An evidence-based approach to medicinal plants for the treatment of sperm abnormalities in traditional Persian medicine

Antioxidant Capacity of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Essential Oil and Its Effect on In Vivo Fertility of Rams Subjected to Testicle Heat Stress

The detrimental effects of hyperthermia on the testes and the protective effect of thyme essential oil against testicular damage induced by this stress in rams were studied. Twenty-four rams of the Barbarine breed with an average weight of 62.5 ± 0.3 kg and an average age of 24 ± 0.6 months. The experiment consisted of inducing localized heat stress on the first group of rams by applying heat bags to both testicles of six rams (G s). The second group underwent the same heat stress on the testes but received orally 100 µL/day/animal of thyme essential oil (G s-he). A positive control did not undergo stress but received thyme essential oil (G he) with the same doses as the (G s-he) group, and the negative control did not undergo either stress or receive the essential oil of thyme (G c). One hundred twenty-eight adult ewes of the same breed divided into four groups of 32 ewes were used to study the effect of different treatments on the in vivo ram's fertility. Ewes are synchronized and we have applied natural mating with oestrus control, the reproduction balance sheet is calculated after lambing. The results showed that tests of heat stress (HS) negatively affect semen quality but did not cause infertility. However, neither tests for heat stress nor treatment with thyme EO significantly affected the haematological profile. The study of the effect of heat stress on the testes on fertility in vivo showed a drop in the number of females who were fertilized at the first oestrus and consequently a drop in fertility. However, the rams that suffered the same stress but were treated with EO thymus recorded an improvement in these parameters.

Cryoprotective Potential of Theobromine in the Improvement of the Post-Thaw Quality of Bovine Spermatozoa

Theobromine (TBR) is a methylxanthine known for its bronchodilatory and stimulatory effects. This research evaluated the vitality, capacitation patterns, oxidative characteristics, microbial profile and expression of capacitation-associated proteins (CatSper1/2, sodium bicarbonate cotransporter [NBC], protein kinases A [PKA] and C [PKC] and adenylate cyclase 10 [ADCY10]) in cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa (n = 30) in the absence (cryopreserved control [CtrlC]) or presence of different TBR concentrations (12.5, 25, and 50 µM) in egg yolk extender. Fresh ejaculate served as a negative control (CtrlN). Significant post-thaw maintenance of the sperm motility, membrane and DNA integrity and mitochondrial activity (p < 0.001) were recorded following the administration of 25 μM and 50 μM TBR, then compared to CtrlC. All groups supplemented with TBR exhibited a significantly lower percentage of prematurely capacitated spermatozoa (p < 0.001) than CtrlC. Significantly decreased levels of global reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals were observed in the presence of 25 μM and 50 μM TBR (p < 0.01). Western blot analysis revealed that supplementation with 50 μM TBR significantly prevented the loss of NBC and ADCY10 (p < 0.01), while all TBR doses stabilized the levels of PKC (p < 0.05 at 50 μM TBR; p < 0.001 at 12.5 μM and 25 μM TBR). In summary, we suggest that TBR is effective in protecting the spermatozoa during the cryopreservation process through its potential to stimulate energy synthesis while preventing ROS overproduction and the loss of proteins involved in the sperm activation process.

Phoenix dactylifera L. pollen versus pentoxifylline on improvement of sperm parameters in idiopathic male infertility: A randomized clinical trial

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Phoenix dactylifera L. pollen is the male reproductive dust of palm flowers known as a natural product that is considered a strong stimulant of sexual potency and fertility in Iranian traditional medicine (ITM). In this regard, no evidence-based medications are empirically prescribed to treat IMI. However, applying traditional medicine for the treatment of male infertility has attracted more attention in recent years.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Phoenix dactylifera L. pollen was compared with pentoxifylline (PTX) to evaluate its efficacy on sperm parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During this parallel randomized controlled trial, 80 adult men with asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, or teratozoospermia (age 20-35 years) were enrolled. In two separate groups of participants with a 1:1 ratio, participants received either 6 g of Phoenix dactylifera L. pollen powder daily or 400 mg of PTX tablets daily for 90 days. We measured the sperm parameters as well as the serum sex hormones in the sample. ANCOVA and t-tests were used to compare groups.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the study groups in terms of baseline characteristics or demographic characteristics. According to the results, participants who took Phoenix dactylifera L. pollen powder had significantly improved sperm concentration (p = 0.016), morphology (p = 0.029), sperm counts (p = 0.012), progressive motility (p = 0.016), total motility (p = 0.018), and reduced immotile sperms (p = 0.014) compared to those who took PTX.

CONCLUSIONS

In light of these results, Phoenix dactylifera L. pollen is recommended as a treatment factor for ameliorating IMI by enhancing sperm functional capacity and semen parameters.

Effects of Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) Extract on Male Rat Reproductive System, Pregnancy and Offspring Development

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.

Acute and Repeated Dose 28-Day Oral Toxicity Study of the Aqueous Extracts from the Leafy Stem and Fruit of Pedalium murex D.Royen EX.L in Wistar Rats

Background

Pedalium murex (P. murex) is used in folk medicine for treatment of male infertility. However, scientific data on its safety are limited.

Objective

This study was carried out to assess the acute and repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity of the aqueous extracts from P. murex leafy stem and fruit in Wistar rats.

Methods

The acute toxicity test was performed according to the line 423 of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines. The rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 3). The control group received distilled water, while the experimental groups were given at a single dose, 5000 mg/kg of each extract. The repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity was performed according to the line 407 of the OECD guidelines. 35 rats divided into 7 groups of 5 male rats each were daily treated for 28 days with each extract at 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg, respectively. The in-life parameters were recorded during the follow-up. At the end of this study, organ weights, hematology, biochemistry, and histology parameters were analyzed.

Results

In the acute oral toxicity test, there was no morbidity or mortality related to the treatments. Both extracts belong therefore to category 5 of the globally harmonized system (GHS) of classification. In the repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity test, both extracts did not alter animal's behavior. However, both extract administration led to proteinuria and renal damages.

Conclusion

P. murex leafy stem and fruit aqueous extracts exhibited potential nephrotoxicity. Therefore, care should be taken when they are used over an extended period.

Herbal Medicines for Idiopathic Male Infertility: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Various medications, surgeries, and assisted reproductive techniques are used to treat male infertility, but the high cost and low effectiveness have made these methods unpopular. The use of herbal medicines such as Withania somnifera, Ceratonia siliqua, Nigella sativa and Alpinia officinarum for the treatment of male infertility has become highly popular in recent years.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted this systematic review to evaluate the recent scientific evidence regarding herbal medicines used to treat idiopathic male infertility (IMI).

METHODS

Online literature resources were checked using different search engines, including ISI, Web of Knowledge, Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Date restrictions were applied to 2020, and the publication language was restricted to English and Persian. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane method.

RESULTS

Out of 851 articles, 14 trials with 1218 participants were included. Of the 15 plants and medicinal products introduced in the selected studies, 12 cases were effective in treating male infertility. Each of these plants or products affects specific components of male fertility for which various mechanisms were mentioned, but most of them had antioxidant effects. No serious side effects were reported.

CONCLUSION

Whitania somnifera roots, Alpinia officinarum, Nigella sativa seeds, Tomato, and Ceratonia siliqua and the formulation of Xperm, PHF, Churna Ratnam, Svaguptadi Churna, Y virilin capsule, manix capsule, and Tradafertil tablet revealed successful outcomes in treatment of idiopathic male infertility.

Reproductive and developmental toxicities of 5-fluorouracil in model organisms and humans

Chemotherapy, as an important clinical treatment, has greatly enhanced survival in cancer patients, but the side effects and long-term sequelae bother both patients and clinicians. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) has been widely used as a chemotherapeutic agent in the clinical treatment of various cancers, but several studies showed its adverse effects on reproduction. Reproductive toxicity of 5-FU often associates with developmental block, malformation and ovarian damage in the females. In males, 5-FU administration alters the morphology of sexual organs, the levels of reproductive endocrine hormones and the progression of spermatogenesis, ultimately reducing sperm numbers. Mechanistically, 5-FU exerts its effect through incorporating the active metabolites into nucleic acids directly, or inhibiting thymidylate synthase to disrupt the function of DNA and RNA, leading to profound effects on cellular metabolism and viability. However, some studies suggested that the toxicity of 5-FU on reproduction is reversible and certain drugs used in combination with 5-FU during chemotherapy could protect reproductive systems from 5-FU damage both in females and males. Herein, we summarise the recent findings and discuss underlying mechanisms of the 5-FU-induced reproductive toxicity, providing a reference for future research and clinical treatments.

Comparative efficacy of Gum Arabic (Acacia senegal) and Tribulus terrestris on male fertility

In this study the effect of Gum arabic (Acacia Senegal) was systemically targeted at male fertility with two experiments, the first comparing the effectiveness of Gum arabic (GA) and Tribulus terrestris (TT). For the first experiment, 27 adult mice Balb / c (18 females, 9 males) were divided into 3 in each group, one male and two females, group one had the usual tap water as power, group two had 5% (w / v) GA and group three had 5% (w / v) of TT for 21 days. The results showed, the number of offspring was more with GA treated when compared to TT treated. Blood measurements of testosterone showed significant increase in the GA group as compared to other groups, also Histopathological analysis showed the dose dependent 5% GA had normal seminiferous tubules with increase spermatogenesis. In this study the enhanced fertility in GA-treated mice Balb/c was observed and the experimental studies also show that GA fertility was increased.

Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Production Alters Sperm Quality

Besides ATP production, mitochondria are key organelles in several cellular functions, such as steroid hormone biosynthesis, calcium homoeostasis, intrinsic apoptotic pathway, and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Despite the loss of the majority of the cytoplasm occurring during spermiogenesis, mammalian sperm preserves a number of mitochondria that rearrange in a tubular structure at the level of the sperm flagellum midpiece. Although sperm mitochondria are destroyed inside the zygote, the integrity and the functionality of these organelles seem to be critical for fertilization and embryo development. The aim of this review was to discuss the impact of mitochondria-produced ROS at multiple levels in sperm: the genome, proteome, lipidome, epigenome. How diet, aging and environmental pollution may affect sperm quality and offspring health—by exacerbating oxidative stress—will be also described.

Critical review of the Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal: ethnobotany, pharmacological efficacy, and commercialization significance in Africa

BACKGROUND

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (W. somnifera) is a herb commonly known by its English name as Winter Cherry. Africa is indigenous to many medicinal plants and natural products. However, there is inadequate documentation of medicinal plants, including W. somnifera, in Africa. There is, therefore, a need for a comprehensive compilation of research outcomes of this reviewed plant as used in traditional medicine in different regions of Africa.

METHODOLOGY

Scientific articles and publications were scooped and sourced from high-impact factor journals and filtered with relevant keywords on W. somnifera. Scientific databases, including GBIF, PubMed, NCBI, Google Scholar, Research Gate, Science Direct, SciFinder, and Web of Science, were accessed to identify the most influential articles and recent breakthroughs published on the contexts of ethnography, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and commercialization of W. somnifera.

RESULTS

This critical review covers the W. somnifera ethnography, phytochemistry, and ethnomedicinal usage to demonstrate the use of the plant in Africa and elsewhere to prevent or alleviate several pathophysiological conditions, including cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, reproductive impotence, as well as other chronic diseases.

CONCLUSION

W. somnifera is reportedly safe for administration in ethnomedicine as several research outcomes confirmed its safety status. The significance of commercializing this plant in Africa for drug development is herein thoroughly covered to provide the much-needed highlights towards its cultivations economic benefit to Africa.

Effect of Herbal Medicine on Fertility Potential in Experimental Animals - an Update Review

Introduction:

Sexual function greatly affects the quality of life. Any problem which affects satisfaction is considered sexual dysfunction.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to investigate how recently used of complementary and alternative medicines has increased in treating infertility.

Methods:

Study has descriptive character based on searched and analyzed facts from the published articles in scientific journals.

Results:

The majority of the studies done for the detection of the efficacy of medicinal plants in treating male infertility were done on experimental animals with few clinical studies. However, there is still a need for more studies to have certain results, as conflicting results were noted in different studies done on the effect of the same medicinal plant on spermatogenesis. It might be referred it to the absence of standardization among research models, the difference in extracts, administration route, doses and how long did the experiment last added to differences in the part of the plant used and plant collection. This review summarized the finding of many studies that studied the effect of different medicinal herbs on the testes, epididymis, sperm and prostate parameters, testosterone level and steroidogenesis, erection/ejaculation function and libido.

Conclusion:

The protective effect might be due to OLE competence to antagonize the oxidative stress and LPO. Londium suffruticosum I. suffruticosum leaf extract was administered to sub-fertile male rats, subfertility was induced by carbendazim, it resulted in increased spermatogenesis, increased sperm counts, lessened sperm agglutination by preserving normal pH in testicular microenvironment, increasing the testicular oxidative biomarkers, SOD, and CAT. It was found that the main active components of the extract are alkaloids, steroidal lactones and flavonoids.

Genotoxicity and sperm defects induced by 5-FU in male mice and the possible protective role of Pentas lanceolata-iridoids

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely used antineoplastic drug. In this work, a comprehensive study was performed to detect the extent of chromosomal damage and morphological sperm defects induced by 5-FU in male mice and the possible protective role of the iridoids-rich fraction of Pentas lanceolata leaves (IFPL). Six main groups were examined in micronucleus and chromosomal assays: I- control negative, II- control positive (i.p. treated with single dose of 75 mg/kg 5-FU), III- control plant (orally administrated IFPL, 300 mg/kg, 5 consecutive days), and IV-VI- treated with IFPL (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, 5 consecutive days) plus 5-FU (i.p. treated at the last day). Samples were taken 24 h post treatment. The study of morphological sperm anomalies, single and repeated treatments were examined and samples were taken after 35 days from the 1^st treatment. In bone marrow, 5-FU induced a significant increase in the micro-nucleated polychromatic erythrocytes, chromosome anomalies (CAs) and also cytotoxic effects. A significant percentage of CAs was recorded in spermatocytes after 5-FU treatment reached 22.80 ± 1.32 vs 4.20 ± 0.37 for control (mainly X-Y univalent, 90%). IFPL was recorded to be non-mutagenic in all tests examined. In addition, it alleviated the previous defects in a dose-dependent manner. A significant and dramatic increase in the percentage of morphological sperm defects was recorded after single and repeated treatments with 5-FU reached 13.24 ± 0.24, 30.42 ± 0.32 respectively vs 2.56 ± 0.14 for control. Amorphous head-sperm and sperm with coiled tail were the most pronounced types of abnormalities. Significant protection was detected with the highest tested dose of IFPL. In conclusion: 5-FU demonstrated to be a genotoxic agent. Its genotoxicity in germ cells is serious and may lead to reproductive toxicity, infertility or heritable defects. The results also demonstrated the biosafety of IFPL and its possible protective role in combined treatment with 5-FU.

'Testosterone Boosting' Supplements Composition and Claims Are not Supported by the Academic Literature

PURPOSE

Men take testosterone (T) boosting supplements to naturally improve T levels. We evaluated the composition and advertised claims of "T boosting" supplements, and supporting published evidence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty "T booster" supplements were evaluated for active ingredients and product claims, discovered via Google search. PubMed was reviewed for any literature supporting the claims, followed by review of Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) and upper tolerable intake level (UL) for each component.

RESULTS

Ninety percent of supplements claimed to "boost T", 50% "improve libido", and 48% "feel stronger". One-hundred nine unique components were found, with a mean number of 8.3 per product. On PubMed, 24.8% of supplements had data showing an increase in T with supplementation, 10.1% had data showing a decrease in T, and 18.3% had data showing no change in T. No data were found on 61.5% of supplements on their effect on T. Supplements contained a median 1,291% of the RDA for vitamin B12, 807.6% for vitamin B6, 272% of zinc, 200% of vitamin B5, and 187.5% of vitamin B3. Thirteen products exceeded the US Food and Drug Administration UL of ingredients (zinc, vitamin B3, and magnesium).

CONCLUSIONS

Ninety percent of "T booster" supplements claimed to boost T. However, only 24.8% of these had data to support these claims. A total of 10.1% contained components with data suggesting a negative effect on T. Many had supra-therapeutic doses of vitamins and minerals, occasionally over the UL. Patients should be informed that "T booster" supplements may not have ingredients to support their claims.

Oxidative stress and male infertility: current knowledge of pathophysiology and role of antioxidant therapy in disease management

Infertility is a global health problem involving about 15% of couples. Approximately half of the infertility cases are related to male factors. The oxidative stress, which refers to an imbalance in levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, is one of the main causes of infertility in men. A small amount of ROS is necessary for the physiological function of sperm including the capacitation, hyperactivation and acrosomal reaction. However, high levels of ROS can cause infertility through not only by lipid peroxidation or DNA damage but inactivation of enzymes and oxidation of proteins in spermatozoa. Oxidative stress (OS) is mainly caused by factors associated with lifestyle. Besides, immature spermatozoa, inflammatory factors, genetic mutations and altering levels of sex hormones are other main source of ROS. Since OS occurs due to the lack of antioxidants and its side effects in semen, lifestyle changes and antioxidant regimens can be helpful therapeutic approaches to overcome this problem. The present study aimed to describe physiological ROS production, roles of genetic and epigenetic factors on the OS and male infertility with various mechanisms such as lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and disorder of male hormone profile, inflammation, and varicocele. Finally, the roles of oral antioxidants and herbs were explained in coping with OS in male infertility.

Epicatechin Provides Antioxidant Protection to Bovine Spermatozoa Subjected to Induced Oxidative Stress

Epicatechin (EPI) is a natural flavonoid with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Furthermore, the molecule exhibits powerful reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and metal-chelating properties. In this study, we assessed the efficiency of EPI to reverse ROS-mediated alterations to the motility, viability, DNA integrity and oxidative profile of bovine spermatozoa. For the first experiment, spermatozoa were washed out of fresh semen and exposed to 12.5 μmol/L EPI, 25 μmol/L EPI, 50 μmol/L EPI and 100 μmol/L EPI in the presence of ferrous ascorbate (FeAA) during a 6 h in vitro culture. For the second experiment, the ejaculates were split into aliquots and cryopreserved with a commercial semen extender supplemented with 12.5 μmol/L EPI, 25 μmol/L EPI, 50 μmol/L EPI, 100 μmol/L EPI or containing no supplement. Sperm motility was assessed using the computer-aided sperm analysis and the cell viability was studied with the metabolic activity test. ROS production was quantified using luminometry, and DNA fragmentation was evaluated using the chromatin dispersion test. Cell lysates were prepared at the end of the culture in order to assess the concentration of protein carbonyls and malondialdehyde. Exposure to FeAA led to a significantly reduced sperm motility (p < 0.001), mitochondrial activity (p < 0.001), but increased the generation of ROS (p < 0.001), as well as oxidative damage to proteins (p < 0.001), DNA (p < 0.001) and lipids (p < 0.001). EPI supplementation, particularly at a concentration range of 50–100 μmol/L, resulted in higher preservation of the spermatozoa vitality (p < 0.001). Furthermore, 50–100 μmol/L EPI were significantly effective in the prevention of oxidative damage to sperm proteins (p < 0.001), lipids (p < 0.001) and DNA (p < 0.01 in relation to 50 μmol/L EPI; p < 0.001 with respect to 100 μmol/L EPI). In the case of the cryopreserved spermatozoa, the administration of 50–100 μmol/L EPI resulted in higher sperm motility (p < 0.001) and mitochondrial activity (p < 0.001). ROS production, the number of protein carbonyls, lipid peroxidation as well as oxidative DNA damage were found to be significantly decreased particularly in samples cryopreserved in the presence of 100 μmol/L EPI (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that EPI could behave as an effective antioxidant which may prevent oxidative insults to spermatozoa, and thus, preserve their vitality and functionality. Nevertheless, its potential to achieve higher fertilization rates in reproductive technologies needs to be validated.

Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) in male infertility: An evidence-based systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Withania somnifera Dunal, commonly known as Indian ginseng, has been in use since ancient times as anti-stress agent, aphrodisiac, for impotence and infertility treatment.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of W. somnifera treatment in infertile men.

STUDY DESIGN

An evidence-based systematic review and meta-analysis using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

METHODS

Published literature was searched in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and DHARA. Grey literature was assessed from the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/) and the US National Institutes of Health (https://clinicaltrials.gov/).

RESULTS

Four clinical trials (comprising 5 publications: observational, n = 4; randomized controlled trial [RCT], n = 1) were included in the study. As only one RCT included, meta-analysis of RCT was not performed; however, systematically reviewed data demonstrated statistical (p ≤ .002 versus baseline) increase in sperm concentration (167%), semen volume (59%), and sperm motility (57%) in oligospermic males after 90 days of W. somnifera treatment, as well, serum testosterone (17%) and luteinizing hormone (34%) levels. Meta-analysis of observational (versus pre-treatment) studies showed that W. somnifera treatment significantly improved semen parameters (semen volume: mean difference [MD], 0.28  ml; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12 to 0.43; p = .0004; sperm concentration: MD, 13.57 million/ml; 95% CI, 11.12 to 16.01; p < .00001; sperm motility: MD, 8.50%; 95% CI, 7.36 to 9.63; p < .00001) with 14% of pregnancy outcome success rate in normozoospermic men. Meta-analysis findings also evidenced significant improvement in serum hormonal profile, oxidative biomarkers and antioxidant vitamins in seminal plasma. No adverse effects were reported in infertile men taking W. somnifera treatment.

CONCLUSION

Due to a small number of eligible studies, the available data, though promising, are too limited to provide novel and sufficiently robust evidence of the benefits of W. somnifera in male infertility. Additional RCTs of high quality with a larger sample size are warranted to further strength clinical use of W. somnifera in treating male factor infertility. Future research also needs to elucidate the molecular mechanism(s) of W. somnifera as well its active principles in male infertility.

MAT, a Novel Polyherbal Aphrodisiac Formulation, Enhances Sexual Function and Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway While Reducing Oxidative Damage in Male Rats

Mucuna pruriens, Ashwagandha, and Tribulus terrestris are known as the enhancers for sexual health, functional activities, vitality, and longevity. These herbs had been widely used in the Ayurveda medicine as aphrodisiacs through the ages, and their efficacy was also verified separately in our previous publication. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of Mucuna, Ashwagandha, and Tribulus complexes on sexual function in rats. Twenty-eight male rats allocated to four groups as follows: (i) negative control (C); (ii) positive control or sildenafil citrate treated group (5 mg/kg) (S); (iii) MAT1 (combination of 10 mg Mucuna (M) + 10 mg Ashwagandha (A) + 10 mg Tribulus (T)/kg BW); (iv) MAT 2 (20 mg Mucuna + 20 mg Ashwagandha + 20 mg Tribulus/kg BW). There was no significant difference found between the MAT1 and MAT2 groups while they showed significantly increased testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels when compared to the negative control. Significant increases in Nrf2/HO1 levels and decreases in NF-κB were detected in MAT groups similar to the decrease in serum and testis malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as compared to both controls. The sperm motility, count, and rate also significantly improved in both MAT groups, while ALT, AST, creatinine, ALP, and urea levels did not change in any of the groups. Oral consumption of MATs combination in male rats resulted in inhibition of NF-κB and MDA and also increased sex hormones with Nrf2-mediated HO-1 induction. MAT combinations may improve sexual functions by increasing levels of sexual hormones and regulation of NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways.

Herbal Medicine for Oligomenorrhea and Amenorrhea: A Systematic Review of Ancient and Conventional Medicine

Introduction

Menstrual bleeding cessation is one of the most frequent gynecologic disorders among women in reproductive age. The treatment is based on hormone therapy. Due to the increasing request for alternative medicine remedies in the field of women's diseases, in present study, it was tried to overview medicinal plants used to treat oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea according to the pharmaceutical textbooks of traditional Persian medicine (TPM) and review the evidence in the conventional medicine.

Methods

This systematic review was designed and performed in 2017 in order to gather information regarding herbal medications of oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea in TPM and conventional medicine. This study had several steps as searching Iranian traditional medicine literature and extracting the emmenagogue plants, classifying the plants, searching the electronic databases, and finding evidences. To search traditional Persian medicine references, Noor digital library was used, which includes several ancient traditional medical references. The classification of plants was done based on the repetition and potency of the plants in the ancient literatures. The required data was gathered using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, and web of knowledge.

Results

In present study of all 198 emmenagogue medicinal plants found in TPM, 87 cases were specified to be more effective in treating oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea. In second part of present study, where a search of conventional medicine was performed, 12 studies were found, which had 8 plants investigated: Vitex agnus-castus, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Foeniculum vulgare, Cinnamomum verum, Paeonia lactiflora, Sesamum indicum, Mentha longifolia, and Urtica dioica. Conclusion. Traditional Persian medicine has proposed many different medicinal plants for treatment of oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea. Although just few plants have been proven to be effective for treatment of menstrual irregularities, the results and the classification in present study can be used as an outline for future studies and treatment.

Effects of date palm pollen on fertility: research proposal for a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Over 10-15% of couples in different countries are infertile. Male infertility is a contributing factor and the only cause of infertility in respectively 50% and 20-30% of all cases of infertility. According to previous research, micro-elements isolated from date palm pollen (DPP), e.g. estrogen and sterols, may enhance male and female fertility. DPP has also been reported to improve sperm parameters including sperm motility and viability, acrosome reaction, and lipid peroxidation. This article may justify the need for a future systematic review and meta-analysis about the effects of DPP on the reproductive system and DPP's ability to enhance fertility. It will then describe the methodology of such a study.

MAIN TEXT

A comprehensive search of relevant randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials will be performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases. Two authors will independently assess the eligibility of the studies and consult the third author in cases of disagreement. The risk of bias of the randomized controlled trials and animal studies will be evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) risk of bias tool, respectively. This study will raise no ethical issues as it will review the findings of previous research. The results are intended to be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.

Phytosteroids beyond estrogens: Regulators of reproductive and endocrine function in natural products

Foods and botanical supplements can interfere with the endocrine system through the presence of phytosteroids - chemicals that interact with steroids receptors. Phytoestrogens are well studied, but compounds such as kaempferol, apigenin, genistein, ginsenoside Rf, and glycyrrhetinic acid have been shown to interact with non-estrogen nuclear receptors. These compounds can have agonist, antagonist, or mixed agonist/antagonist activity depending on compound, receptor, cell line or tissue, and concentration. Some phytosteroids have also been shown to inhibit steroid metabolizing enzymes, resulting in biological effects through altered endogenous steroid concentrations. An interesting example, compound A (4-[1-chloro-2-(methylamino)ethyl]phenyl acetate hydrochloride (1:1)) is a promising selective glucocorticoid receptor modulator (SGRM) based on a phytosteroid isolated from Salsola tuberculatiformis Botschantzev. Given that $6.9 billion of herbal supplements are sold each year, is clear that further identification and characterization of phytosteroids is needed to ensure the safe and effective use of botanical supplements.