Effect of gangetin on fertility of male rats

This study examines the effects of subcutaneous injections of a plant pterocarpan, gangetin, isolated from the roots of Desmodium gangeticum DC. (Family Leguminosae) on the fertility of adult male rats. Daily administration of gangetin (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/kg body weight for 30 days) caused an impairment of fertility (number of implants were reduced significantly) and it was dose dependent. The treatment also caused a reduction in the vaginal sperm count and an enhancement of pre-implantation losses. Complete recovery of fertility was evident 30 days after the withdrawal of gangetin treatment. The number of spermatozoa in the caput and cauda epididymis were decreased concomitant with a decrease in the motility of spermatozoa, collected from the cauda epididymis. The weights of testes, epididymides, vas deferens and prostate were also significantly decreased. It was observed that the changes in the parameters were strictly dose dependent. Also it was observed that cessation of treatment for a further period of 30 days brought full recovery of these effects. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of piperine on testis of albino rats.

Piperine was administered to mature male albino rats at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight, p.o., respectively, for 30 days. Only a 10 mg dose of piperine treatment caused a significant reduction in the weights of testis and accessory sex organs. Histological studies revealed that piperine at a 5 mg dose caused partial degeneration of germ cell types, whereas at a 10 mg dose, it caused severe damage to the seminiferous tubule, decrease in seminiferous tubular and Leydig cell nuclear diameter and desquamation of spermatocytes and spermatids. Correlated to the structural changes, a fall in caput and cauda epididymal sperm concentrations was also evident. A 10 mg dose of piperine also caused a marked increase in serum gonadotropins and a decrease in intratesticular testosterone concentration, despite normal serum testosterone titres.     

Effect of different doses and routes of administration of embelin on plasma testosterone levels

Embelin has been shown to have potential for fertility regulation in male mammals. To further investigate this the effect of varying doses of embelin administered through different routes on plasma testosterone levels in sexually mature male white New Zealand rabbits was studied. An intramuscular injection of 5 mg/kg body weight of embelin caused a 54% declined in testosterone levels from 8.35±0.4 nmol (pre-treatment) to 3.8±0.15 nmol/L (post-treatment); mean±SEM. When orally administered as a suspension of 10 mg/kg body weight embelin caused a significant (p <0.001) lowering in the hormone levels from 12.2±0.70 nmol/L (pre-treatment) to 4.55±0.35 nmol/L after treatment. But when administered orally as a 50 mg base tablet, a decline of 40% in testosterone levels was observed. Subcutaneous administration of 20 mg/kg body weight of embelin caused a 12.4% decline in the hormone levels from 26.6±1.30 nmol/L (pre-treatment) to 18.9±1.30 nmol/L after treatment. The decline in the testosterone levels when embelin was administered either intramuscularly or as a suspension orally was rapid, while a tablet or subcutaneous injection caused a gradual decline. From the study it was concluded that oral administration offered the most effective and convenient route of delivery of embelin. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

伤痛宁急性毒性试验和药效学试验

目的　测定伤痛宁的急性毒性和与主治功能有关的主要药效学指标。方法　小鼠按 0 .4 m L / 10 g(相当于生药 2 4 0 g/ kg) 2次 /日 ig给药 ,连续 7d观察小鼠的进食、粪便、活动情况、有无出现死亡以及死亡数。伤痛宁按 15 ,7.5和 3.75 2 / kg给小鼠灌胃观察二甲苯引起的小鼠耳廓肿胀及腹腔注射冰醋酸引起的疼痛反应 ,观察药物对角叉菜胶引起的大鼠足跖肿胀等急性炎症反应的抑制作用 ,对大鼠棉球引起的肉芽胀慢性炎症的抑制作用及该药物对减轻维甲酸导致的动物骨质脱钙磷和骨密度下降的程度。结果　伤痛宁给小鼠灌服未见异常 ,剖检未见脏器异常变化。对炎症有抑制作用 ,能减轻动物骨密度下降。结论　伤痛宁口服液可安全有效地用于临床治疗骨折与骨质疏松症。     

Toxic effects of oral administration of extracts of dried calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. (Malvaceae)

The effects of a 90‐day oral administration of water and alcohol extracts of dried calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa were evaluated in albino rats. Haematological, biochemical and histopathological changes were monitored every 30 days. The death of the animals was preceded by a severe loss in weight, accompanied with diarrhoea in animals on the 2000 mg/kg dose. There was an increase in food intake (g) per kg body weight per day in the aqueous (A) and ethanol (E) 300 mg/kg extract groups. Significant reductions in the erythrocyte count with no difference in total leucocyte count were observed. The activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was enhanced by the administration of aqueous and 50% ethanol extract with a significant increase in its level at higher doses (p < 0.05). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and creatinine levels were significantly affected by all the extracts at the different dose levels. However, aqueous extracts exhibited a significant increase in creatinine levels (p < 0.05) at higher doses. The cholesterol levels were generally not significantly affected by the extracts. No significant histopathological changes were observed, although there was a significant reduction in the weight of the spleen of the animals administered with ethanol and water extracts when compared with the control (p < 0.01). Other organs were of the same relative weight. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

伤科黄水经口给药的长期毒性研究

摘 要 目的:观察连续灌胃给予伤科黄水后,SD大鼠产生的毒性反应及其严重程度。方法:将SD大鼠按体重和性别随机均衡分为4组,分别为空白对照组,伤科黄水4.58 g/kg剂量组、9.16 g/kg剂量组、18.33 g/kg剂量组,每组8只,雌雄各半。各组均以10 ml/kg灌胃给药,每天给药1次,连续给药14 d。试验期间,每天观察大鼠的外观体征、行为活动、腺体分泌、呼吸、粪便性状等。在给药第1、4、7、11、14天测定大鼠体重。在剖检前一天（给药第14天）进行尿液、眼科检查。剖检当天处死全部大鼠,进行脏器检查。结果:与空白对照组相比,给药第14天伤科黄水18.33 g/kg剂量组雌性动物的体重（P＜0.05）和14天内的增重（P＜0.01）均明显下降,其余各组无明显变化。各组动物眼科检查均未见异常。伤科黄水4.58 g/kg剂量组、9.16 g/kg剂量组、18.33 g/kg剂量组雄性动物尿比重高于空白对照组（P＜0.05或P＜0.01）,尿液pH值低于阴性对照组（P＜001）,其余各组无统计学差异。伤科黄水18.33 g/kg剂量组雌性动物胸腺脏器重量、脏体系数、脏脑系数低于空白对照组（P＜0.05或P＜0.01）,心脏脏器重量低于空白对照组（P＜0.05）,伤科黄水9.16 g/kg剂量组睾丸脏脑系数低于空白对照组（P＜0.05）,其余各组无统计学差异。结论:伤科黄水重复多次口服给药未发现明显毒副作用。     

Toxicological evaluation of fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifidain vitro and in vivo

The potential toxicity of fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifida was investigated in vitro and in vivo. By the Ames test, fucoidan showed no mutagenicity up to 500 μL/plate, and inhibited the mutagenicity induced by 4‐nitro‐quinoline‐1‐oxide, by up to 71%, compared with controls. In the bone marrow micronucleus test, fucoidan, at all levels tested, did not change the micronucleated polychromatic erythrocyte percentage ratio in mouse bone marrow cells. As an acute in vivo toxicity test, fucoidan from 0 to 2000 mg/kg body weight per day was administered orally to Sprague‐Dawley rats for 28 days. No significant toxicological change was induced by fucoidan treatment up to 1000 mg/kg body weight per day in biochemical analyses, hematological analyses, necropsy and liver histopathology. The plasma ALT level was slightly, but significantly, increased in male rats at 2000 mg/kg/day. The consumption of fucoidan from Undaria pinnatifida, up to 1000 mg/kg body weight per day, may be safe in rodents, with no sign of toxicity after up to 28 days of daily administration. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Contraceptive efficacy of Carica papaya seed extract in male mice (Mus musculus)

The effects of an aqueous extract of Carica papaya seeds (20 mg/kg body weight/animal/day orally and 5 mg/kg body weight/animal/day i.m. for 60 days) were investigated for contraceptive efficacy and other related side effects in male albino mice, Mus musculus. The data revealed that the extract might be causing an androgen deprived effect to target organs resulting in alterations in the internal milieu of the cauda epididymis especially. The treatment did not, however, affect the testicular sperm count suggesting that it acted at the post-testicular level which lead to a reduction of cauda epididymal sperm motility and thus the treatment brought about a significant reduction in fertility rate. The induced effects were transient and reversible upon withdrawal of the treatment, elucidating that functional sterility could be induced by the aqueous papaya seed extract in rodents.     

Oestrogenic and pregnancy interceptory efficacy of a flavonoid mixture from Grangea maderaspatana poir (Artemisia maderaspatana) in the mouse

A mixture of flavonoids extracted from the plant Grangea maderaspatana possessed oestrogenicity and antiimplantational activities in the mouse. In the 3 day uterotrophic bioassay, administration of the drug at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight per day, intramuscularly to ovariectomized females, resulted in a highly significant (p<0.001) increase in the wet uterine and vaginal weights. However, in comparison with conjugated oestrogen, the extract proved to be mildly oestrogenic. Flavonoids, if administered orally at the same dose level effectively interfere with all stages of pregnancy. Maximum interceptory efficacy was recorded when the drug was administered from days 4–6 post coitum. However, there was a reduction in antinidational activity only if the drug was administered from days 1–3 and 7–9 post coitum.     

Toxicological assessment of Aralia mandshurica (Araliaceae) root extract after subchronic administration in rats. A biochemical and histological study

The toxic subchronic effect of an extract of Aralia mandshurica on rats of both sexes was studied over a period of 90 days (0.2, 1.7, 3.4 g/kg p.o.). The toxic effects of Aralia mandshurica on the following enzymes were evaluated: alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP), total proteins and serum urea. Blood samples were obtained by means of retroorbital puncture with a microcapillary tube on days 15, 30, 45, 75 and 90 of the administration of Aralia mandshurica. The body weight was registered every week, and at the end of the study a necropsy was performed and the liver, lungs, kidneys, heart, spleen, gonads and adrenal glands were weighed. Liver, gonads and kidneys were examined histologically. There was an increase in the levels of AST and SAP enzymes with a dose of 3.4 g/kg in both sexes on day 90 of administration, but no changes were observed in urea and serum protein. A significant decrease of the body weight was recorded in both sexes with a dose of 3.4 g/kg. Moreover, the animals treated with doses of 1.7 and 3.4 g/kg showed a diminution of faecal consistence. An increase of the liver weight was produced with all the doses of Aralia mandshurica, but neither macroscopic nor histological alterations were observed, as in the rest of the organs. Possible liver damage associated with this enzyme is discussed.     

Tanzanian medicinal plants used traditionally for the treatment of malaria: In vivo antimalarial and in vitro cytotoxic activities

Seventeen fractions of extracts obtained from 11 Tanzanian medicinal plants, which had previously been shown to possess a high antimalarial activity in vitro were submitted to the 4-day suppressive test in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice, and were investigated for cytotoxic activity in human carcinoma cell lines in vitro. Several fractions administered orally to the mice (500 mg/kg body weight/day) produced a significant reduction of parasitaemia. The most effective plant fractions investigated were those of the root and stem bark of Maytenus senegalensis (90% and 63% suppression of parasitaemia, respectively) and of the roots of Cissampelos mucronata (59% suppression). Highest cytotoxic activities were found with all fractions of Maytenus senegalensis (IC₅₀ 1 μg/mL) and with the PE fraction of the roots of Salacia madagascariensis (median IC₅₀=1.2 μg/mL for HT 29 and 2.3 μg/mL for KB).     

Oleanolic acid prevents glucocorticoid-induced hypertension in rats

The present study was designed to evaluate the antihypertensive activity of oleanolic acid isolated from Viscum articulatum, Burm. (Loranthaceae) in glucocorticoid (dexamethasone)‐induced hypertension in rats and to propose a probable mechanism of action for this effect. Male Wistar rats (300–350 g) received dexamethasone (20 μg/kg/day s.c.) or saline (vehicle) for 10 days. In a prevention study, the rats received oleanolic acid (60 mg/kg i.p.) for 5 days, followed by dexamethasone or saline for 10 days. During this period the systolic blood pressure and body weight were evaluated on alternate days. At the end of the experiment, the weight of the thymus gland, plasma nitrate/nitrite (nitric oxide metabolites) concentration and cardiac lipid peroxidation value were determined. Oleanolic acid (60 mg/kg i.p.) significantly prevented a rise in the systolic blood pressure and cardiac lipid peroxidation level after administration of dexamethasone (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) without showing any significant effect on the dexamethasone‐induced change in body and thymus weights. The decrease in concentration of plasma nitrate/nitrite due to dexamethasone was prevented significantly in the group treated with oleanolic acid (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that oleanolic acid (60 mg/kg i.p.) prevents dexamethasone‐induced hypertension in rats, which may be attributed to its antioxidant and nitric oxide releasing action. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cytotoxic and antitumour activity of scopadulcic acid from Scoparia dulcis L.

Scopadulcic acid B is a diterpenoid recently isolated from Scoparia dulcis L. This compound showed greater cytotoxicity against cell lines derived from tumour tissues with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 0.068–0.076 μg/mL, compared with cell lines from normal tissues with an IC₅₀ of 0.097–0.245 μg/mL. The in vivo antitumour activity of scopadulcic acid B was determined using mice inoculated with Ehrlich ascites tumour cells. Oral administration of the compound at doses of 25 or 100 mg/kg/day prolonged the median survival time of the animals. However, when administered intraperitoneally to mice at doses of 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg/day, scopadulcic acid B increased the survival rate by 12.5%, 12.5% and 25%, respectively, without weight change over the treatment period.     

Reproductive assessment of hydroalcohol extract of Calendula officinalis L. in Wistar rats

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the administration of a hydroalcohol extract of Calendula officinalis L. flowers (HAE) on the reproductive function of Wistar rats. Four groups of adult male rats were treated orally with HAE at doses of 0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg for 60 consecutive days. From day 53 to 60 of treatment, rats were mated with untreated and fertile female rats. Reproductive parameters including testicular morphology, reproductive organ weights, fertility index and offspring viability were evaluated. In another protocol, groups of pregnant rats were treated orally with the same doses of HAE from days 1 to 6 (preimplantation period), 7 to 14 (organogenic period) or 15 to 19 (fetal period) of pregnancy. On day 20 of pregnancy, rats were killed for evaluation of maternal and fetal parameters. The results showed that the treatment with HAE did not affect male reproductive parameters. Besides, it was non‐toxic in the preimplantation and organogenic periods of pregnancy. However, the HAE induced a decrease of the maternal weight gain when administered during the fetal period. In conclusion, the HAE did not affect male fertility nor had toxic effects in early and middle periods of pregnancy. However, the HAE caused maternal toxicity when administered during the fetal period of pregnancy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Assessment of reversible contraceptive efficacy of methanol extract of Mentha arvensis L. leaves in male albino mice

The present study was undertaken to assess the reversible contraceptive efficacy of methanolic extract of Mentha arvensis leaves. Aqueous solution of the extract (10 mg per day per mouse) when administered orally to male mice of proven fertility for 20, 40 and 60 days caused inhibition of fertility while maintaining their normal sexual behaviour. With the increase in treatment duration, there occurred a corresponding decrease in the mean weight of testis and accessory organs of reproduction. Sperm concentration, motility and viability in the cauda epididymis were also decreased. Spermatozoa with coiled tails also appeared in the epididymal smear. However, all the induced effects returned to normalcy within 30 days following withdrawal of 60-day treatment. Oral administration of the extract also did not affect the body weight of the mice and their blood cells count, packed cell volume, haemoglobin and blood/serum biochemistry.     

当归多糖对肺纤维化大鼠肺功能和肺系数的影响

目的:观察甘肃道地药材当归有效成份当归多糖对肺纤维化大鼠肺功能和肺系数的影响,为临床应用当归多糖防治肺纤维化提供依据。方法:60只健康Wistar大鼠,随机分成正常(空白)对照组,模型组,阳性(地塞米松)对照组,当归多糖大、中、小剂量组,每组各10只,除正常对照组外,其余各组采用博莱霉素5mg/kg行气管注射复制大鼠肺纤维化模型。造模第2天起,当归多糖大、中、小剂量组每天1次,剂量依次为200g/kg、100g/kg、50g/kg灌胃;阳性对照组醋酸地塞米松1mg/kg混悬液灌胃,1次/d;正常对照组、模型组用等容积生理盐水灌胃,10mL/kg,连续28天。于第28天给药后行常规处理,比较各组体质量及肺质量,计算肺系数。结果:与空白对照组比较,模型组大鼠肺系数明显升高,气道阻力(Rl、Re)明显升高,肺顺应性(Crs)明显降低,用力肺通气功能(FVC)、用力肺活量(FVC)、第0.3秒用力呼气容积与用力呼气容积的百分比(FEVO.3/FVC)、平静呼气末功能残气量(FRC)等明显降低。与模型组比较,当归多糖组及地塞米松组的肺系数明显降低,Rl、Re不同程度降低,Crs升高,FVC、FEVO.3/FVC、FRC等指标不同程度升高。结论:当归多糖具有明显改善肺纤维化大鼠模型肺功能指标的作用,可减轻肺组织质量,改善其疾病状态,使体质量明显增加,肺系数下降。     

Acute and chronic hypoglycemic effect of Ibervillea sonorae root extracts-II

Ibervillea sonorae's root, or "wareque" (Cucurbitaceae), is widely used in Mexican traditional medicine for the control of diabetes mellitus. In the present study, the hypoglycemic effects produced by the acute and chronic administration of various extracts of Ibervillea sonorae were investigated. Both the traditional preparation (aqueous decoction) and the raw extract (juice) from the root resulted in significant reductions of glycemia in healthy mice after intraperitoneal administration at a dose of 600 mg/kg. Additionally, ground dried root was used to obtain a dichloromethane (DCM) extract and a methanol (MeOH) extract. The DCM extract induced a clear reduction of glycemia in healthy (P < 0.05) and in alloxan-diabetic mice. The intraperitoneally administered DCM extract caused a severe hypoglycemia that produced lethality in all the treated animals when doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight were used. Since the DCM extract showed a marked hypoglycemic activity, it was administered daily per os to alloxan diabetic rats, employing corn oil and tolbutamide as controls. After 41 days of DCM extract administration at a dose of 300 mg/kg/day, diabetic rats showed improvement in glycemia, body weight, triglycerides, and GPT in comparison with the diabetic control group. Total cholesterol, GOT, and uric acid blood levels were not affected.     

Acute and Sub‐Acute Oral Toxicity Assessment of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Withania somnifera Roots in Wistar Rats

Withania somnifera is a widely used medicinal plant for several disorders. Toxicity studies on Withania somnifera are not available. Acute and sub‐acute oral toxicities of Withania somnifera root extract in Wistar rats were evaluated in the present study. In the acute toxicity study, WSR extract was administered to five rats at 2000 mg/kg, once orally and were observed for 14 days. No toxic signs/mortality were observed. In the sub‐acute study, WSR extract was administered once daily for 28 days to rats at 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, orally. No toxic signs/mortality were observed. There were no significant changes (P < 0.05) in the body weights, organ weights and haemato‐biochemical parameters in any of the dose levels. No treatment related gross/histopathological lesions were observed. The present investigation demonstrated that the no observed adverse effect level was 2000 mg/kg body weight per day of hydroalcoholic extract of W. somnifera in rats and hence may be considered as non‐toxic. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Short-term control of capsaicin on blood and oxidative stress of rats in vivo

Capsaicin (8-methyl-n-vanillyl-6-nonenamide), a pungent component found in red pepper can induce body heat and possibly enhance blood flow as well as increase energy expenditure, and prevent oxidative stress. Male Wistar rats were divided into vehicle, 1 mg/kg body weight capsaicin and 3 mg/kg body weight capsaicin groups. Samples were taken from the animals on day 1 of i.p. treatment with capsaicin and on 3 consecutive days of i.p. treatment with capsaicin. Our investigation demonstrated that blood flow measurements in rats was negatively correlated with LDL after treatment with capsaicin. Although capsaicin did not show a noticeable effect on the serum total cholesterol level, LDL decreased while HDL and triglyceride increased in rats treated with 3 mg/kg capsaicin for 3 days. The antioxidant effect of capsaicin was not shown when the rats were treated with 1 mg/kg body weight capsaicin. However, rats treated with 3 mg/kg body weight capsaicin for 3 days showed a reduction of oxidative stress measured as malondialdehyde in the liver, lung, kidney and muscle. Liver glycogen was found to decrease after 3 days treatment with 3 mg/kg body weight capsaicin. From this study, it is hypothesized that capsaicin can be a potent antioxidant and aid in lowering LDL even when consumed for a short period.