雌性大鼠的血浆TG、TC含量,但对雌雄两性血浆HDL-C、LDL-C含量的影响无明显差异。     

动脉粥样硬化的中医药治疗思路

从以下两方面探讨动脉粥样硬化（AS）的中医药治疗思路。①动脉粥样硬化的发病机理：中医认为AS为本虚标实之症，本虚以肝肾虚损为主，标实以痰瘀痹阻为主，以及毒邪在本病发生、发展、变化全过程中的重要作用；西医认为低度炎症为AS发生、发展的关键，为炎症性疾病，而且炎症反应的激活是斑块不稳定的主因。②辨证论治：根据粥样斑块的特性将其分为斑块平稳期、斑块易损期、斑块破损期和好转恢复期。根据这四期的不同特点，灵活采用解毒排毒与祛痰散结、活血化瘀、补益肝肾相结合的中医药疗法。     

从肾论治女性性功能障碍

“肾主生殖、主司二阴”故女性性生理病理无不与肾密切相关 ,尤其与“天癸”的盛衰关系密切。《素问·上古天真论》云 :“女子肾气盛 ,齿更发长 ,二七而天癸至 ,任脉通 ,太冲脉盛 ,月事以时下 ,故有子。”说明肾气旺盛 ,天癸的产生 ,任通冲盛对月经的来潮(排卵 )有着极为重要和     

Anorectic and behavioural effects of chronic Cissampelos sympodialis treatment in female and male rats

Male and female rats were treated daily for 13 weeks with an ethanol extract of Cissampelos sympodialis leaves (9, 45 and 225 mg[sol ]kg). The food consumption, body weight and behavioural effects in the open-field test were evaluated by weekly monitoring. The results showed that the extract chronic treatment in female rats (45 and 225 mg[sol ]kg) reduced significantly the food intake and the body weight, and produced several alterations in the open-field test. These findings indicate that repeated oral administration of the extract may produce a sex-dependent difference in anoretic and behavioural effects.     

Increased sexual motivation in female rats treated with Humulus lupulus L. extract

Aim of the study

To evaluate the influence of Humulus lupulus extract on sexual behavior in female rats.

Materials and methods

Ovariectomized rats hormonally primed with estradiol benzoate (1.5 μg/rat) and progesterone (500 μg/rat) were acutely treated by oral gavage with Humulus lupulus extract dosed at 5, 10 and 25 mg/kg and then tested for partner preference and sexual receptivity.

Results

The administration of Humulus lupulus extract at the highest dose significantly increased the preference for the stimulus male during the partner preference test and the number of proceptive behaviors during the receptivity test, without affecting the lordosis response.

Conclusions

Humulus lupulus extract increased sexual motivation in hormone-primed female rats.     

Dominant lethal study of Spirulina maxima in male and female rats after short-term feeding

The algae Spirulina maxima has been considered for use as a supplementary protein in feed and food, as well as an hypocholesterolaemic and antiherpes simplex virus agent. In this paper the mutagenic potential was investigated in animals of each sex. Sexually mature male or female Wistar rats, received the algae incorporated into experimental diets at levels of 0, 10%, 20% and 30%, using a short-term (5 day) feeding, after which dominant lethal studies were conducted. The studies were carried out in two phases: a male dominant lethal phase in which untreated females cohabited for 8 weeks with treated males, two females each week, and the fetuses were evaluated 14 days after the mid-point of the week of cohabitation; and a female dominant lethal phase in which untreated males were mated with treated females and their fetuses were evaluated 14 days after copulation. Examination of surgically exposed uteri and ovaries of pregnant females for counting pre- and post-implantation losses did not show germinal mutations, as manifested by a dominant lethal effect in males and females. In an additional study in males, no significant alterations were observed in semen counts, motility and shape of sperm. Sex organ weights failed to reveal any alteration.     

Effect of certain adaptogenic plant extracts on drug-induced narcosis in female and male mice

The depressing effects of the extracts of Ocimun sanctum (O), Schizandra chinensis (S), Sedum rosea (R), Withania somnifera (W), Aralia elata (A), and Celastrus paniculatus (C) upon the mouse central nervous system (CNS) was evaluated. Recovery time of the righting reflex after the injection of a single dose of pentobarbital (50 mg/kg i.p.) was compared to the effect induced by that drug and the extracts. Decreasing or increasing the time for mouse recovery was evaluated in relation to dose and sex. The results demonstrate a significant (p ? 0.05) increase of the narcosis time with all the extracts. The recovery of the righting reflex was sex and dose-dependent. These plant extracts have a clear synergism with pentobarbital in depressing the mouse CNS response.