Pharmacokinetic profile of cyclosporine A and G and their effects on cellular immunity and glucose tolerance in male and female Wistar rats

This study examined the effects of the widely used immunosuppressor cyclosporine A and of one of its derivatives, cyclosporine G, on glucose tolerance, cellular immunity, and renal and hepatic function, in relation to their pharmacokinetic profile in Wistar rats. After 3 weeks of daily cyclosporine A doses of 10 mg/kg body weight plasma cyclosporine levels were higher in male than in female rats. This was associated in male rats with marked decrease in lymphocyte subsets, affecting particularly the OX19+ T cells, with glucose intolerance, and an increase in plasma creatinine. The female rats had none of these effects. After 3 weeks of daily cyclosporine G doses of 10 mg/kg body weight, plasma cyclosporine levels were higher in male than female animals, and higher than with cyclosporine A in both sexes. Similar cellular immune effects and glucose intolerance were seen in male rats, but of a lesser magnitude than with cyclosporine A. No increase in creatinine was seen, but rats of both sexes treated with cyclosporine G had elevated plasma bilirubin. We conclude that (1) both cyclosporine A and G can cause glucose intolerance, (2) the cyclosporine plasma levels are higher in male than in female rats and with cyclosporine G than with cyclosporine A, for the same oral dose, (3) the absence of glucose intolerance, nephrotoxicity, and cellular immune changes in female rats treated with cyclosporine A is related to their lower cyclosporine levels, and (4) cyclosporine G is less nephrotoxic than cyclosporine A, but more hepatotoxic.     

Testicular toxicity following separate and combined administration of PDE5 inhibitors and opioid: assessment of recovery following their withdrawal

We previously observed that PDE5 inhibitors and opioids were widely abused in Nigeria. Here, we examined the effect of high doses of sildenafil, tadalafil, tramadol and sildenafil + tramadol on reproductive toxicity in male rats. Rats were either administered normal saline (0.2 ml), sildenafil (10 mg/kg), tadalafil (10 mg/kg), tramadol (20 mg/kg) or sildenafil + tramadol (10 and 20 mg/kg respectively) p. o. for 8 weeks. The recovery groups were allowed 8‐week recovery period before sacrifice. Results showed that body weight change, testicular and epididymal weights, epididymal sperm count and sperm viability were significantly reduced in all treated groups compared with the control. Spermatozoa with abnormal morphology were significantly increased in all treated groups compared with the control. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione (GSH) were significantly reduced, while malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly increased in all treated groups compared with the control. The severity of toxicity was highest in sildenafil + tramadol group. There was no complete recovery from reproductive toxicity following withdrawal of the various treatments. High doses of sildenafil, tadalafil, tramadol or sildenafil + tramadol result in testicular oxidative stress‐induced reproductive toxicity with poor reversal following withdrawal.     

Selenium attenuates diclofenac-induced testicular and epididymal toxicity in rats

The adverse effect of diclofenac administration on the male reproductive organ in both humans and rats has been reported. Selenium, a trace element vital in nutrition, plays a significant part in cellular redox homeostasis, including male reproduction. However, the impact of selenium on male reproductive toxicity associated with diclofenac administration is lacking in the literature. The current investigation assessed the modulatory effects of selenium on diclofenac-mediated reproductive toxicity in rats. Rats were treated for fourteen consecutive days, either with diclofenac (10 mg/kg) or co-treated with selenium (0.125 and 0.25 mg/kg) body weight. Sperm parameters, enzymes of testicular function, luteinizing, follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone were assessed in addition to oxidative stress indices and histopathological changes. Selenium significantly alleviated diclofenac-induced decreases in sperm count and motility, testicular function enzymes and levels of luteinizing hormone and testosterone in serum. Moreover, selenium co-administration at 0.125 and 0.25 mg/kg inhibited the diclofenac-induced decrease of antioxidant enzyme activities and increased oxidative stress parameters—lipid peroxidation, reactive nitrogen and oxygen species—in epididymis and testes of rats. Selenium (0.25 mg/kg) alone ameliorated diclofenac-mediated histological injuries in exposed rats. Collectively, selenium enhanced testicular and epididymal function in diclofenac-treated rats by suppressing nitrosative and oxidative stress in rats.     

Studies on the testicular toxicity of 2-bromopropane,an environmental endocrine disrupter

Aim: 2-bromopropane (2-BP) is known as an environmentalendocrine disrupter. Recently its reproductive and hematopoitic tox-icity has aroused the attention of the toxicologists. The presentstudy was designed to study its testicular toxicity in male rats.Methods; Forty male SD rats were divided into four groups of10 rats each. 2-BP was administered intraperitoneally at doses of1800 mg, 600 mg or 200 mg per kg body weight per day for 5days. The control rats were given a similar volume of the vehicle.The animals were sacrificed two days after the last dose. Results: With increasing doses, the seminiferous tubular damage wasgradually increased and the percentage of spermatogonia in the totalgerm cells gradually decreased ( P < 0. 05). The seminiferoustubular area of rats taking 1800 mg/kg was also reduced significant-ly . The body weight, testicular weight and relative testicular weightof rats taking the highest dose level were all significantly decreasedas compared with the controls. (Reprod Contracep 2001;     

Fertility enhancing activity and toxicity profile of aqueous extract of Chasmanthera dependens roots in male rats

This study evaluated the fertility‐enhancing activity and safety of aqueous extract of Chasmanthera dependens root (AECDR) in male rats. In the fertility study, twenty, sodium arsenite (10 mg/kg) body weight (BW)‐treated male rats (171.02 ± 3.36 g), assigned into four groups (I–IV), received 1 ml of distilled water (DW), 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg BW of AECDR for 60 days, whereas the control received DW. After 7 days of pairing with female rats (153.67 ± 2.24 g), spermatogenic, fertility, testicular function indices and enzymatic antioxidant activities were evaluated. The animal groupings in the toxicity study were similar to the fertility study except no administration of sodium arsenite. Sodium arsenite treatment‐related decreases (p < .05) in the semen and sperm parameters, testicular function indices, antioxidant activities and female rat fertility indices were reversed/ameliorated by AECDR. AECDR significantly altered the function indices of the liver and kidney and the lipid profile and selectively altered the haematological parameters. There was no treatment‐related histoarchitectural changes in the organs. Overall, the aqueous extract of C. dependens roots exhibited pro‐spermatogenic, fertility enhancing, antioxidant and androgenic activities in male rats. It also exhibited functional toxicity. Therefore, the chronic use of AECDR may not be completely safe as oral remedy.     

Grape seed extract attenuates dexamethasone‐induced testicular and thyroid dysfunction in male albino rats

This study scrutinised the ameliorative properties of grape seed extract (GSE) in dexamethasone (DEX)‐induced testicular and thyroid dysfunction associated with oxidative stress in male albino rats. Thirty‐two healthy adult male albino rats were divided into four groups of eight animals each: normal, DEX control, DEX + GSE (200 mg/kg body weight) group and DEX + GSE (400 mg/kg body weight) group. The body weight gain and testes weight were assessed. Plasma testosterone and thyroid profile were determined. Testicular glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G‐6‐PDH), acid phosphatase (ACP), total protein and glutathione (GSH) levels, as well as catalase (CAT) activity also histopathological changes of the testis were evaluated. DEX treatment caused a significant decrease in body weight gain and weight of testes. Significant alterations in enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants were observed. Moreover, a marked reduction in plasma testosterone levels and thyroid profile was observed. The administration of GSE significantly attenuated the deleterious effects of oxidative stress induced by DEX, as well as attenuated DEX‐induced testicular and thyroid damage. Furthermore, DEX induced histological alterations in the testis. GSE ameliorated the injurious effects of DEX and improved the histological alterations in the testis.     

Ameliorating effects of fennel and cumin extracts on sperm quality and spermatogenic cells apoptosis by inducing weight loss and reducing leptin concentration in diet‐induced obese rats

This study was established a model of obesity to estimate the impact of fennel and cumin as anti‐obesity extracts on body weight, body mass index (BMI), food consumption, leptin concentration, sperm quality and testis architecture to determine the reversibility of reproductive function of obese animals. Male rats were randomly assigned to either a normal or high‐fat diet for 8 weeks. Then, we divided 56 adult rats into seven groups: control (CO); obesity (OB); fennel 100 and 200 mg/kg; cumin 50 and 100 mg/kg; and fennel 100 mg/kg plus cumin 50 mg/kg. From weeks 9‐16, the animals treated extracts by gavages daily. We analysed leptin concentration, sperm quality and apoptosis of testis along with evaluating changes in body weight. Body weight of animals increased 25% at week 8. However, body weight, BMI, leptin concentration and apoptosis indices of OB rats increased at the end of study. However, the relative sperm parameters decreased. Nevertheless, fennel and cumin treatment improved sperm quality, and spermatogenic cells apoptosis following weight loss. Concomitant with weight loss, leptin concentration and food consumption decreased. In conclusion, fennel and cumin as supplements may ameliorate sperm quality of obese animals following weight loss and reduction in leptin concentration.     

Sperm parameters quality and reproductive effects of methanolic extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaves on senescent male rats

The effect of the methanolic extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaves on the fertility of senescent male rats was assessed in this study. 40 rats received daily distilled water, testosterone, 200 and 400 mg/kg of extract of Alchornea cordifolia. The reproductive organs weight, the gonadotropins, testosterone and cholesterol level, the sperm parameters, histology of the testes and epididymis were assessed. The weight of testes and prostate (400 mg/kg) significantly increased (p < 0.05) as well as the level of FHS (p < 0.001), LH and testosterone (p < 0.01) at a dose of 400 mg/kg, respectively, while the cholesterol decreased at a dose of 200 mg/kg (p < 0.05) and 400 mg/kg (p < 0.01) respectively. The testes and epididymis were full of spermatozoa particularly at a dose of 400 mg/kg. The sperm count and morphology significantly increased at both doses of 200 mg/kg (p < 0.01; p < 0.001) and 400 mg/kg (p < 0.001; p < 0.01) respectively. The sperm motion (PROG, VAP, VSL, VCL) (p < 0.001), (ALH, BCF) (p < 0.05) increased at a dose of 200 mg/kg and decreased at a dose of 400 mg/ kg. The overall results provide the strong evidence of the fertility potential of the methanolic extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaves in senescent male rats.     

Effects of gallium on bone in the rat.

Gallium nitrate lowers the serum calcium in patients with hypercalcemia caused by malignancy and is available for clinical use. The mechanism for the hypocalcemic action is unknown, however. The present studies were undertaken to determine the effects of gallium on bone metabolism. Normal male rats were implanted subcutaneously with mineralized allogeneic bone matrix. Histomorphometry of the implants and of tibiae was determined after three doses of tetracycline administered at intervals of 1 week. Gallium as nitrate was administered daily by intraperitoneal injection at doses of 0.9, 1.8, and 3.6 mg elemental gallium per kg body weight for 21 days in one study and at 3.5 mg/kg for 33 days in a second study. All the gallium-treated rats gained weight. Rats given gallium at doses of 3.5 mg/kg or more grew at a lower rate than untreated controls (-7 and -10% at doses of 3.5 and 3.6 mg/kg, respectively; p less than 0.05). At a dose of 0.9 mg/kg, gallium did not inhibit bone resorption or lower serum calcium but inhibited bone formation by 32% and bone apposition by 36% at the endosteal surface of the tibia. At a dose of 1.8 mg/kg, gallium produced modest hypocalcemia, prevented a rise in circulating 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D], inhibited bone resorption in implants, and inhibited bone formation by 19% and bone apposition by 18%. At a dose of 3.5 mg/kg, gallium lowered the serum calcium and serum 1,25-(OH)2D, inhibited growth, and accentuated the antiresorptive and antiformative effects seen at the two lower doses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Ameliorative effect of Alpinia officinarum Hance extract on nonylphenol-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

Nonylphenol (NP), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, interferes with reproductive function and induces oxidative stress in different organs, including the testis and prostate. Alpinia officinarum Hance (ALP), a plant species of the Zingiberaceae family, has proven antioxidant properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the alcoholic extract of ALP treatment on NP-induced reproductive toxicity and oxidative stress in male rats using biochemical and histopathological biomarkers. Our experimental groups were defined as follows: oil treatment (control), NP 10 mg/kg, ALP 10 mg/kg (ALP HD), NP + ALP 5 mg/kg (NP + ALP LD) and NP + ALP 10 mg/kg (NP + ALP HD). NP administration caused significant cytotoxicity and a significant increase in oxidative stress prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels accompanied by a significant reduction in testosterone levels. The relative weight of the testis of both NP + ALP LD and NP + ALP HD groups was significantly decreased compared to the control group. Histopathological evaluations revealed destructive effects in testis and prostate tissue samples. In conclusion, ALP administration improved cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, testosterone and PSA levels, and testis and prostate tissue destructive effects induced by the NP in male rats.     

1-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxylic acid (DICA), an exfoliative antispermatogenic agent in the rat.

The oral administration of 50 mg DICA/kg at nine weekly or four monthly intervals produced partially reversible infertility in male rats as judged by the results of serial mating and testicular histology. Oral 500 mg DICA/kg doses administered at the same intervals produced permanent sterility. Single oral doses of 50 or 500 mg DICA/kg elevated mean FSH concentrations on days 2, 3, and 7 but did not affect LH or testosterone. Mean plasma concentration peaked at 74 micrograms/ml 4 hr after a 50 mg/kg dose of uniformly tritiated DICA; 24 hr later, it had declined rapidly to 5.5 micrograms/ml. The drug did not have a strong affinity for any tissue studied including the testis. DICA-induced exfoliation of immature germ cells was first observed 4 hr after administration and led to significantly reduced testis weights by day 2. Neither single doses of 10--250 mg DICA/kg nor five daily doses of 10--100 mg DICA/kg reduced seminal vesicle, ventral prostate, or body weights of male rats. Chronic weekly DICA administration did reduce mean seminal vesicle weight. These studies have shown that DICA is an effective, partially reversible antifertility agent that directly affects the rat testis.     

High dose of standardised extract of Costus afer leaves potentiates cadmium reproductive toxicity in Wistar rats

Protective effects of standardised extract of Costus afer leaves (CAME), an extract with good antioxidants on cadmium‐induced reproductive toxicity in male rats, were investigated in this study. Forty‐two adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups and were treated every day regularly for 4 weeks. G1 (control) rats received 1 ml of vehicle treatment. G2 rats were intoxicated with 2.5 mg kg^?1 day^?1 s.c cadmium chloride for 1 week. G3 and G4 rats were intoxicated with cadmium as in G2 rats and were treated orally with 100 and 200 mg/kg bwt/day of CAME, respectively, for 4 weeks. Group G5 and G6 rats were orally treated with 100 and 200 mg kg^?1 day^?1 bwt of CAME, respectively, for 4 weeks. Significant changes (p < 0.05) in andrological parameters (sperm count, sperm morphology, serum testosterone and nitric oxide concentration) and testicular antioxidant parameters (reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation and activities of catalase, glutathione S‐transferase and glutathione peroxidase) caused by Cd toxicity were improved in cadmium‐intoxicated rats treated with 100 mg/kg body weight of CAME. Administration of 200 mg/kg body weight of CAME to cadmium‐intoxicated rats potentiated reproductive toxic effects of cadmium. In conclusion, lower dose of CAME is preferred over high dose in treatment of cadmium‐induced reproductive toxicity in rats.     

Effect of p‐coumaric acid on the erectogenic enzyme activities and non‐protein thiol level in the penile tissue of normal and doxorubicin‐induced oxidative stress male rat

This study investigated effect of p‐coumaric acid (PCA) on erectogenic enzyme activity and non‐protein thiol level in the penile tissue of normal and doxorubicin (DOX)‐induced oxidative stress male rat. Sixty‐four (64) adult male rats weighing between 170 and 180 g were used for this work. After 14 days of acclimatisation, the rats were divided into eight groups (n = 8). Rats were orally pre‐treated with PCA dose dependently (50 and 100 mg/kg body weight [b.w.t]) and vitamin E (100 mg/kg b.w.t) for 14 days before induction with a single dose of DOX (15 mg/kg b.w.t, via i.p.). The result revealed that arginase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), angiotensin‐I‐converting enzyme (ACE), phosphodiesterase‐5 (PDE‐5), adenosine monophosphohydrolase (AMPdase) activities were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the DOX‐induced rats as against the control, which was significantly p < 0.05) higher when compared to normal rats treated with PCA. PCA also improved non‐protein thiol level in the penile tissue of both normal and DOX‐induced rats. Hence, this study revealed that PCA is capable of causing inhibitory effects on the activities of enzymes, associated with oxidative stress‐induced erectile dysfunction (ED) and could also be used as an aphrodisiac agent in the management/treatment of ED.     

Effect of some uremic toxins on oxygen consumption of rats in vivo and in vitro

In rats, oxygen consumption is reduced by about 40-50% 24 h after bilateral nephrectomy. This is also the case when the animals are pretreated with triiodothyronine, 3 x 0.75 mg/kg body weight orally, for 2-3 days. Indole, cresol, putrescine, methylguanidine or acetoine was given intraperitoneally to normal rats at doses of between 5 and 300 mg/kg body weight. Only low single doses of indole (5 mg/kg) reduced oxygen consumption significantly. Single doses of the other substances studied were ineffective even at tenfold higher doses. Some combinations of these substances, however, (10 mg/kg each), reduced the metabolic rate significantly. In contrast to the results in vivo, plasma of uremic rats, as well as the uremic toxins, dissolved in Krebs-phosphate buffer pH 7.4 at concentrations of 30 mg/dl each, had no influence on respiration of rat diaphragma or liver slices in vitro (single substances and different combinations).     

Effects of Alendronate and Strontium Ranelate on Cancellous and Cortical Bone Mass in Glucocorticoid-Treated Adult Rats

We studied the effects of alendronate (Aln) and strontium ranelate (SrR) administration on cancellous and cortical bone in glucocorticoid (GC)-treated rats. Thirty-two 3.5-month male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups: age-matched normal control (Nrm), methylprednisolone (Met; 5.0 mg/kg/day, sc, for 5 days/week), Met plus Aln orally (1.0 mg/kg/day), and Met plus SrR orally (900 mg/kg/day). The study period was 9 weeks. DXA was used to evaluate the femoral diaphysis and fifth lumbar vertebra (L5). Histomorphometry was performed in the proximal tibial metaphysis and tibial diaphysis. Met significantly decreased body weight and bone mineral density (BMD) compared with Nrm. Aln and SrR significantly increased body weight and BMD compared with Met. SrR resulted in significantly higher BMD than Aln. Met markedly decreased BV/TV, Tb.Th, and Tb.N and increased Tb.Sp compared with Nrm. Aln and SrR showed significantly increased of BV/TV, Tb.Th, and Tb.N and improved bone architecture. Moreover, Met reduced %Ct.Ar, enlarged %Ma.Ar, and decreased bone formation indices in the periosteum as well as increased ES/BS in the endosteum compared with Nrm. Aln significantly decreased endosteal ES/BS compared with Met. SrR significantly increased %Ct.Ar and bone formation indices in the periosteum as well as the endosteum and decreased endosteal ES/BS compared with Met. Furthermore, SrR led to a significantly higher cancellous and endocortical MS/BS and endocortical bone formation compared with Aln. Our findings suggest SrR at a dose of 900 mg/kg has a greater effect than Aln at 1.0 mg/kg, according to BMD and histomorphometric analysis, in preventing GC-induced osteopenia. Therefore, SrR might be applicable as a bone therapeutic agent to treat secondary osteoporosis in the clinic.     

Effect of piperine on the epididymis of adult male rats

Aim： To study the effect of piperine on the epididymal antioxidant system of adult male rats. Methods： Adult male rats were orally administered piperine at doses of 1 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg body weight each day for 30 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, the rats were weighed and killed with ether and the epididymis was dissected from the bodies. Sperm collected from the cauda region of the epididymis was used for the assessment of its count, motility and viability. Caput, corpus and cauda regions of the epididymis were separated and homogenized separately to obtain 10 % homogenates. The supernatants were used for the assays of sialic acid, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide generation. Results： Body weight of the piperine-treated rats remained unchanged. The weights of the caput, corpus and cauda regions of the epididymis significantly decreased at dose of 100 mg/kg. Epididymal sperm count and motility decreased at 10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, and sperm viability decreased significantly at 100 mg/kg. Sialic acid levels in the epididymis decreased significantly at 100 mg/kg while significant decrease in the cauda region alone was observed at 10 mg/kg. A significant decline in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, along with an increase in hydrogen peroxide generation and lipid peroxidation were observed at 10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. Conclusion： Piperine caused a decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes and sialic acid levels in the epididymis and thereby increased reactive oxygen species levels that could damage the epididymal environment and sperm function.     

The effect of hydroethanolic extract of Matricaria chamomilla on the reproductive system of male rats exposed to formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a common agent in our surrounding environment and can adversely affect the male reproductive system. In this study, the effectiveness of Matricaria chamomilla (MC) extract as an antioxidant was investigated in rats treated with formaldehyde. Thirty‐two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: F (10 mg/kg formaldehyde), M200 (200 mg/kg MC extract), M500 (500 mg/kg MC extract), FM200 (10 mg/kg formaldehyde and 200 mg/kg MC extract), FM500 (10 mg/kg formaldehyde and 500 mg/kg MC extract) and control group (0.9% normal saline). Formaldehyde and MC extract were administered daily for 30 consecutive days via intraperitoneal injection. Hormonal status, sperm parameters, testis tissue histology, germinal cells apoptosis and stereological analyses of testis tissue were investigated. Testosterone and LH levels were significantly increased in FM200, FM500, F200 and F500 groups compared to F group (p ≤ 0.05). Sperm count, motility and viability were significantly enhanced in FM200, FM500, F200 and F500 groups compared to F group (p ≤ 0.05). A decrease in the number of apoptotic germ cells in FM200, FM500, M200 and M500 groups (p ≤ 0.05) was evident. In particular, the MC extract in dose 500 mg/kg is seen to reduce the adverse effects of formaldehyde on the reproductive system of male rats.     

Histomorphological study of the effects of aqueous extract of Curcuma longa on highly active antiretroviral therapy-induced testicular toxicity

This study evaluates the effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and Curcuma longa on testicular histology, stereological parameters, body weight and relative organ weights, seminal fluid, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, the antioxidant marker malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in adult male Wistar rat. Thirty-six adult male Wistar rats were grouped into A: distilled water (control); B: 100 mg/kg C. longa; C: 200 mg/kg C. longa; D: HAART only; E: HAART + 100 mg/kg C. longa; and F: HAART + 200 mg/kg C. longa. The rats were sacrificed after 8 weeks. Results showed a significant increase in abnormal morphology in group D when compared with group A. In group D, progressive sperm motility was significantly decreased compared with group F. The GSH level was significantly increased in group D compared with control group A, group E and group F. Histomorphological studies showed that HAART caused loss of germ cells and widening tubule lumen which were improved and partially restored by C. longa. This study suggests that C. longa improves testicular morphology and ameliorates HAART-induced toxicity. Further studies confirming putative mechanisms are required.     

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.     

Effect of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis (Baker) stem on the sexual behaviour of male rats

The phytochemical constituents of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis (Baker) stem and its effect on male rat sexual behaviour were evaluated for 7 days. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, cardiac glycoside, tannins, alkaloids and anthraquinones. Administration of the extract at the doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight resulted in the significant increase ( p  < 0.05) in mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculatory latency, ejaculation frequency, serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone concentrations, computed indices of sexual behaviour, erection, quick flips, long flips and total penile reflexes whereas the mount latency, intromission latency and post-ejaculatory interval were significantly decreased ( p  < 0.05) throughout the experimental period. The 100 mg/kg body weight of the extract produced contrasting pattern to the lower doses of the extract in all the parameters of sexual behaviour monitored throughout the experimental period. The results are indicative of prosexual stimulatory potentials of Bulbine natalensis in male rats. The aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis stem at these doses (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight) may be used in the management of disorders of desire/libido, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction in males.