Pfaffia glomerata hydroalcoholic extract stimulates penile tissue in adult Swiss mice

Melatonin and Bacterial Cellulose Regulate the Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines, VEGF, PCNA, and Collagen in Cutaneous Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats

The poor healing of diabetic wounds is characterized by prolonged inflammation and decreased collagen deposition. Diabetic patients exhibit changes in the plasma concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the role of specific dressings may have an impact on healing. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a combined treatment comprising a bacterial cellulose dressing and melatonin application on the regulation and expression of inflammatory cytokines, VEGF, PCNA, and collagen in the healing of cutaneous wounds of diabetic rats. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, TNF-α, and VEGF, along with PCNA and type I and III collagen, were evaluated after 14 days. Immunohistochemistry showed decreased levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and VEGF, along with an increased expression of PCNA and type I collagen, in the groups treated exclusively with melatonin and bacterial cellulose associated with melatonin compared to the control and the commercial healing agent. It was concluded that treating the skin lesions of diabetic animals supplemented with melatonin using a bacterial cellulose-based dressing has positive effects in regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factor, and collagen, showing that this association could be a viable therapy approach in wound healing.

Preparation of oyster peptide and Pfaffia glomerata pressed candy and its ameliorative effect on sexual dysfunction in male mice

Oyster peptide (OP) and Pfaffia glomerata extract (PGE) were used as raw materials. The optimal formulation of the pressed candy (PC) was optimized by one-way experiment and D-optimal mixture experiment design, and animal experiment was used to evaluate the effect of PC on male sexual dysfunction. The results showed that PC intervention significantly improved the sexual behavior of male mice with sexual dysfunction, including a significant shortening of the mount latency (ML) and intromission latency, and a significant increase in the mount frequency (MF) and intromission frequency (IF). At the same time, the concentrations of serum testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in mice were restored, and the erectile parameters and pathological changes of penile tissue were improved. Further studies found that PC intervention increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in testicular tissue. In addition, PC intervention improved testicular tissue morphology. In conclusion, the obtained PC has good taste quality, and the relevant quality indicators are qualified. It has a good ameliorative effect on male sexual dysfunction and may be a potential dietary supplement.

A comprehensive review of Pfaffia glomerata botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activities, and biotechnology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen, Amaranthaceae, is found in South America, mainly in Brazil, where it is considered a species of great medicinal interest owing to its popular use as a tonic, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic. These properties can be attributed to the presence of the phytosteroid, 20-Hydroxyecdysone (β-ecdysone), the main compound found in its roots.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to provide information about the botanical characteristics, ethnomedicinal uses, the phytochemistry, the biological activities, and the biotechnology of P. glomerata, an important species to local communities and groups researching medicinal plants of South America.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The information available on P. glomerata was collected from scientific databases (ScienceDirect, PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, and Scopus) until June 7, 2023, using the search terms "Pfaffia glomerata", "Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen", and "Brazilian ginseng". The review includes studies that evaluated the botanical, ethnopharmacological, and phytochemical aspects, biological properties, nutraceutical uses, and the application of biotechnology for improving the biosynthesis of metabolites of interest.

RESULTS

A total of 207 studies were identified, with 81 articles read in full. Seventy-six studies were included for qualitative synthesis. Overall, 40 compounds belonging to different classes are presented in this review, including ecdysteroids, triterpenes, saponins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, tannins, coumarins, alkaloids, and polysaccharides. Among them, flavonoids, anthraquinones, tannins, coumarins, and alkaloids were only putatively identified. β-Ecdysone, triterpenes, saponins, and polysaccharides are the chemical components most frequently identified and isolated from P. glomerata and possibly responsible for ethnopharmacological use and the biological activities of this species, with important in vitro and in vivo activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, analgesic, gastroprotective, antioxidant, and prebiotic.

CONCLUSIONS

This review summarizes discussions about the P. glomerata species, highlighting its ethnopharmacological, chemical, biotechnological, and nutraceutical importance. New scientific studies on this species are encouraged in the search for new therapeutic molecules with pharmaceutical potential and nutraceutical applications.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant action of tadalafil in testicular regeneration process after heat stress

Tadalafil, a potent phosphodiesterase inhibitor 5 (PDE-5), is commonly used for the management of erectile dysfunction. However, its therapeutic potential extends beyond this indication. This study aimed to investigate the impact of tadalafil on the recovery of testicular parenchyma in male Wistar rats exposed to testicular thermal stress. Fifty-four Wistar rats were subjected to testicular thermal stress and randomly assigned to receive either tadalafil treatment (TAD) or no treatment (control). TAD was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of either 0.9 mg/kg or 1.8 mg/kg. Biometric parameters, histopathological assessment of the testis, serum testosterone levels, oxidative stress, and interleukin levels were evaluated on days 7, 15, and 30 after thermal shock. The animals were euthanized at the end of each experimental period, and samples were collected. TAD treatment maintained testicular weight and reduced the testicular degenerative process up to day 7 post-injury. However, despite TAD therapy, serum testosterone levels were decreased in the treated groups at days 7 and 15 post-thermal stress. TAD also decreased TNF-α and NO levels at different doses but had no effect on IL-6. The treatment with TAD after heat shock demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties but did not prevent the aggravation of testicular lesions in subsequent periods, even with the systematic reduction in TNF-α and NO levels. Therefore, this selective PDE-5 inhibitor, at the dosages used, did not have a positive impact on testosterone levels during the post-thermal stress period, which could compromise the resumption of the spermatogenic process.

The traditional use of native Brazilian plants for male sexual dysfunction: Evidence from ethnomedicinal applications, animal models, and possible mechanisms of action

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sexual dysfunction is a multifactorial health condition characterized by distressing disturbances in the sexual response and libido, leading to an inability to maintain penile erection and achieve pleasure. Considering the huge Brazilian biodiversity, many plants are traditionally used for aphrodisiac purposes. However, the use of native medicinal plants as sexual boosters in Brazil has been poorly studied.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review focuses on the composition, pharmacology, and results of experimental trials of the main native plants used in Brazilian folk medicine with alleged aphrodisiac effects. We aimed to provide a state-of-the-art reference for research on herbs for the treatment of male sexual dysfunction by summarizing and discussing the main studies found.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The relevant information was collected by searching keywords (aphrodisiac, sexual tonic, sexual stimulant, sexual vigor stimulant, sexual impotency, erectile dysfunction, etc.) from books containing primary surveys conducted in the original communities and bibliographic surveys prepared by authors linked to the national academic and scientific environment edited in Brazil. Preclinical and clinical studies of the compiled plant species were performed using scientific databases (Scopus, PubMed, SciELO, and SciFinder).

RESULTS

Seventy-four plant species belonging to 44 families used in Brazil to treat sexual dysfunction were compiled from ethnopharmacological literature. Fourteen plants, including Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen, Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco Schltdl., Anemopaegma arvense (Vell.) Stellfeld ex de Souza, Mimosa pudica L., Heteropterys tomentosa A. Juss., Trichilia catigua A. Juss., and Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult. were pharmacologically studied to confirm these therapeutic properties. Probable modes of action include antioxidant and androgenic activities, inhibition of the PDE5 enzyme, increase in NO levels, and activation of dopaminergic and noradrenergic pathways. In addition, several different species popularly known as "catuaba" were identified, leading to adulterations and controversial effects.

CONCLUSION

The overall results of the present review of Brazilian folk literature reveal that Brazil has a long tradition of using plants with potential aphrodisiac effects. However, further research is required to identify, characterize, and standardize the active ingredients and herbal preparations used in aphrodisiacs.

Toxicology of arsenate, arsenite, cadmium, lead, chromium, and nickel in testes of adult Swiss mice after chronic exposure by intraperitoneal route

BACKGROUND

Some residues such as the heavy metals cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr VI), nickel (Ni), and arsenic (As), this last one in its oxidized forms + 5 (arsenate) and + 3 (arsenite), can cause injuries to human health, so they are currently considered environmental health emergencies. In the testis, heavy metals can cause morphological and functional damage due to constant exposure acting chronically in individuals. Thus, we aimed to determine the toxicological mechanism of As+5, As+3, Cd, Cr VI, and Ni that leads to testicular damage and establish for the first time an order of toxicity among these studied heavy metals.

METHODS

Forty-two Swiss mice at reproductive age (140 days) were used, randomly distributed into seven experimental groups (n = 6). Exposure to heavy metals was weekly performed, by intraperitoneal route. Group 1 received 0.7 mL 0.9% saline (control), and the other groups received 1.5 mg/ kg of As+5, As+3, Cd, Pb, Cr VI, or Ni, for six weeks.

RESULTS

These studied heavy metals did not accumulate in the testis tissue. However, exposure to Ni induced moderate pathologies in the seminiferous tubules, plus changes in the tunica propria, blood vessels, lymphatic space, and carbonyl protein levels. Cd exposure caused moderate tubular histopathologies and changes in the blood vessels and lymphatic space. Cr VI induced slight tubular histopathologies, changes in the lymphatic space, blood vessels, and SOD activity. Pb and As+3 exposure triggered moderate tubular pathologies and changes in the SOD activity and carbonyl protein levels, respectively. Finally, As+5 induced only slight tubular pathologies.

CONCLUSION

The testicular histopathologies caused by the studied heavy metals are mainly triggered by changes in testicular oxidative balance. Based on our findings of histomorphological alterations, the toxicity order among the heavy metals is Ni>Cd>Cr(VI)>PbAs+3 >As+5. However, considering oxidative stress results, we propose the following testicular toxicity order for these heavy metals: Ni>As+3 > Cd>Cr(VI)>Pb>As+5. Ni exposure shows the most harmful among the heavy metals to the testis.

The relevance of the use of plant extracts on testicular cells: A systematic review

This review aims to establish an association between traditional and scientific knowledge to allow the evaluation of the effectiveness of medicinal plants, as well as their risks based on the testicular microenvironment. A systematic search was performed using PRISMA guidelines. The descriptors were structured based on search filters built for three domains: Animals, Plants, and Testis. The filters on the PubMed/Medline platform were constructed using a hierarchical distribution of the MeSH Terms. Methodological quality assessments were performed using the SYRCLE risk bias tool. Data on testicular cells, hormones and biochemistry, sperm, and sexual behavior were evaluated and compared. The search came out with 2644 articles, and 36 articles met the inclusion criteria and were used in this review. The included studies analyzed testicular cells from murine models treated with crude plant extracts. Plant extracts act directly on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and/or directly on testicular cells, inhibiting and stimulating the reproductive process, thus causing alterations in fertility rates. Apiaceae and the Cucurbitaceae families are the most used in male reproductive biology experiments, being Apiaceae described as sexual stimulants, while Cucurbitaceae are the main sources of deleterious effects on the male reproductive system.

Extract of Pfaffia glomerata Ameliorates Paroxetine-Induced Sexual Dysfunction in Male Mice and the Characterization of Its Phytoconstituents by UPLC-MS

Pfaffia glomerata extract (PGE) has a variety of biological activities. However, its ameliorative effect on and exact working mechanism in male sexual dysfunction are still poorly understood. This study aims to evaluate the ameliorative effect of PGE on paroxetine (PRX)-induced sexual dysfunction in male mice and uses molecular docking technology to investigate its underlying mechanism. In this work, PRX-induced sexual dysfunction was caused and PGE was gavaged in mice for 28 days. The results show that PGE significantly improved the sexual performance of mice and reduced the damage to testicular tissues. Further studies showed that PGE restored serum sex hormones to normal levels and increased nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels as well as nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in penile tissues, while also decreasing phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) activity, thereby maintaining normal penile erection in mice. In addition, PGE improved the activities of enzymes (LDH, ACP, and ALP) related to energy metabolism in the testis and significantly increased sperm count and viability in mice. Furthermore, the molecular docking results show that all eight compounds in PGE could form a stable complex with PDE-5 and inhibit the activity of PDE-5. In conclusion, PGE had an ameliorative effect on PRX-induced sexual dysfunction, suggesting that PGE has a potential protective effect on male sexual health.

Pfaffia glomerata polyploid accession compromises male fertility and fetal development

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen has traditionally been used as a tonic and a stimulant by the Brazilian population. It shows higher biomass accumulation and production of secondary compounds, such as the phytosterol 20-hydroxyecdysone.

AIMS

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of the root of tetraploid P. glomerata (BGEt) on testicular parenchyma, and its implications on fertility.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Adult Swiss mice were divided as: control (water) and sildenafil citrate (7 mg/kg), BGEt at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, and BGEtD 200 mg/kg (treated with BGE every three days). Males (n = 4/group) were mated with normal untreated adult females to assess fertility rates, while other animals (n = 6/group) were euthanized for testis, epididymis, and oxidative stress analyses.

RESULTS

Increase in tubule diameter and epithelium height in the discontinuous group, in addition to an increase in the proportion of tubules with moderate pathologies was observed. The pre-implantation loss was lower in all treated groups. The post-implantation loss was significantly increased in all treated groups, except for the lowest BGEt dose. BGEt intake caused a decrease in daily sperm production, along with the number and quality of sperm in the epididymis. Changes were observed in protein carbonylation and hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide levels, characterizing oxidative stress.

CONCLUSIONS

The hydroalcoholic extract of P. glomerata tetraploid altered sperm and testicular parameters, compromising embryonic development after implantation.

Green Tea Infusion Ameliorates Histological Damages in Testis and Epididymis of Diabetic Rats

Green tea is a popular drink used for therapeutic purposes to mitigate the consequences of diabetes. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the potential of green tea infusion to ameliorate structural and enzymatic damages caused by hyperglycemia in the testis and epididymis of Wistar rats. For that, nondiabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (negative control and diabetes control, respectively) received 0.6 mL of water by gavage. Another set of diabetic animals received 100 mg/kg of green tea infusion diluted in 0.6 mL of water/gavage (diabetes + green tea) daily. After 42 days of treatment, the testes and epididymides were removed and processed for histopathological analysis, micromineral determination, and enzymatic assays. The results showed that treatment with green tea infusion preserved the testicular and epididymal histoarchitecture, improving the seminiferous epithelium and the sperm production previously affected by diabetes. Treatment with green tea reduced tissue damages caused by this metabolic condition. Given the severity of hyperglycemia, there was no efficacy of the green tea infusion in maintaining the testosterone levels, antioxidant enzyme activity, and microminerals content. Thus, our findings indicate a protective effect of this infusion on histological parameters, with possible use as a complementary therapy for diabetes.

Effects of Dietary Crude Glycerin Concentration on Testicular Morphology and Oxidative Stress Markers and on Plasma Testosterone Concentrations

We evaluated the effects of feeding 6%, 12% or 18% crude glycerin, containing 80.5% glycerol, on testicular histomorphometry and markers of oxidative stress and on plasma testosterone concentrations in lambs. Body weight, testicular biometric measurements, gonadosomatic index and net weight of the testicles were higher for the treated groups (P <0.05) compared with a control group that did not receive dietary glycerin. The mean total length of seminiferous tubules was higher in the 6% group (P <0.05), while the mean total tubular and seminiferous epithelium volumes increased in all treated groups (P <0.05). The volume of Leydig cells increased in the 12% group, while their number per gram of testicle decreased (P <0.05). There was a decrease in mean nuclear diameter and mean volume of Leydig cells, and an increase in the mean number of these cells per gram of testicle, in the 18% group (P <0.05). Plasma testosterone concentrations were unaffected. There was desquamation of seminiferous epithelium and vacuolation of Sertoli cells in the treated groups. Variable degrees of spermatocyte necrosis and the presence of giant cells were seen in all groups and there was intense vacuolation of Sertoli cells in the 12% and 18% groups. Superoxide dismutase and catalase production increased most in the 12% and 18% groups (P <0.05), while glutathione production was higher in the 18% group (P <0.05). Mean nitric oxide concentration decreased in all treated groups (P <0.05), while malondialdehyde production was higher in the 18% group than in the control and 6% groups (P <0.05). We conclude that the inclusion of 6% glycerin in the diet of lambs results in changes in testicular morphology that have been previously associated with improved reproductive function, but without evidence of oxidative stress.

Medicinal plants as a potential source of Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The prevalence and distress caused by erectile dysfunction (ED) to both male and female partners are increasing at a steady rate. ED has now become the most treated sexual disorder for men among young and old age groups due to varying physical and psychological factors. The treatment with synthetic Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors are cost-effective but due to adverse effects such as priapism, loss of vision, heart attack and syncope, the daily life patterns of these patients are distressed and hence the need for alternative medicaments or sources are of utmost important. Therefore, the exploration of medicinal plants as PDE5 inhibitors will be worthwhile in tackling the problems as many plant extracts and fractions have been long used as aphrodisiacs and sexual stimulants which may be found to be active against PDE5 enzyme.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To provide a review on the different medicinal herbs traditionally used as natural aphrodisiacs, libido or sexual enhancers which are proven for their PDE5 inhibitory effect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethnobotanical and scientific information was procured, reviewed and compiled from the literature search of electronic databases and search engines.

RESULTS

A total of 97 medicinal plants exhibiting PDE5 inhibitory effect are reviewed in this paper which is supported by preclinical experimental evidence. Among them, 77 plants have been selected according to their traditional and ethnobotanical uses as aphrodisiacs and the rest are screened according to their effectiveness against predisposing factors responsible for ED and sexual dysfunction such as diabetes and hypertension or due to the presence of phytochemicals having structural similarity towards the identified natural PDE5 inhibitors. In addition, sixteen alkaloids, sixty-one phenolics and eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have been isolated or identified from active extracts or fractions that are exhibiting PDE5 inhibitory activity. Among them, isoflavones and biflavones are the major active constituents responsible for action, where the presence of prenyl group for isoflavones; and the methoxy group at C-5 position of flavones are considered essential for the inhibitory effect. However, the prenylated flavonol glycoside, Icariin and Icariside II isolated from Epimedium brevicornum Maxim (hory goat weed) are the most effective inhibitor, till date from natural sources. Traditional medicines or formulations containing extracts of Ginkgo biloba L., Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex Baker, Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp., Eurycoma longifolia Jack and Vitis vinifera L. are also found to be inhibitors of PDE5 enzyme.

CONCLUSION

The review suggests and supports the rational use of traditional medicines that can be further studied for the development of potential PDE5 inhibitors. Many traditional medicines are still used in various regions of Africa, Asia and South America that are poorly characterized and experimented. Despite the availability of a vast majority of traditional formulations as aphrodisiacs or sexual stimulants, there exists a need for systemic evaluation on the efficacy as well as the mechanism of action of the herbal constituents for the identification of novel chemical moieties that can be further developed for maximum efficacy.

The effect of Dolichandrone serrulata (wall. ex DC.) Seem. flower extract containing antioxidant capacity and terpenoids on the male reproductive system

Although the fruit extract of Dolichandrone genus was shown to inhibit spermatogenesis, the reproductive toxicity of Dolichandrone serrulata flowers (DSFs) is not documented. Recent study aimed to evaluate the sub-chronic toxicity of DSF on male reproductive system. Antioxidant capacity and total phenolic contents of DSF extract were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu's, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. The terpenoid components were determined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum. Adult male rats were treated orally with DSF (100, 300 or 600 mg/kg) for 48 days. Histopathology of testis and epididymis was observed. Sperm concentration, viability, acrosome status and morphology were also examined. Expressions of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), tyrosine-phosphorylated (TyrPho) proteins, androgen receptor (AR) and steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein in testis were investigated. Results showed that DSF contained phenolic compounds and terpenoids (phytoandrogens; rengyolone and cleroindicin B). No reproductive histopathology was observed in DSF-treated rats. Although DSF decreased the serum testosterone level, the sperm qualities were not affected. Particularly, sperm concentration of DSF-treated animals was significantly increased. DSF changed the testicular TyrPho proteins but the expression of AR, StAR or Hsp70 was not altered. In conclusion, DSF possesses antioxidant capacity with no toxicity on male reproductive system.