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Miranda DR, Chaves BR, Vilela Soares L, Konig IFM, Pinto JT, Miranda JR, Zangeronimo MG. Use of Tribulus terrestris and Lepidium meyenii extract in rats: reproductive, biochemical and body parameters. Andrologia 2021; 54:e14358. [PMID: 34964154 DOI: 10.1111/and.14358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The oral administration of Tribulus terrestris and Lepidium meyenii extracts on reproductive, biochemical and body parameters was evaluated in rats. Thirty-six male Wistar rats weighting 210 ± 18 g were divided into six experimental groups (n = 6). Each group received, daily for 28 days, different solutions: T. terrestris (100 mg/kg), L. meyenii (1 g/kg) and T. terrestris at doses of 75, 50 and 25 mg/kg combined with L. meyenii at doses of 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 g/kg, respectively, and distilled water (control). T. terrestris increased (p < 0.05) the serum testosterone, regardless of dose. Combined use of the extracts increased (p < 0.05) the diameter of the epididymal duct and epididymis lumen. The combinations of T. terrestris (75 and 50 mg/kg) with L. meyenii increased (p < 0.05) the sperm concentration. There were no differences (p > 0.05) in the other semen characteristics; relative weight of organs; and serum levels of urea, creatinine, alanine and aspartate transaminase, gamma glutamyl transferase, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. No histopathological changes were observed (p > 0.05). It is concluded that the association of T. terrestris and L. meyenii has positive effects on serum testosterone, sperm concentration and epididymal morphology, with no evidence of effects in the testis, liver, spleen and kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruna Resende Chaves
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras-MG, Brazil
| | - Lara Vilela Soares
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras-MG, Brazil
| | | | - Juliana Tensol Pinto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras-MG, Brazil
| | - José Rafael Miranda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras-MG, Brazil
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Todorova V, Ivanov K, Ivanova S. Comparison between the Biological Active Compounds in Plants with Adaptogenic Properties ( Rhaponticum carthamoides, Lepidium meyenii, Eleutherococcus senticosus and Panax ginseng). PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:64. [PMID: 35009068 PMCID: PMC8747685 DOI: 10.3390/plants11010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the 1960s, research into plant adaptogens began. Plants with adaptogenic properties have rich phytochemical compositions and have been used by humanity since ancient times. However, it is not still clear whether the adaptogenic properties are because of specific compounds or because of the whole plant extracts. The aim of this review is to compare the bioactive compounds in the different parts of these plants. METHODS The search strategy was based on studies related to the isolation of bioactive compounds from Rhaponticum carthamoides, Lepidium meyenii, Eleutherococcus senticosus, and Panax ginseng. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. RESULTS This review includes data from 259 articles. The phytochemicals isolated from Rhaponticum carthamoides, Lepidium meyenii, Eleutherococcus senticosus, and Panax ginseng were described and classified in several categories. CONCLUSIONS Plant species have always played an important role in drug discovery because their effectiveness is based on the hundreds of years of experience with folk medicine in different nations. In our view, there is great potential in the near future for some of the phytochemicals found in these plants species to become pharmaceutical agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Velislava Todorova
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (K.I.); (S.I.)
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Li M, Zhou M, Wei Y, Jia F, Yan Y, Zhang R, Cai M, Gu R. The beneficial effect of oyster peptides and oyster powder on cyclophosphamide-induced reproductive impairment in male rats: A comparative study. J Food Biochem 2020; 44:e13468. [PMID: 32935351 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oyster peptides and oyster powder on the procreative capacity of rats displaying reproductive dysfunction induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX). The amino acid composition and relative molecular mass of the oyster peptides and oyster powder were detected using an automatic amino acid analyzer and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). After 5 d of exposure to CTX and six weeks of oyster peptide and oyster powder treatment, the biochemical serum indexes of the rats, the expression of related genes and proteins in the testes, as well as the antioxidant status and pathological state of the testes and kidneys were examined. The results showed that oyster peptides could effectively improve the biochemical blood indexes of rats, and increase the level of androgen in the blood, while improving the pathological state and oxidative stress state of the kidneys and testes, therefore, exhibiting a beneficial effect on reproductive injury. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study examined the activity of oyster peptides and their ability to enhance the procreative capacity of rats with reproductive dysfunction induced by CTX while analyzing the amino acid composition and relative molecular mass of the oyster peptides. The results of this experiment provided a preliminary theoretical basis for the development of new functional foods using oyster peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingliang Li
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Protein & Functional Peptides, China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Protein & Functional Peptides, China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Wei
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Protein & Functional Peptides, China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries, Beijing, China
| | - Fuhuai Jia
- Ningbo Yufangtang Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Ningbo, China
| | - Yongqiu Yan
- Ningbo Yufangtang Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Ningbo, China.,College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruixue Zhang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Protein & Functional Peptides, China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries, Beijing, China
| | - Muyi Cai
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Protein & Functional Peptides, China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries, Beijing, China
| | - Ruizeng Gu
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Protein & Functional Peptides, China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries, Beijing, China
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Chung HJ, Noh Y, Kim MS, Jang A, Lee CE, Myung SC. Steroidogenic effects of Taraxacum officinale extract on the levels of steroidogenic enzymes in mouse Leydig cells. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2018; 22:407-414. [PMID: 30533263 PMCID: PMC6282421 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2018.1494628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the steroidogenic effect of Taraxacum officinale extract on mouse TM3 Leydig cells, which produce male hormones by increasing the levels of steroidogenic enzymes. Steroidogenic enzymes are involved in the production of testosterone in the testis. To date, the steroidogenic effect of T. officinale has not been reported. Therefore, we examined the steroidogenic effects of T. officinale extract (TOE) on mouse Leydig cells in vitro. Traditionally, plants have been used for the treatment of various kinds of ailments. For many years, some medicinal plants have been used to regulate steroidogenesis or late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). In particular, plants belonging to the genus Taraxacum have anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer properties. In this study, we determined whether the TOE exerts steroidogenic effects by increasing the levels of enzymes associated with steroidogenesis, such as the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR), CYP11A1, and translocator protein (TSPO) in the mitochondria and CYP17A1 in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, in mouse Leydig cells. Our results showed that the TOE significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of steroidogenic enzymes, thereby increasing the testosterone levels in mouse Leydig cells. Thus, our results indicate that the TOE increases the levels of steroidogenic enzymes, and further studies are required to establish the potential of this plant in regulating steroidogenesis and improving LOH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Joo Chung
- Department of Urology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Advanced Urogenital Diseases Research Center, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Bio-Integration Research Center for Nutra-Pharmaceutical Epigenetics, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoohun Noh
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Neurology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Su Kim
- Department of Urology, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ara Jang
- Department of Urology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Advanced Urogenital Diseases Research Center, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Bio-Integration Research Center for Nutra-Pharmaceutical Epigenetics, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chae Eun Lee
- Department of Urology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Chul Myung
- Department of Urology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Advanced Urogenital Diseases Research Center, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Bio-Integration Research Center for Nutra-Pharmaceutical Epigenetics, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Kasprzak D, Jodlowska-Jedrych B, Borowska K, Wojtowicz A. Lepidium meyenii (Maca) – multidirectional health effects – review. CURRENT ISSUES IN PHARMACY AND MEDICAL SCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.1515/cipms-2018-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Lepidium meyenii, commonly known as Maca, is a Peruvian plant that grows high in the Andes, in areas over 4,000 meters above sea level. Its composition contains almost all of the essential amino acids and twenty of the essential fatty acids needed by man, as well as many vitamins, minerals and several sterols and glucosinolates. The specific and unique unsaturated acids and amides found only in this plant are the macaenes and macamides. Most valuable ingredients are contained within the hypocotyls. Maca comes in three forms, based on its root colour, yellow, red and black. Although used individually, consumption recommendations are usually for a mix of all three. Since Inca times, it has been considered as super food.
Although now mostly used in the form of a supplement, ongoing research does not exclude future applications of Maca as medicine. It is attributed to have an effect on male fertility (adding energy and vitality), and in regulating hormone secretion. In animal studies, Maca has been shown to have antioxidant, neuroprotective effects and antiviral activity. Moreover, it has been demonstrated to alleviate the effects of depression. In addition, there are reports that Maca reduces the development of cancer and osteoporosis, improves memory, facilitates concentration and alleviates the symptoms of menopause. The obtained results, however, require further analysis to confirm its effect. Currently, there is little information on toxicity, so there is a need for specialized research in this area, and on-going research concerns the most effective variety and form of preparation of Maca for administration to achieve best effects. The potential of Maca as medicine exists. The increasing pan-continental popularity of Maca has created the need for a better understanding of its action mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Kasprzak
- Chair and Department of Histology and Embryology with Experimental Cytology Unit , Medical University of Lublin , Radziwillowska 11, 20-080 Lublin , Poland
| | - Barbara Jodlowska-Jedrych
- Chair and Department of Histology and Embryology with Experimental Cytology Unit , Medical University of Lublin , Radziwillowska 11, 20-080 Lublin , Poland
| | - Katarzyna Borowska
- Chair and Department of Histology and Embryology with Experimental Cytology Unit , Medical University of Lublin , Radziwillowska 11, 20-080 Lublin , Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wojtowicz
- Chair and Department of Histology and Embryology with Experimental Cytology Unit , Medical University of Lublin , Radziwillowska 11, 20-080 Lublin , Poland
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Beharry S, Heinrich M. Is the hype around the reproductive health claims of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) justified? JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 211:126-170. [PMID: 28811221 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Maca - Lepidium meyenii Walp. has been cultivated and used by Andean people for over 1300-2000 years in Peru as food and medicine. Starting in the late 1990's it has developed into an important herbal medicine in China and is now cultivated there widely, too AIM OF STUDY: This study aims to provide an insight into the emergence of maca on the global market as an alternative remedy to treat reproductive health related problems in both men and women and to critically assess these health claims. METHODOLOGY A search of electronic databases such as EMBASE and a hand-search was done to acquire peer-reviewed articles and reports about maca. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Lepidium meyenii is used traditionally as a tonic, fertility enhancer for both humans and cattle, and to treat a variety of ailments such as rheumatism, respiratory disorders and anaemia among others. Maca root is cooked, baked, fermented as a drink and made into porridge. In the last twenty years, maca was introduced onto the global market and demand has dramatically grown over this time with its promotion on the internet, as the 'Peruvian Ginseng' for libido and fertility enhancement. It has also been said to treat menopausal symptoms, erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia. The sky-rocketing demand for the plant has seen a shift from traditional cultivation methods to mass production practices with the use of fertilisers and also pesticides; as maca is now grown in areas other than the Andes such as in the Yunnan province in China. This can potentially affect the phytochemistry and composition of the plant and thus, the quality, safety and efficacy of maca products. Meanwhile, research into maca's medicinal properties has followed the spike in popularity of maca and has been focused mainly on maca's aphrodisiac and fertility enhancing properties. So far, the in vivo studies and clinical trials conducted have yielded inconclusive results. Some of the key limitations reside in methodology and sample size. Chemical profiling, led to the discovery of new compounds unique to maca, such as, 'macamides' and also other active metabolites like the glucosinolates; to which the medicinal effects of maca have been ascribed but cannot be confirmed due to lack of data. CONCLUSIONS To date, the health claims of maca cannot be fully supported from a scientific standpoint and more research is needed. It appears that the indigenous local knowledge about the health benefits of maca has been dragged out of context to fit the demands of a growing market for herbal remedies. This globalisation (or hype esp. in China) also has had serious consequences for the local producers in Peru. The lack of protocols to regulate the production and marketing of maca during this rapid expansion, poses a threat to both the safety of consumers and the sustainability of supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Beharry
- Research Cluster Biodiversity and Medicines/Research Group Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Sq., London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Heinrich
- Research Cluster Biodiversity and Medicines/Research Group Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Sq., London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom.
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