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Pearce K, Thipe VC, Henkel RR, Katti KV. Green Nanotechnology as an innovative drug delivery approach for Typha capensis and Naringenin—New class of phytochemical embedded biocompatible gold nanoparticles in prostate cancer therapy. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.104100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Takalani NB, Adefolaju GA, Henkel R, Opuwari CS. In vitro effects of aqueous extract of fermented rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) on human sperm function. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14114. [PMID: 33991107 DOI: 10.1111/and.14114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) is a herbal medicinal plant originally from South Africa's fynbos and well known for its medicinal effects in treating different medical conditions. Rooibos contains significant levels of antioxidants capable of inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species, which may improve seminal parameters. This study focussed on investigating the direct effect of fermented rooibos on human sperm functions in vitro. Semen samples collected by masturbation from unproven fertile donors (n = 25) and infertile patients (n = 25) after 3-5 days' abstinence were liquefied and centrifuged (300 × g; 10 min) in human tubular fluid medium containing 1% bovine serum albumin. Afterwards, semen samples (7.5 × 106 /ml) were incubated at 37°C for one hour with aqueous extract of fermented extract in sperm preparation medium (0, 0.10, 1.0, 10 and 100 μg/ml) and assessed. Our data showed that fermented rooibos did not affect functional sperm parameters (motility, vitality, intracellular reactive oxygen species and acrosome reaction, p > .05), in vitro except in the reduced percentage of intact mitochondrial membrane potential and DNA fragmentation (p < .05). The decrease in DNA fragmentation generates the possibility of using the extract in patients prior to assisted reproductive techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.,American Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Moichela FT, Adefolaju GA, Henkel RR, Opuwari CS. Aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera reduced intracellular ROS production, DNA fragmentation and acrosome reaction in Human spermatozoa in vitro. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13903. [PMID: 33225471 DOI: 10.1111/and.13903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera (MO) on human sperm functions and integrity was studied in vitro. Semen was obtained by masturbation after 3-5 days' abstinence from 34 healthy donors in Western Cape, South Africa. Liquefied semen was washed in human tubular fluid supplemented with 1% bovine serum albumin (HTF-BSA;1:5) with 10 min centrifugation at 300 g. Sperm suspensions were subsequently incubated with MO extract (0.625, 6.25, 62.5 and 625 µg/ml) for 1 hr, where HTF-BSA served as control. Sperm motility, vitality, DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial membrane potential, capacitation and acrosome reaction were assessed. Sperm motility, vitality, mitochondrial membrane potential and capacitation remained unchanged (p > .05). A dose-dependent decrease in sperm reactive oxygen species production (p < .0001), DNA fragmentation (p < .0001) and acrosome reaction (p < .001) was observed. An increase in the percentage of non-capacitated sperm (p < .01) was noted at 625 µg/ml. The antioxidant properties of MO actively maintained basic sperm functions, inhibited excess sperm free superoxide production and preserved acrosome reaction and DNA integrity. Further studies are needed to confirm the effect of aqueous MO leaf extract on fertility potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith T Moichela
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | - Gbenga A Adefolaju
- Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| | - Ralf R Henkel
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.,American Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Chinyerum S Opuwari
- Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
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van Vuuren S, Frank L. Review: Southern African medicinal plants used as blood purifiers. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 249:112434. [PMID: 31812645 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMALOGICAL RELEVANCE Blood purification practices, also referred to as blood cleansing or detoxification, is an ancient concept which is widespread amongst African traditional medicine, but for which no modern scientific basis exists. There prevails considerable ambiguity in defining what a blood purifier is. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this review is to firstly define what a blood purifier is in the context of African traditional medicine and compare to other cultural and westernized interpretations. Thereafter, this study identifies traditionally used medicinal plants used as blood purifiers in southern Africa and correlates these species to scientific studies, which may support evidence for these "blood purifying plant species". MATERIALS AND METHODS Ethnobotanical books and review articles were used to identify medicinal plants used for blood purification. Databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed and Google Scholar were used to source scientific articles. An evaluation was made to try correlate traditional use to scientific value of the plant species. RESULTS One hundred and fifty nine plant species have been documented as traditional remedies for blood purification. Most of the plant species have some pharmacological activity, however, very little link to the traditional use for blood purification. There has been some justification of the link between blood purification and the use as an antimicrobial and this has been explored in many of the plant species identified as blood purifiers. Other pharmacological studies specifically pertaining to the blood require further attention. CONCLUSION Irrespective of the ambiguity of interpretation, medicinal plants used to "cleanse the blood", play an important holistic role in traditional medicine and this review with recommendations for further study provides some value of exploring this theme in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- S van Vuuren
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, South Africa.
| | - L Frank
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, South Africa
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Ghaffarilaleh V, Fisher D, Henkel R. Carica papaya seed extract slows human sperm. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 241:111972. [PMID: 31128152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.111972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Traditional healers use Carica papaya seeds as a remedy for diseases and as a contraceptive for men and abortion in women. MATERIAL AND METHODS Semen samples from 35 healthy men were allowed to liquefy and subsequently incubated for 60 min in Human Tubular Fluid medium containing 1% bovine serum albumin with aqueous C. papaya seed extract at concentrations of zero, 0.025, 0.25, 2.5, 25, 250 and 2500 μg/ml. Afterwards, sperm were washed and used for assessment of capacitation and acrosome reaction, DNA fragmentation, vitality, motility, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). RESULTS The extract showed no effects on straight-line velocity, linearity, straightness, beat-cross frequency and the percentage of capacitated, acrosome-reacted sperm. In contrast, vitality, total motility, progressive motility, curvilinear velocity, average-path velocity and the percentages of hyper-activated, ROS-positive and MMP-intact sperm decreased significantly (P < 0.05), while the percentage of DNA-fragmented sperm increased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our data show that aqueous C. papaya seed extract significantly and negatively affects sperm motility parameters crucial for fertility; and thus, poses as a likely candidate for male contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Ghaffarilaleh
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Rd., Bellville, South Africa
| | - D Fisher
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Rd., Bellville, South Africa
| | - R Henkel
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Rd., Bellville, South Africa; American Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Carnegie Ave, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Moroole MA, Materechera SA, Mbeng WO, Aremu AO. Medicinal plants used for contraception in South Africa: A review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 235:19-27. [PMID: 30731180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The indigenous people of South Africa, such as the Khoisan, Zulu, and Ndebele, have used medicinal plants for contraception. One of the reasons for using contraception among indigenous communities is for child spacing. AIM OF THE STUDY The study aims to review medicinal plants used for contraception in South Africa as potential sources for the discovery and development of safe male and female hormonal contraceptives. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature search was conducted on medicinal plants used for contraception in South Africa by referencing textbooks and scientific databases such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, North-West University Institutional Repository, National ETD Portal, government policies and documents on contraception, theses and dissertations, and other web sources such as records from SANBI and PROTA. RESULTS A minimum of 25 medicinal plants were identified as being used for contraception in South Africa, and these plants included local and exotic plants. Medicinal plants with contraceptive activity are Bulbine latifolia, Pouzolzia mixta, Salsola tuberculatiformis, Securidaca longipedunculata, and Typha capensis. In vivo and in vitro studies showed a decrease in mount, intromission and ejaculatory frequencies, inhibition of implantation, contraceptive effect, displaced glucocorticoids, and prolonged diestrus or had negative effects on vitality, motility, and sperm production. CONCLUSIONS Some of the plants used for contraception in South Africa are toxic to both animals and humans. Research is needed focusing on medicinal plants used by men for contraception and by women for postcoital contraception in South Africa. Traditional healers must be included when drafting contraception policies and interventions. Medicinal plants such as B. latifolia and P. mixta demonstrated that medicinal plants used for contraception in South Africa are potential sources for the discovery and development of safe male and female hormonal contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Moroole
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Centre, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North West University, Private Mail Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2790, North West Province, South Africa.
| | - S A Materechera
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Centre, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North West University, Private Mail Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2790, North West Province, South Africa.
| | - W Otang Mbeng
- School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Agriculture, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela Campus, P/bag X11283, Nelspruit 1200, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
| | - A O Aremu
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Centre, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North West University, Private Mail Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2790, North West Province, South Africa.
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Gondwe MM, Mpungose A, Kamadyaapa DR, Shauli M, Ndebia E, Sewani-Rusike C, Iputo J, Oyedeji A. The protective effect of aqueous extract of Typha capensis rhizomes on cadmium-induced infertility in rats. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2019; 30:jbcpp-2018-0173. [PMID: 31054252 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2018-0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Typha capensis is one of the medicinal plants commonly used to manage male fertility problems. The objective of the present study was to assess its fertility-promoting effects in a rat model of cadmium-induced infertility. Methods A total of 30 male Wister rats were randomly divided into five groups of six animals each. Animals of group I, which served as control, were administered with cadmium chloride (CdCl2; 2.5 mg/kg) and normal saline (2 mL/kg). Group II was served with 0.5 mL normal saline only. Animals of groups III-V were treated with CdCl2 (2.5 mg/kg) plus T. capensis extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Animals were sacrificed under sedation. Testes and epididymal weights and sperm count were determined. Histological assessment of the testes was conducted. Results T. capensis at any dose did not improve (p > 0.05) testicular and epididymal weights compared with those of the CdCl2-exposed control group. Histology revealed moderate necrosis in the same group. T. capensis modestly increased the sperm count by 14%, 31%, and 35%, for groups treated with the extract at doses 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively, when compared with the CdCl2 control group, although the differences were not significant statistically (p > 0.05). Conclusions Results of our study demonstrated that T. capensis can neither offer protective effects against oxidative stress nor promote fertility in an animal model of cadmium-induced infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andile Mpungose
- Walter Sisulu University, Human Biology, Private Bag X1Mthatha 5117, South Africa
| | | | - Mathulo Shauli
- Walter Sisulu University, Human Biology, Private Bag X1Mthatha 5117, South Africa
| | - Eugene Ndebia
- Walter Sisulu University, Human Biology, Private Bag X1Mthatha 5117, South Africa
| | | | - Jehu Iputo
- Walter Sisulu University, Human Biology, Private Bag X1Mthatha 5117, South Africa
| | - Adebola Oyedeji
- Walter Sisulu University, Chemistry, Private Bag X1Mthatha 5117, South Africa
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Role of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) in the management of male infertility. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 36:311-326. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Ilfergane A, Henkel RR. Effect of Typha capensis
(Rohrb.)N.E.Br. rhizome extract F1 fraction on cell viability, apoptosis induction and testosterone production in TM3-Leydig cells. Andrologia 2017; 50. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A. Ilfergane
- Department of Medical Biosciences; University of the Western Cape; Bellville South Africa
| | - R. R. Henkel
- Department of Medical Biosciences; University of the Western Cape; Bellville South Africa
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Moteetee A, Seleteng Kose L. Medicinal plants used in Lesotho for treatment of reproductive and post reproductive problems. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 194:827-849. [PMID: 27780751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.10.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Reproductive healthcare has been highlighted as a major challenge in Lesotho mainly due to the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections. As a result other reproductive ailments have not received much attention, particularly because healthcare facilities are already limited and many of them are inaccessible. For these reasons, medicinal plants play a major role in primary healthcare system in the country, in addition the plants are easily accessible, more affordable, and their use forms part of the cultural heritage. However, documentation of medicinal plants used for reproductive ailments is scattered, more importantly the biological and pharmacological properties, as well as toxicity of many of these plants are not yet known. AIM OF THE STUDY To document the plants used by both male and female Basotho (residing in Lesotho) for the treatment of reproductive ailments, to explore their recorded biological and pharmacological effects as well as their toxicity, and to establish if these plants are used for similar purposes in other southern African cultures. MATERIALS AND METHODS The results stem from published findings of recent interviews of traditional medicinal practitioners in the Maseru District of Lesotho, first author's own experiences and observations from the Qacha's Nek District as well as comprehensive literature survey including numerous books and unpublished data. Electronic databases such as Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect were also used to search for the chemical compounds, pharmacological activity, and toxicity of the plants. RESULTS A total of 87 plant species are reported to be used for the treatment of several reproductive problems such as infertility, complications associated with pregnancy (twelve plants are used to treat conditions such as colic, heartburn, nausea, and constipation), cleansing and/ or toning of the uterus (with a purpose either to induce pregnancy or to get rid of the placenta, for example Withania somnifera and Zantedeschia albomaculata), difficult childbirth, as well treatment of breast and cervical cancer, cysts, fibroids, and testicular tumours (e.g. Hypoxis hemerocallidea). For the toning of the uterus, it is common to use a combination of plants, e.g. Gunnera perpensa, Scabiosa columbaria, and Eriospermum ornithogaloides. CONCLUSIONS Of the 87 plants used for reproductive healthcare, the highest number (31) is used for the treatment of infertility (in both men and women). The pharmacological effects, active compounds, and toxicology of many of these plants are not yet known.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Moteetee
- Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - L Seleteng Kose
- Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Leisegang K, Bouic PJD, Henkel RR. Metabolic syndrome is associated with increased seminal inflammatory cytokines and reproductive dysfunction in a case-controlled male cohort. Am J Reprod Immunol 2016; 76:155-63. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Leisegang
- School of Natural Medicine; University of the Western Cape; Bellville South Africa
| | - Patrick J. D. Bouic
- Division of Medical Microbiology; Department of Pathology; Stellenbosch University & Synexa Life Sciences; Cape Town South Africa
| | - Ralf R. Henkel
- Department of Medical Biosciences; University of the Western Cape; Bellville South Africa
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Leisegang K, Bouic PJD, Menkveld R, Henkel RR. Obesity is associated with increased seminal insulin and leptin alongside reduced fertility parameters in a controlled male cohort. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2014; 12:34. [PMID: 24885899 PMCID: PMC4019561 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-12-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity appears to be associated with male reproductive dysfunction and infertility, although this has been inconsistent and inconclusive. Insulin and leptin are known mediators and modulators of the hypothalamus-pituitary-testes axis, contributing to the regulation of male reproductive potential and overall wellbeing. These hormones are also present in semen influencing sperm functions. Although abdominal obesity is closely associated with insulin resistance (hyperinsulinaemia), hyperleptinaemia and glucose dysfunction, changes in seminal plasma concentrations of insulin, leptin and glucose in obese males has not previously been investigated. METHODS This small case controlled study assessed serum and seminal concentrations of insulin, leptin and glucose in obese (BMI > =30; n = 23) and non-obese (BMI < 30; n = 19) males. Following a detailed medical history and examination, participants meeting the inclusion criteria were entered for data analysis. Body parameters such as BMI, waist and hip circumference and the waist hip ratio were measured. Serum and semen samples were collected and assayed for insulin, leptin and glucose. Semen samples also underwent a standard semen analysis, with sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and DNA fragmentation (DF). RESULTS Obesity was associated with increased serum and seminal insulin and leptin, with no significant difference in seminal glucose. Serum and seminal concentrations of insulin and leptin were positively correlated. Furthermore, obesity was associated with decreased sperm concentration, sperm vitality and increased MMP and DF, with a non-significant impact on motility and morphology. CONCLUSIONS Hyperinsulinaemia and hyperleptinaemia are associated with increased seminal insulin and leptin concentrations, which may negatively impact male reproductive function in obesity. Insulin was also found to be highly concentrated in the seminal plasma of both groups. This data will contribute to the contradictive information available in the literature on the impact of obesity and male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Leisegang
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
- School of Natural Medicine, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Patrick JD Bouic
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Stellenbosch University & Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Parow Valley, Cape Town 7500, South Africa
| | - Roelof Menkveld
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Stellenbosch University & Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Parow Valley, Cape Town 7500, South Africa
| | - Ralf R Henkel
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
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Shalaweh SM, Erasmus N, Weitz F, Henkel RR. Effect ofCissampelos capensisrhizome extract on human spermatozoain vitro. Andrologia 2014; 47:318-27. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S. M. Shalaweh
- Department of Medical Biosciences; University of the Western Cape; Bellville South Africa
| | - N. Erasmus
- Department of Medical Biosciences; University of the Western Cape; Bellville South Africa
| | - F. Weitz
- Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology; University of the Western Cape; Bellville South Africa
| | - R. R. Henkel
- Department of Medical Biosciences; University of the Western Cape; Bellville South Africa
- Centre for Male Reproductive Health and Biotechnology; Bellville South Africa
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Solomon MC, Erasmus N, Henkel RR. In vivo effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali) extract on reproductive functions in the rat. Andrologia 2013; 46:339-48. [PMID: 23464350 DOI: 10.1111/and.12082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
An aqueous extract of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali; TA) roots is traditionally used to enhance male sexuality. Because previous studies are limited to only few sperm parameters or testosterone concentration, this study investigated the in vivo effects of TA on body and organ weight as well as functional sperm parameters in terms of safety and efficacy in the management of male infertility. Forty-two male rats were divided into a control, low-dose (200 mg kg(-1) BW) and high-dose (800 mg kg(-1) BW) group (n = 14). Rats were force-fed for 14 days and then sacrificed. Total body and organ weights of the prostate, testes, epididymides, gastrocnemius muscle and the omentum were recorded. Moreover, testosterone concentration, sperm concentration, motility, velocity, vitality, acrosome reaction and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were assessed. Whilst TA decreased BW by 5.7% (P = 0.0276) and omentum fat by 31.9% (P = 0.0496), no changes in organ weights were found for the prostate, testes and epididymides. Testosterone concentration increased by 30.2% (P = 0.0544). Muscle weight also increased, yet not significantly. Whilst sperm concentration, total and progressive motility and vitality increased significantly, MMP improved markedly (P = 0.0765) by 25.1%. Because no detrimental effect could be observed, TA appears safe for possible treatment of male infertility and ageing male problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Solomon
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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Leisegang K, Udodong A, Bouic PJD, Henkel RR. Effect of the metabolic syndrome on male reproductive function: a case-controlled pilot study. Andrologia 2012; 46:167-76. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- K. Leisegang
- Department of Medical Biosciences; University of the Western Cape; Bellville South Africa
- School of Natural Medicine; University of the Western Cape; Bellville South Africa
| | - A. Udodong
- Department of Medical Biosciences; University of the Western Cape; Bellville South Africa
| | - P. J. D. Bouic
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology; Stellenbosch University & Tygerberg Academic Hospital; Tygerberg South Africa
| | - R. R. Henkel
- Department of Medical Biosciences; University of the Western Cape; Bellville South Africa
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