1
|
Tahvilian R, Golesorkhi MA, Parhoudeh F, Heydarpour F, Hosseini H, Baghshahi H, Akbari H, Memarzadeh MR, Mehran M, Bagheri H. The Effect of the Combination of Ginseng, Tribulus Terrestris, and L-arginine on the Sexual Performance of Men with Erectile Dysfunction: a randomized, double-blind, parallel, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Pharmacopuncture 2024; 27:82-90. [PMID: 38948316 PMCID: PMC11194517 DOI: 10.3831/kpi.2024.27.2.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Nitric oxide is the most important mediator of penile erection after the onset of sexual excitement. It activates cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), increasing penile blood flow. Most pharmaceutical medications prevent enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) from breaking down cGMP, thus keeping its level high. However, due to the adverse effects of pharmacological therapies, herbal drugs that improve sexual function have gained attention recently. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, and L-arginine amino acid on the sexual performance of individuals with erectile dysfunction (ED) using the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. Methods Over three months, 98 men with erectile dysfunction were randomly assigned to receive either 500 mg of herbal supplements or placebo pills. Each herbal tablet contained 100 mg of protodioscin, 35 mg of ginsenosides, and 250 mg of L-arginine. Results The results showed that the changes in the average scores of ILEF-5 within each group before and after the intervention indicated that all parameters related to the improvement of sexual function in patients with erectile dysfunction improved in the herbal treatment group (p < 0.001). The herbal group significantly improved IIEF-5 scores in non-diabetics (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the changes of IIEF-5 scores between the two intervention and control groups in diabetic patients. Conclusion In conclusion, ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, and L-arginine have properties that increase energy and strengthen sexual function, making them suitable for patients with sexual disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Tahvilian
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | - Farajollah Parhoudeh
- School of Medicine Imam Reza Hospital Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Heydarpour
- School of Health, Medical Biology Research Center, Research Institute for Health Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | | | - Hossein Akbari
- Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Research Center, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | | | - Mehdi Mehran
- Barij Essence Medicinal Plants Research Center, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hosna Bagheri
- Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gaobotse G, Venkataraman S, Brown PD, Masisi K, Kwape TE, Nkwe DO, Rantong G, Makhzoum A. The use of African medicinal plants in cancer management. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1122388. [PMID: 36865913 PMCID: PMC9971233 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1122388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the third leading cause of premature death in sub-Saharan Africa. Cervical cancer has the highest number of incidences in sub-Saharan Africa due to high HIV prevalence (70% of global cases) in African countries which is linked to increasing the risk of developing cervical cancer, and the continuous high risk of being infected with Human papillomavirus In 2020, the risk of dying from cancer amongst women was higher in Eastern Africa (11%) than it was in Northern America (7.4%). Plants continue to provide unlimited pharmacological bioactive compounds that are used to manage various illnesses, including cancer. By reviewing the literature, we provide an inventory of African plants with reported anticancer activity and evidence supporting their use in cancer management. In this review, we report 23 plants that have been used for cancer management in Africa, where the anticancer extracts are usually prepared from barks, fruits, leaves, roots, and stems of these plants. Extensive information is reported about the bioactive compounds present in these plants as well as their potential activities against various forms of cancer. However, information on the anticancer properties of other African medicinal plants is insufficient. Therefore, there is a need to isolate and evaluate the anticancer potential of bioactive compounds from other African medicinal plants. Further studies on these plants will allow the elucidation of their anticancer mechanisms of action and allow the identification of phytochemicals that are responsible for their anticancer properties. Overall, this review provides consolidated and extensive information not only on diverse medicinal plants of Africa but on the different types of cancer that these plants are used to manage and the diverse mechanisms and pathways that are involved during cancer alleviation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Goabaone Gaobotse
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana,*Correspondence: Goabaone Gaobotse, ; Kabo Masisi, ; Abdullah Makhzoum,
| | - Srividhya Venkataraman
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Phenyo D. Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana
| | - Kabo Masisi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana,*Correspondence: Goabaone Gaobotse, ; Kabo Masisi, ; Abdullah Makhzoum,
| | - Tebogo E. Kwape
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana
| | - David O. Nkwe
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana
| | - Gaolathe Rantong
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana
| | - Abdullah Makhzoum
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana,*Correspondence: Goabaone Gaobotse, ; Kabo Masisi, ; Abdullah Makhzoum,
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nejati M, Dehghan P, Khani M, Sarbakhsh P. The effect of Tribulus terrestris supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress, and performance of recreational runners: study protocol for a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:689. [PMID: 35986353 PMCID: PMC9389655 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06630-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
High intensity and endurance exercises lead to exercise-induced oxidative stress (EIOS), exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), and inflammation, which are the influencing factors on muscle soreness, localized swelling, and sports performance decrease. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of Tribulus terrestris (TT) as an herbal supplement with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties on the nutritional, oxidative, inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory status, as well as the sports performance of recreational runners.
Methods/design
This study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, which will be conducted among recreational runners of Tabriz stadiums, Iran. Thirty-four recreational runners will be selected, and participants will be assigned randomly to two groups: to receive 500 mg TT supplement or placebo capsules twice daily for 2 weeks. Both groups will do high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts during the study. Baseline and post-intervention body composition, muscle pain, and aerobic and anaerobic performance will be assessed. In addition, assessment of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), uric acid (UA), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α), protein carbonyl (PC), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin (MYO), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) irisin, cortisol, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) will be done during three blood samplings. Changes in oxidative stress, anti/inflammatory biomarkers, and sports performance will be assessed as primary outcomes.
Discussion
This study will be the first to assess the potential effects of TT on recreational runners. Our results will contribute to the growing body of knowledge regarding TT supplementation on the nutritional, oxidative, inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory status and sports performance in recreational runners.
Trial registration
Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir) (ID: IRCT20150205020965N8). Registration date: 13 February 2021.
Collapse
|
4
|
Fernández-Lázaro D, Fernandez-Lazaro CI, Seco-Calvo J, Garrosa E, Adams DP, Mielgo-Ayuso J. Effects of Tribulus terrestris L. on Sport and Health Biomarkers in Physically Active Adult Males: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159533. [PMID: 35954909 PMCID: PMC9368143 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) is a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, and sports nutrition to improve health and performance. However, no conclusive evidence exists about the potential beneficial effects of TT on sport and health biomarkers in physically active adults. Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the modified McMaster Critical Review Form for methodological quality assessment, we systematically reviewed studies indexed in Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed, to assess the effects of TT on immunological, hematological, biochemical, renal, lipidic, hormonal behavior, and anti-inflammatory response in physically active adult males. Among 340 records identified in the search, a total of 7 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, participants supplemented with TT displayed significant improvements in lipid profile. Inflammatory and hematological biomarkers showed moderate beneficial effects with no significant changes on renal biomarkers. No positive effects were observed on the immune system response. Additionally, no TT-induced toxicity was reported. In conclusion, there was no clear evidence of the beneficial effects of TT supplementation on muscle damage markers and hormonal behavior. More studies are needed to confirm the benefits of TT due to the limited number of studies available in the current literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Fernández-Lázaro
- Department of Cellular Biology, Genetics, Histology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Valladolid, Campus of Soria, 42003 Soria, Spain
- Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
- Correspondence: (D.F.-L.); (C.I.F.-L.)
| | - Cesar I. Fernandez-Lazaro
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Correspondence: (D.F.-L.); (C.I.F.-L.)
| | - Jesús Seco-Calvo
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Physiotherapy Department, University of Leon, Campus de Vegazana, 24071 Leon, Spain;
- Psychology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Basque Country University, 48900 Leioa, Spain
| | - Evelina Garrosa
- Department of Cellular Biology, Genetics, Histology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, and Institute of Neurosciences of Castile and Leon (INCYL), University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain;
| | - David P. Adams
- Dual Credit Enrollment Program, Point University, Savannah, GA 31419, USA;
| | - Juan Mielgo-Ayuso
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Boota M, Shah SMA, Rashid A, Akram M, Ayaz S, Mustafa I, Nisar J, Nisar Z. The Hepatoprotective and Anti-Nephrotoxic Potential of Methanolic Extract of a Polyherbal Preparation in CCl 4-Induced Liver Injury Model of Wistar Rats. Dose Response 2022; 20:15593258221124728. [PMID: 36158739 PMCID: PMC9500276 DOI: 10.1177/15593258221124728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver and kidneys are the vital organs of the body and perform important life-sustaining functions in the body. Synthetic drugs used in the treatment of liver and kidney diseases are sometimes inadequate and can lead to serious side effects. Medicinal herbs and plants were used to combat diseases for a long time and combination therapy is preferred over single plant therapy. In the current study, the Asparagus racemosus, Mucuna pruriens, Anacyclus pyrethrum, and Tribulus terrestris polyherbal preparation (PHP) was selected to evaluate its hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-nephrotoxic potential. The methanolic extract of PHP was prepared following standard protocols. Fifty-six albino rats were divided into 7 groups (n = 8). The negative control (NC) having the healthy rats and the remaining 6 groups were induced liver toxicity by intraperitoneally injecting 0.5 mL/kg of 50% CCl4 in olive oil. Group 2 was positive control and group 3 and 4 received silymarin standard drug at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. Groups 5, 6, and 7 (PHP-1, PHP-2, PHP-3) were the liver-damaged rats receiving the PHP at a dose of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg body weight. Blood samples were collected at 21 of the trial, to evaluate oxidative stress, hepatoprotective and anti-nephrotoxic potential. Results of liver function tests revealed significant (P < .05) hepatoprotective activities of PHP after intoxication with CCl4 of albino rats as compared to standard groups. Moreover, results of renal functions also showed that PHP has a significant (P < .05) restoring the capacity of blood urea, creatinine, and uric acid in intoxicated rats as compared with the control group. The PHP also reduced the oxidative stress in the treatment groups by increasing the total antioxidant capacity and reducing the total oxidative status. It can be concluded that selected medicinal plants have a potential role in the management of liver and kidney disorders. So, by running the clinical trial on a large scale and by isolating the phytochemical constituents responsible for hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activities, locally prepared drugs could be developed to manage liver and renal disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Boota
- Department of Eastern Medicine, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Syed Muhammad Ali Shah
- Department of Eastern Medicine, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Abid Rashid
- Faculty of Medical Science, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Akram
- Department of Eastern Medicine, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Sultan Ayaz
- Department of Eastern Medicine, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Imtiaz Mustafa
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore-Pakistan, Lahore, Pakistan.,Department of Physiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Jaweria Nisar
- Department of Eastern Medicine, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Zonaira Nisar
- Department of Eastern Medicine, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|