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Liu SP, Li YF, Zhang D, Li CY, Dai XF, Lan DF, Cai J, Zhou H, Song T, Zhao YY, He ZX, Tan J, Zhang JD. Pharmacological actions of the bioactive compounds of Epimedium on the male reproductive system: current status and future perspective. Asian J Androl 2024:00129336-990000000-00204. [PMID: 38978290 DOI: 10.4103/aja20248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Compounds isolated from Epimedium include the total flavonoids of Epimedium, icariin, and its metabolites (icaritin, icariside I, and icariside II), which have similar molecular structures. Modern pharmacological research and clinical practice have proved that Epimedium and its active components have a wide range of pharmacological effects, especially in improving sexual function, hormone regulation, anti-osteoporosis, immune function regulation, anti-oxidation, and anti-tumor activity. To date, we still need a comprehensive source of knowledge about the pharmacological effects of Epimedium and its bioactive compounds on the male reproductive system. However, their actions in other tissues have been reviewed in recent years. This review critically focuses on the Epimedium, its bioactive compounds, and the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that modulate vital pathways associated with the male reproductive system. Such intrinsic knowledge will significantly further studies on the Epimedium and its bioactive compounds that protect the male reproductive system and provide some guidances for clinical treatment of related male reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-Po Liu
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Yun-Fei Li
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Zunyi), Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Zunyi Medical University Library, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Chun-Yang Li
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Xiao-Fang Dai
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Dong-Feng Lan
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Ji Cai
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - He Zhou
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Tao Song
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Yan-Yu Zhao
- Department of Medical Genetics, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Zhi-Xu He
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Jun Tan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Ji-Dong Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
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Babenko AN, Krepkova LV, Borovkova MV, Kuzina OS, Mkhitarov VA, Job KM, Enioutina EY. Effects of Chicory ( Cichorium intybus L.) Extract on Male Rat Reproductive System, Pregnancy and Offspring Development. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:700. [PMID: 38931367 PMCID: PMC11206608 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We recently reported that extract prepared from the aerial part of Cichorium intybus L. (CE) possesses hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic properties. This paper focuses on the effects of CE on the male rat reproductive system and the effects of this treatment on pregnancy and offspring development. METHODS The experimental male rats received 100 mg/kg bw/day, 500 mg/kg bw/day, and 1000 mg/kg bw/day of CE orally for 60 consecutive days. Rats that received tap water were used as controls. After treatment, we evaluated the effects of CE on the male reproductive system, fertility, and offspring development. RESULTS For CE-treated male rats, there was a significant increase in the (1) diameter of seminiferous tubules, (2) spermatogenic index, (3) number of total and motile spermatozoa, and (4) testosterone levels. Additionally, there was a decrease in the pre- and post-implantation death of the embryos in the CE-treated group. All pups born from CE-treated males demonstrated normal development. CONCLUSIONS CE treatment significantly improved male reproductive functions. No adverse effects on pregnancy and offspring development were observed when males were treated with CE. Further clinical evaluation of CE should lead to the development of a safe and effective phytodrug for treating male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra N. Babenko
- All-Russian Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (VILAR), Moscow 113628, Russia; (A.N.B.); (L.V.K.); (M.V.B.); (O.S.K.)
| | - Lubov V. Krepkova
- All-Russian Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (VILAR), Moscow 113628, Russia; (A.N.B.); (L.V.K.); (M.V.B.); (O.S.K.)
| | - Marina V. Borovkova
- All-Russian Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (VILAR), Moscow 113628, Russia; (A.N.B.); (L.V.K.); (M.V.B.); (O.S.K.)
| | - Olga S. Kuzina
- All-Russian Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (VILAR), Moscow 113628, Russia; (A.N.B.); (L.V.K.); (M.V.B.); (O.S.K.)
| | | | - Kathleen M. Job
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA;
| | - Elena Y. Enioutina
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA;
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Adedayo BC, Komolafe T, Ojueromi OO, Oboh G. Evaluation of Andrographis paniculata-supplemented Diet on the reproductive indices of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 321:117558. [PMID: 38092319 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The King of Bitters (Andrographis paniculata) is a plant used to cure a wide range of infectious diseases which includes malaria, fever and others. However, there is a paucity of scientific evidence of its effect on male reproductive indices during malaria treatment. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of supplemented diet on antiplasmodial, hematological and male reproductive indices in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. MATERIALS AND METHODS Aqueous extract of A. paniculata (King of Bitters, KGB) was prepared and the total phenol and flavonoid contents were determined. Forty-two mice, weighing 20-25 g, were distributed into 7 groups consisting of 6 mice each. The mice were innoculated with strain NK65 Plasmodium berghei (Chloroquine, CQ sensitive) and the parasitemia suppression was assessed. The mice were fed with the dietary supplementation of KGB at varying inclusions (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%) and administered 10 mg/kg CQ (which served as the positive control) for 5 consecutive days after infection was established. The reactive malondialdeahyde (MDA), antioxidant [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH)] and the hematological (hemoglobin, packed cell volume and red blood cell) parameters in the infected mice were determined. The reproductive indices (serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm viability) and testis histopathology were also assessed. RESULT The result revealed that KGB had a total phenol content of 32.55 mgGAE/g and total flavonoid content of 19.71 mgQUE/g. The infected mice treated with the dietary supplementation of KGB showed significantly decreased (p < 0.05) parasitaemia and MDA levels. Furthermore, the 7.5% dietary inclusion showed significant improvement in the antioxidant, hematological and reproductive indices as well as the restoration of testis morphology as seen in the histopathology plate of the infected mice treated with KGB. Hence, this study suggests that the KGB- supplemented diet (7.5%) may be a potential alternative and complementary therapy in the treatment of malaria infection and reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bukola Christiana Adedayo
- Functional Food and Nutraceutical Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
| | - Toluwase Komolafe
- Functional Food and Nutraceutical Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Opeyemi Oluwafemi Ojueromi
- Functional Food and Nutraceutical Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Ganiyu Oboh
- Functional Food and Nutraceutical Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
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Ali AM, Abdlwahid RF, Ali KM, Mahmood KI, Rashid PMA, Rostam HM. The influence of SARS-CoV-2 on male reproduction and men's health. Eur J Clin Invest 2024; 54:e14097. [PMID: 37726940 DOI: 10.1111/eci.14097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, primarily affects the respiratory system by targeting the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and TMPRSS2. However, these receptors are also present in other organs, including the testes, where a higher concentration of ACE2 receptors has been observed. This raises concerns about the potential impact of the virus on male fertility. AIMS In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on semen parameters by comparing samples during and after infection in the same patients. MATERIALS & METHOD The study enrolled 51 individuals who had contracted COVID-19 and analysed various parameters related to sperm quality and quantity, including C-reactive protein, testosterone levels, total sperm concentration, motility and morphology. A comparison was made between these parameters during the initial infection with SARS-CoV-2 and after a 2- and 5-month recovery period. RESULTS The results indicated that all of the mentioned parameters were significantly affected during COVID-19 infection (PCR-ct, CRP, WBCs LH, FSH and testosterone levels, p-value = .0001). Furthermore, the study assessed TC, TM and sperm morphology in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and found that these parameters were also significantly influenced during the infection, (p-value = .0001; Morphology, p-value = .0004). We observed significant alterations in sperm count and morphology during infection, suggesting a potential negative impact on sperm quality. Additionally, lower hormone levels were observed during COVID-19 infection, possibly due to increased inflammatory cytokines. However, both hormones and inflammation markers returned to normal following recovery. Our findings indicate a statistically significant change in total sperm count, motility and morphology post-infection, which aligns with previous studies. Discussion, COVID-19 have a transient impact on sperm parameters and fertility, emphasizing the importance of further investigation into the long-term implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayad M Ali
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Garmian, Kalar, Iraq
| | | | - Kameran M Ali
- Medical Lab Technology Department, Kalar Technical Institute, Garmian Polytechnic University, Kalar, Iraq
| | - Kochar I Mahmood
- Medical Laboratory Science Department, College of Science, Charmo University, Chamchamal, Iraq
| | - Peshnyar M A Rashid
- Medical Laboratory Science Department, Komar University of Science and Technology, Sulaimania, Iraq
- University of Halabja, Halabja, Iraq
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Jahangeer M, Mustafa G, Munir N, Ahmed S, Al-Anazi KM. Exploring the Potential of Plant Bioactive Compounds against Male Infertility: An In Silico and In Vivo Study. Molecules 2023; 28:7693. [PMID: 38067423 PMCID: PMC10707554 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a well-recognized multifactorial problem affecting the majority of people who struggle with infertility issues. In recent times, among infertility cases, the male factor has acquired importance, and now it contributes to approximately half of the infertility cases because of different abnormalities. In the current study, we used natural phytochemicals as potential drug-lead compounds to target different receptor proteins that are involved in the onset of male infertility. A set of 210 plant phytochemicals were docked counter to active site residues of sex hormone-binding globulin, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17, and DNase I as receptor proteins. On the basis of binding scores and molecular dynamics simulation, the phytochemicals tricin, quercetin, malvidin, rhamnetin, isorhamnetin, gallic acid, kaempferol, esculin, robinetin, and okanin were found to be the potential drug candidates to treat male infertility. Molecular dynamics simulation showed tricin as a strong inhibitor of all selected receptor proteins because the ligand-protein complexes remained stabilized during the entire simulation time of 100 ns. Further, an in vivo study was designed to evaluate the effect of tricin in male rats with nicotine-induced infertility. It was explored that a high dose of tricin significantly reduced the levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein and raised the level of high-density lipoprotein in intoxicated male rats. A high dose of tricin also increased the reproductive hormones (i.e., testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin) and reduced the level of DHEA-SO4. The phytochemical (tricin, 10 mg/kg body weight) also showed significant improvement in the histo-architecture after nicotine intoxication in rats. From the current study, it is concluded that the phytochemical tricin could serve as a potential drug candidate to cure male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Jahangeer
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Ghulam Mustafa
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Naveed Munir
- School of Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore 54782, Pakistan;
| | - Sibtain Ahmed
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Mashai Al-Anazi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
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Gurav S, Wanjari M, Bhole R, Raut N, Prasad S, Saoji S, Chikhale R, Khanal P, Pant A, Ayyanar M, Gurav N. Ethnological validation of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal) ghrita as 'Vajikarana Rasayana': In-silico, in-vitro and in-vivoapproach. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 304:116064. [PMID: 36549367 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.116064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Processing cow ghee (clarified butterfat) with therapeutic herbs, i.e. ghrita, is recognized for augmenting the therapeutic efficacy of plant materials. Ashwagandha ghrita (AG) is an effective Ayurvedic formulation consisting of Indian ginseng, i.e., Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, the main constituent used to treat infertility, weakness, gynaecological disorders, and general debility. OBJECTIVES The present investigation was undertaken to corroborate the ethnopharmacological claim of AG as 'Vajikarana Rasayana' for its aphrodisiac potential using bioinformatics (in-silico) and experimental (in-vitro and in-vivo) approaches. METHODS AG was formulated as per the methods reported in Ayurved sarsangraha. AG was further subjected to HPLC, GCMS analysis, and biological (acute toxicity and aphrodisiac) assessment per the standard procedures. Thirty-eight bioactives of Indian ginseng were subjected to computational studies (molecular docking and network pharmacology) to confirm the plausible mechanism. RESULTS AG was found to be safe up to 2000 mg/kg body wt., and it showed dose-dependent upsurge (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, wherever necessary) in mount and intromission frequency, genital grooming, and anogenital sniffing at 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight suggesting aphrodisiac activity. In-vitro studies demonstrated significant relaxation of the Corpus Cavernosal Smooth Muscle at all concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the results of molecular modelling studies were in agreement with the biological activity and showed interaction with phosphodiesterase-5 as a possible target. CONCLUSION AG exhibited an aphrodisiac effect and substantiated the traditional claim of Indian ginseng-based ghrita formulation as 'Vajikarana Rasayana'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailendra Gurav
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Goa College of Pharmacy, Panaji, Goa University, Goa, India.
| | - Manish Wanjari
- Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ritesh Bhole
- Dr D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nishikant Raut
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, R.T. M. University, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Satyendra Prasad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, R.T. M. University, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Suprit Saoji
- Formulation Development, Slayback Pharma India LLP, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Rupesh Chikhale
- UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Pukar Khanal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, KLE College of Pharmacy Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER), Belagavi, India
| | - Amit Pant
- Department of Pharmacology and Neurosciences, Creighton University, Omaha, USA
| | - Muniappan Ayyanar
- Department of Botany, A.V.V.M. Sri Pushpam College (Autonomous), Poondi (Affiliated to Bharathidasan University), Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Nilambari Gurav
- Department of Pharmacognosy, PES's Rajaram and Tarabai Bandekar College of Pharmacy, Ponda, Goa University, Goa, India.
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Liu DL, Liu SJ, Hu SQ, Chen YC, Guo J. Probing the Potential Mechanism of Quercetin and Kaempferol against Heat Stress-Induced Sertoli Cell Injury: Through Integrating Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911163. [PMID: 36232461 PMCID: PMC9570440 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Quercetin and kaempferol are flavonoids widely present in fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants. They have attracted much attention due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and neuroprotective properties. As the guarantee cells in direct contact with germ cells, Sertoli cells exert the role of support, nutrition, and protection in spermatogenesis. In the current study, network pharmacology was used to explore the targets and signaling pathways of quercetin and kaempferol in treating spermatogenic disorders. In vitro experiments were integrated to verify the results of quercetin and kaempferol against heat stress-induced Sertoli cell injury. The online platform was used to analyze the GO biological pathway and KEGG pathway. The results of the network pharmacology showed that quercetin and kaempferol intervention in spermatogenesis disorders were mostly targeting the oxidative response to oxidative stress, the ROS metabolic process and the NFκB pathway. The results of the cell experiment showed that Quercetin and kaempferol can prevent the decline of cell viability induced by heat stress, reduce the expression levels of HSP70 and ROS in Sertoli cells, reduce p-NF-κB-p65 and p-IκB levels, up-regulate the expression of occludin, vimentin and F-actin in Sertoli cells, and protect cell structure. Our research is the first to demonstrate that quercetin and kaempferol may exert effects in resisting the injury of cell viability and structure under heat stress.
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