The protective effect of Ferula elaeochytris on age-related erectile dysfunction

A histological examination of the effects of Ferula elaeochytris extract on kidney and liver tissues in myoglobinuric acute renal failure

Myoglobinuric acute renal failure (MARF) is a structural and functional disorder that occurs in the kidney following the release of muscle cell contents into the circulation. In this present study, possible protective and curative effects of Ferula elaeochytris extract against kidney and liver damage in experimentally induced MARF in a rat model were investigated. 3-4 Month-old, 200-250 g Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 8 equal groups with 7 rats per group. Group I was a no-intervention Control group. All groups except for the Group I were dehydrated for 16 hours. Following this dehydration, 50% v/v aqueous glycerol solution was injected into both hind leg muscles of the animals, at a dose of 8 ml/kg. The rats were given physiological saline (SF) once orally before the model was administered (Group II) and after the model was administered (Group V). Similarly, two different doses of Ferula elaeochytris root extract (40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg) were dissolved in 2 ml of SF and administered orally before (Groups III and IV) and after (Group VI, VII) the model was created. Following the experimental period, kidney and liver tissues were removed from all groups, and fixed in 10% neutral formaldehyde solution for light microscopic examinations. Intracellular vacuolization, enlargement in the Bowman's space, widespread atrophy in the tubular structures, luminal enlargement, and desquamation were detected in the kidney tissue sections of all the experimental model groups. In the liver tissue sections, was detected hepatocyte degeneration, intracellular vacuolization, irregularity in cell membrane borders, and apoptotic bodies. These histopathological consequences of MARF were evaluated for all groups, and whereas a curative effect of Ferula elaeochytris could be seen, its protective effect was higher than its curative effect.

Therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomal miR-296-5p and miR-337-3p in age-related erectile dysfunction via regulating PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are viewed as an increasingly promising treatment for age-related erectile dysfunction (AED). Owing to the limitations of injecting living cells, the injection of exosomes appears to be a more plausible option. However, whether MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) improve AED and their potential mechanism remains unknown. MSC-Exos were prepared and injected intracavernously into aged rats to determine their effects on AED. Masson's trichrome staining was used to ascertain the changes in the histological structure of the corpus cavernosum. Then miRNA sequencing of MSC-Exos and analysis of the critical exosomal miRNAs were performed, as well as their target pathway enrichment analysis. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot assay were performed to reveal the functions of MSC-Exos in regulating the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Moreover, the effects of MSC-Exos on the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) apoptosis are explored in vitro. The experimental data validate that intracavernous injection of MSC-Exos ameliorated erectile function in AED rats. Masson's trichrome staining shows MSC-Exos therapy restores the histological structure of the corpus cavernosum by improving the ratios of smooth muscle to collagen. The exosomal miR-296-5p and miR-337-3p target and inhibit PTEN, modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Furthermore, exosomes inhibit the apoptosis of CCSMCs. Our findings suggest that MSC-Exos improve AED by delivering miR-296-5p and miR-337-3p to regulate the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These results bode well for the therapeutic potential of MSC-Exos for AED treatment.

Review of potential spermatogenic and aphrodisiac effects of the Ferula genus

OBJECTIVE

Men's sexual health plays an important role in male fertility and childbearing, as it is associated with factors such as sexual desire, healthy spermatogenesis, and erectile function. In various cultures, medicinal plants have been utilized to address male sexual issues, including infertility and erectile dysfunction. Despite recent advancements in medical science for treating male impotence, some men opt for herbal supplements as an alternative, given that numerous herbs have the potential to enhance male sexual performance. The Apiaceae family is one of the oldest plant families used for medicinal purposes. Ferula, a genus within this family, comprises approximately 170 different species worldwide. Members of this genus possess numerous therapeutic properties due to the presence of various compounds. This article aims to explore the potential impacts of Ferula plants on the male reproductive system.

METHODS

This review article was prepared by searching for terms including Ferula and "aphrodisiac," Ferula and "spermatogenesis," and Ferula and "male reproductive system." Relevant information was gathered through electronic databases, including ISI Web of Knowledge, PubMed, and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

The findings indicated that relatively comprehensive studies have been conducted in this area, revealing that certain Ferula species have been employed in folk medicine to boost fertility and libido. Recent research has corroborated these effects.

CONCLUSION

It is hoped that new aphrodisiac compounds with fewer side effects can be isolated from Ferula plants in the future.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of Ferula plants and their potential for treatment of Alzheimer's disease

One of the current strategies in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease is using drugs with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory property. The existence of various compounds in plants as a potential source for finding new compounds to treat Alzheimer's disease is a scientific fact. Many secondary metabolites and plant extracts have been reported with the ability to inhibit the AChE activity and improve memory and learning. These compounds can increase the concentration of acetylcholine in the brain and improve cholinergic function in individuals with Alzheimer's disease and reduce the symptoms of this neurological disorder. Plants of Ferula genus are a good source of biologically active compounds such as sesquiterpene derivatives, coumarin derivatives and sulfur-containing compounds. Numerous studies on various extracts or purified compounds of Ferula genus have shown that members of this genus have the inhibitory properties on acetylcholinesterase and can also be effective in improving Alzheimer's and amnesia. This review article summarizes studies on plants of Ferula extracts and their derived compounds to find AChE inhibitors.

Next Chapter in the Legend of Silphion: Preliminary Morphological, Chemical, Biological and Pharmacological Evaluations, Initial Conservation Studies, and Reassessment of the Regional Extinction Event

Silphion was an ancient medicinal gum-resin; most likely obtained from a Ferula species growing in the Cyrene region of Libya ca. 2500 years ago. Due to its therapeutic properties and culinary value, silphion became the main economic commodity of the Cyrene region. It is generally believed that the source of silphion became extinct in the first century AD. However, there are a few references in the literature about the cultivated silphion plant and its existence up to the fifth century. Recently, a rare and endemic Ferula species that produces a pleasant-smelling gum-resin was found in three locations near formerly Greek villages in Anatolia. Morphologic features of this species closely resemble silphion, as it appears in the numismatic figures of antique Cyrenaic coins, and conform to descriptions by ancient authors. Initial chemical and pharmacological investigations of this species have confirmed the medicinal and spice-like quality of its gum-resin supporting a connection with the long-lost silphion. A preliminary conservation study has been initiated at the growth site of this rare endemic Ferula species. The results of this study and their implications on the regional extinction event, and future development of this species will be discussed.