Ginsenoside Rg1 improves male copulatory behavior via nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway

Effect of saponins in Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F. H. Chen on the steroid hormone levels in the chronic unpredictable mild stress model of depression in rats

Recent research has indicated that Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) extracted from the radix of Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F. H. Chen exert antidepressant effects. This study aimed to assess the antidepressive effects of ginsenoside Rg1 and PNS in a depression model induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Over a period of three weeks, rats were administered ginsenoside Rg1 at a dose of 30 mg/kg and PNS at dosages ranging from 100 to 200 mg/kg body weight per day. To assess how ginsenoside Rg1 and PNS influence depression-like behaviours in rats, various assessments were conducted, including coat state evaluation, forced swim test, and elevated plus maze test. The levels of cortisol and testosterone in serum samples were analysed using the liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method. LC-ESI-MS/MS method provides precise and accurate results. The lower limit of quantification values for cortisol and testosterone were determined as 100 and 2 pg/mL, respectively. Our data demonstrated that both ginsenoside Rg1 and PNS significantly reversed depression-like behaviour in rats by improving coat condition, reducing immobility time in the forced swim test, and increasing time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze test. Furthermore, ginsenoside Rg1 and PNS exhibited a regulatory effect on cortisol and testosterone levels in plasma. These findings suggest that ginsenoside Rg1 and PNS may be potential antidepressants in clinical treatment.

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

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.

Cadmium as a male reproductive toxicant and natural and non-natural ways to tackle it: a review

Cadmium (Cd) is a naturally occurring environmental pollutant, a toxic substance that causes oxidative stress. According to epidemiological studies, the data suggested that environmental and occupational Cd exposure may be related to several diseases and severe testicular damage. However, studies are going on to explore the mechanism of Cd-induced male reproductive toxicity and its treatment strategies. Currently, researchers are focusing on naturally occurring bioactive compounds, plant extracts, and biochemical, which have better efficacy, less toxicity, and high bioavailability. This review focuses on the mechanistic effect of Cd on testicular toxicity and different categories of compounds having a beneficial impact on Cd-induced male reproductive toxicity. Some potent bioactive antioxidants are quercetin, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, curcumin, and silymarin. In comparison, plant extracts are Costus afer leaf methanol extract, methanol root extract of Carpolobia lutea, red carrot methanolic extract, Panax ginseng extract, and biochemicals including melatonin, progesterone, glutamine, L-carnitine, and selenium. Advanced and more detailed studies are needed on these compounds to explore their mechanism in attenuating Cd-induced testicular toxicity and can be potential therapeutics in the future.

Effects of transplantation of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells into the scrotum on sexual function in elderly mice

Aim: This study investigated the effect of allografting umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCBMCs) into the scrotum on sexual function in male elderly mice. Methods: UCBMCs were injected once into the scrotal sheath cavity of elderly mice. Results: The transplanted UCBMCs survived in the scrotal sheath cavity for 1 month. The mice had significantly increased blood testosterone concentrations, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels and total nitric oxide synthase (T-NOS) activity in the corpus cavernosum and an increase in the number of mouse matings within 30 min (all p = 0.000). Conclusion: Scrotum-implanted UCBMCs improve the sexual function of male elderly mice through testosterone production and the NOS/cGMP pathway, which may provide an innovative transplantation approach for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Botanical drugs for treating erectile dysfunction: clinical evidence

Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5-i) have been widely used in clinical practice for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). However, due to its suboptimal therapeutic effects and side effects, it is necessary to develop new medicines for ED treatment. Botanical drugs have been widely investigated as potential ED treatment drugs and have shown promising therapeutic effects. This review summarized 34 studies, including five botanical drugs with PDE5 inhibitory activity, seven botanical drugs without PDE5 inhibitory activity, and six mixed botanical drugs. The results of clinical studies regarding the aforementioned botanical drugs and relevant mechanisms are summarized in this study. It is necessary to conduct high-quality clinical trials to verify the dosage, targeted patients and therapeutic effects, and further pharmacology experiments are also needed to identify the active compounds.

Diet, herbs and erectile function: A good friendship!

Plants and plant materials have been used for thousands of years to treat and control erectile dysfunction in men. This practice has spanned many cultures and traditions around the world, with the therapeutic effects of many plants attributed to their phytochemical constituents. This review explains how polyphenols (including phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, carotenoids, alkaloids and polyunsaturated fatty acids) in plants and plant food products interact with key enzymes (phosphodiesterase-5 [PDE-5], angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE], acetylcholinesterase [AChE], adenosine deaminase [ADA] and arginase) associated with erectile dysfunction. By modulating or altering the activity of these physiologically important enzymes, various bioactive compounds from plants or plant products can synergistically or additively provide tremendous protection against male erectile problems.

Ginseng® as a reproductive enhancer agent for African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

Ginseng (Ge) is one of the most famous and precious consumed herbal medicines around the world. Ge plant roots have many advantages regarded as important in increasing fish production. Thus, the present study was conducted to investigate the possibility of using different levels (0.0, 100, and 200 mg/kg diet) of Ge as a reproductive enhancer agent for African catfish, Clarias gariepinus males. Results revealed that fish fed 200 mg Ge/kg diet significantly (P ˂ 0.05) increased growth performance, feed efficiency, gonado-somatic index, hematological parameters, serum follicle-stimulating hormone, total antioxidant capacity, sperm quality parameters, and ultrastructure of spermatozoa, as well as led to positively improved of the histological structure of the testes tissue compared to other treatments. Based on the obtained findings, it could be concluded that the effective use of dietary Ge at a level of 200 mg/kg as a promising reproductive agent for adult African catfish males consequently led to the sustainability of aquaculture for African catfish.

Molecular Action of Herbal Medicine in Physiology of Erection and its Dysfunction

Erection is a physiological process that involves vascular, hormonal, and nervous factors. Erectile dysfunction is one of the male sexual problems that occur globally and is reported to affect men's quality of life. Herbal plants have been widely used for disease treatment, including the problem of erectile dysfunction. This paper aims to review the molecular potential of various plants in the physiology of erection and to treat erectile dysfunction. The literature search was carried out through the Pubmed and Google Scholar databases regarding the molecular mechanisms of herbal plants and their potential involvement in the physiology of erection and overcoming erectile dysfunction. This paper focuses on six herbal plants: Panax ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, Epimedium, Black pepper, Tribulus terrestris, and Eurycoma longifolia. The six herbal plants have involvement in the erection process and have molecular potential in the treatment of erectile problems

Oxidative Stress and Male Infertility: Role of Herbal Drugs

Infertility is a universal health problem affecting 15% of couples, out of which 20-30% cases are due to male infertility. The leading causes of male infertility include hormonal defects, physical reasons, sexual problems, hazardous environment, stressful lifestyle, genetic factors, epigenetic factors, and oxidative stress. Various physiological functions involve reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species at appropriate levels for proper smooth functioning. ROS control critical reproductive processes such as capacitation, acrosomal reaction, hyperactivation, egg penetration, and sperm head decondensation. The excessive free radicals or imbalance between ROS and endogenous antioxidant enzymes damages sperm membrane by inducing lipid peroxidation causing mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage that eventually lead to male infertility. Numerous synthetic products are available in the market to treat infertility problems, largely ending in side effects and repressing symptoms. Ayurveda contains a particular group of Rasayana herbs, called vajikarana, that deals with nourishment and stimulation of sexual tissues, improves male reproductive vitality, and deals with oxidative stress via antioxidant mechanism. The present study aims to describe oxidative stress and the role of herbal drugs in treating male infertility.

Erectile Function and Sexual Behavior: A Review of the Role of Nitric Oxide in the Central Nervous System

Nitric oxide (NO), the neuromodulator/neurotransmitter formed from l-arginine by neuronal, endothelial and inducible NO synthases, is involved in numerous functions across the body, from the control of arterial blood pressure to penile erection, and at central level from energy homeostasis regulation to memory, learning and sexual behavior. The aim of this work is to review earlier studies showing that NO plays a role in erectile function and sexual behavior in the hypothalamus and its paraventricular nucleus and the medial preoptic area, and integrate these findings with those of recent studies on this matter. This revisitation shows that NO influences erectile function and sexual behavior in males and females by acting not only in the paraventricular nucleus and medial preoptic area but also in extrahypothalamic brain areas, often with different mechanisms. Most importantly, since these areas are strictly interconnected with the paraventricular nucleus and medial preoptic area, send to and receive neural projections from the spinal cord, in which sexual communication between brain and genital apparatus takes place, this review reveals that central NO participates in concert with neurotransmitters/neuropeptides to a neural circuit controlling both the consummatory (penile erection, copulation, lordosis) and appetitive components (sexual motivation, arousal, reward) of sexual behavior.

Ginseng for erectile dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Dietary supplements with ginseng, or ginseng alone, are widely used for a broad range of conditions, including erectile dysfunction. Ginseng is particularly popular in Asian countries. Individual studies assessing its effects are mostly small, of uneven methodological quality and have unclear results.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of ginseng on erectile dysfunction.

SEARCH METHODS

We conducted systematic searches on multiple electronic databases, including CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, AMED, and loco-regional databases of east Asia, from their inceptions to 30 January 2021 without restrictions on language and publication status. Handsearches included conference proceedings.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials that evaluated the use of any type of ginseng as a treatment for erectile dysfunction compared to placebo or conventional treatment.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently classified studies and three authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias in the included studies. We rated the certainty of evidence according to the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included nine studies with 587 men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction, aged from 20 to 70 years old. The studies all compared ginseng to placebo. We found only short-term follow-up data (up to 12 weeks).  Primary outcomes Ginseng appears to have a trivial effect on erectile dysfunction when compared to placebo based on the Erectile Function Domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-15 instrument (scale: 1 to 30, higher scores imply better function; mean difference [MD] 3.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.79 to 5.25; I² = 0%; 3 studies; low certainty evidence) assuming a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of 4.  Ginseng probably also has a trivial effect on erectile function when compared to placebo based on the IIEF-5 instrument (scale: 1 to 25, higher scores imply better function; MD 2.39, 95% CI 0.89 to 3.88; I² = 0%; 3 studies; moderate certainty evidence) assuming a MCID of 5. Ginseng may have little to no effect on adverse events compared to placebo (risk ratio [RR] 1.45, 95% CI 0.69 to 3.03; I² = 0%; 7 studies; low certainty evidence). Based on 86 adverse events per 1000 men in the placebo group, this would correspond to 39 more adverse events per 1000 (95% CI 27 fewer to 174 more). Secondary outcomes Ginseng may improve men's self-reported ability to have intercourse (RR 2.55, 95% CI 1.76 to 3.69; I² = 23%; 6 studies; low certainty evidence). Based on 207 per 1000 men self-reporting the ability to have intercourse in the placebo group, this would correspond to 321 more men (95% CI 158 more to 558 more) per 1000 self-reporting the ability to have intercourse. Ginseng may have a trivial effect on men's satisfaction with intercourse based on the Intercourse Satisfaction Domain of the IIEF-15 (scale: 0 to 15, higher scores imply greater satisfaction; MD 1.19, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.97; I²=0%; 3 studies; low certainty evidence) based on a MCID of 25% improvement from baseline. It may also have a trivial effect on men's satisfaction with intercourse based on item 5 of the IIEF-5 (scale: 0 to 5, higher scores imply more satisfaction; MD 0.60, 95% CI 0.02 to 1.18; 1 study; low certainty evidence) based on a MCID of 25% improvement from baseline. No study reported quality of life as an outcome. We found no trial evidence to inform comparisons to other treatments for erectile dysfunction, such as phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. We were unable to conduct any predefined subgroup analyses.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on mostly low certainty evidence, ginseng may only have trivial effects on erectile function or satisfaction with intercourse compared to placebo when assessed using validated instruments. Ginseng may improve men's self-reported ability to have intercourse. It may have little to no effect on adverse events. We found no trial evidence comparing ginseng to other agents with a more established role in treating erectile dysfunction, such as phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors.

Combined Effects of Oligopeptides Isolated from Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer and Ostrea gigas Thunberg on Sexual Function in Male Mice

Male sexual debility affects patients’ confidence and damages the relationship between the couples and thus affects the stability of the family. This study aimed to investigate the effects of oligopeptides isolated from ginseng and oyster (GOPs and OOPs), separately and in combination, on sexual function in male mice. In the first experiment, male mice were randomly divided into five groups: vehicle control group; whey protein (125.0 mg kg⁻¹) group; and GOPs 62.5, 125.0, and 250.0 mg kg⁻¹ groups. In the second experiment, male mice were randomly divided into five groups: vehicle control group, whey protein (160.0 mg kg⁻¹) group, and OOPs 80.0, 160.0, and 320.0 mg kg⁻¹ groups. In the third experiment, male mice were randomly divided into six groups: vehicle control group, whey protein (222.5 mg kg⁻¹) group, and GOPs + OOPs 62.5 + 160.0, 62.5 + 320.0, and 125.0 + 160.0, 125.0 + 320.0 mg kg⁻¹ groups. Test substances were given by gavage once a day for 30 days. The sexual behavior parameters, serum nitric oxide (NO), testosterone, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) concentrations were detected. We found that GOPs at 250.0 mg kg⁻¹ improved male sexual behavior, NO, and testosterone content, whereas GOPs at 62.5 and 125.0 mg kg⁻¹ and OOPs at 80.0, 160, and 320 mg kg⁻¹ did not have significant effects. The combination of 62.5 mg kg⁻¹ GOPs + 160.0 mg kg⁻¹ OOPs and the combination of 125.0 mg kg⁻¹ GOPs + 320.0 mg kg⁻¹ OOPs improved male sexual behavior, serum NO, testosterone, and cGMP contents and decreased PDE5 content. The combination of 62.5 mg kg⁻¹ GOPs and 160.0 mg kg⁻¹ OOPs had the best effects among four combined groups. These results suggested that GOPs in combination with OOPs had the synergistic effects of enhancing male sexual function, probably via elevating serum testosterone, NO, and corpus cavernosum cGMP level and decreasing the corpus cavernosum PDE5 level. GOPs and OOPs could be novel natural agents for improving male sexual function.

Lifestyle in urology: Benign diseases

Modifiable lifestyle-related risk factors are the object of increasing attention, with a view to primary and tertiary prevention, to limit the onset and development of diseases.Also in the urological field there is accumulating evidence of the relationship between urological diseases and lifestyle-related risk factors that can influence their incidence and prognosis. Risk factors such as nutrition, physical activity, sexual habits, tobacco smoking, or alcohol consumption can be modified to limit morbidity and reduce the social impact and the burdensome costs associated with diagnosis and treatment.This review synthesizes the current clinical evidence available on this topic, trying to satisfy the need for a summary on the relationships between the most important lifestyle factors and the main benign urological diseases, focusing on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), infections urinary tract (UTI), urinary incontinence (UI), stones, erectile dysfunction, and male infertility.

Promising role of medicinal plants in the regulation and management of male erectile dysfunction

Male erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to incompetency to reaching and retaining adequate penile tumescence for sexual intercourse. Over 152 million men globally suffer from ED and by 2025, the number of affected individuals is anticipated to be around 322 million. Pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies such as phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, alprostadil, penile prosthesis surgery, and hormonal replacement are available for management and recuperation of ED. Nevertheless, such therapies are reported to have adverse effects as well as life-threatening. Accordingly, diversity of medicinal plant species and bioactive active compounds are preferred as therapeutic options because they are natural, abundant, available, low-cost and cause fewer or no side effects. This current review will emphasise the aetiology, risk factors, mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of ED, treatments of ED as well as their side effects. It also provides medicinal plants that are proven effective in vivo and in vitro for the mitigation and treatment of male ED. This knowledge could be used in the future in drug discovery for the development of more natural drugs with no side effects.

Adaptogenic effects of Panax ginseng on modulation of cardiovascular functions

Cardiovascular diseases are a rapidly growing epidemic with high morbidity and mortality. There is an urgent need to develop nutraceutical-based therapy with minimum side effects to reduce cardiovascular risk. Panax ginseng occupies a prominent status in herbal medicine for its various therapeutic effects against inflammation, allergy, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer, with positive, beneficial, and restorative effects. The active components found in most P. ginseng varieties are known to include ginsenosides, polysaccharides, peptides, alkaloids, polyacetylene, and phenolic compounds, which are considered to be the main pharmacologically active constituents in ginseng. P. ginseng is an adaptogen. That is, it supports living organisms to maintain optimal homeostasis by exerting effects that counteract physiological changes caused by physical, chemical, or biological stressors. P. ginseng possesses immunomodulatory (including both immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive), neuromodulatory, and cardioprotective effects; suppresses anxiety; and balances vascular tone. P. ginseng has an antihypertensive effect that has been explained by its vasorelaxant action, and paradoxically, it is also known to increase blood pressure by vasoconstriction and help maintain cardiovascular health. Here, we discuss the potential adaptogenic effects of P. ginseng on the cardiovascular system and outline a future research perspective in this area.

Efficacy of Herbal Based Syrup on male sexual experiences: A double-blind randomized clinical trial

Background and aim

An Aphrodisiac includes any drug and food that arouses sexual instinct, induces venereal desire, and increases pleasure and performance. The present study was designed to clinically evaluate efficacy and safety of Herbal Based Syrup (HBS) composed of Tribulus terrestris L., Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer., Zingiber officinale Rosc, Ceratonia siliqua L., Papaver rhoeas L., and Palm tree pollen on sexual experience of men.

Experimental procedure

The study was designed as a double-blind randomized clinical trial. The main outcome measures were the responses obtained from using the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX). The ASEX was completed by 100 married and seemingly healthy men before and after taking one dose of HBS or placebo and at least one sexual intercourse. In addition, possible side effects were observed. A split-plot ANOVA (SPANOVA) design was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Results of analysis of data for each variable of the ASEX showed significantly lower scores in HBS-treated group compared to the placebo (control) group in items of desire, arousal, erection, orgasm and satisfaction (p < 0.05). No drug-related serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

Results of this study indicated a significant improvement in sexual experience of men following consumption of HBS. Due to various complications reported about the use of chemical sexual drive enhancers, HBS can be introduced as an alternative with fewer side effects.

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The syrup enhances sexual desire, arousal, erection, orgasm and satisfaction.

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The syrup may be a useful supplement to improve sexual experience of healthy men.

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The syrup was stable more than 1 year in room temperature.

Mechanisms of Panax ginseng action as an antidepressant

OBJECTIVES

Panax ginseng, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine with multiple pharmacological activities, plays a crucial role in modulating mood disorders. Several recent studies have identified an underlying role of Panax ginseng in the prevention and treatment of depression. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this review, we summarized the recent progress of antidepressant effects and underlying mechanisms of Panax ginseng and its representative herbal formulae.

RESULTS

The molecular and cellular mechanisms of Panax ginseng and its herbal formulae include modulating monoamine neurotransmitter system, upregulating the expression of neurotrophic factors, regulating the function of HPA axis, and anti-inflammatory action.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, this review may provide theoretical bases and clinical applications for the treatment of depression by Panax ginseng and its representative herbal formulae.

Integrative microRNA and gene expression analysis identifies new drug repurposing candidates for fetal hemoglobin induction in β-hemoglobinopathies

Therapeutic induction of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is one of the most promising approaches to ameliorate the severity of hemoglobinopathies like β-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia. Although several pharmacological agents have been investigated for HbF induction in adults, the majority of these are associated with significant side-effects. While drug repurposing is known to open new doors for the use of approved drugs in unexplored clinical conditions, the primary challenge lies in identifying such candidates. In this study, we aimed to identify repurposing candidates for HbF induction using a novel in silico approach utilizing microRNA-pathway-drug relationships. A computational drug repurposing strategy identified several unique candidates for HbF induction; among which Curcumin, Ginsenoside, Valproate, and Vorinostat were found to be most suitable for future trials. This study identified new drug repurposing candidates for HbF induction and demonstrates an easily adaptable methodology that can be used for other pathophysiological conditions.

Effect of graded levels of soapnut (Sapindus mukorossi) shell powder on reproductive performance in broiler breeders

Objective

This study investigated the effects of soapnut (Sapindus mukorossi) shell powder (SSP) on serum hormone level, egg quality, semen characteristics and reproductive performance of broiler breeders fed with a maize-soybean meal based diet.

Methods

Ninety six female and twenty four male CARIBRO-VISHAL broiler breeders, 38-week old, were individually caged and randomly allocated to four treatment groups (24 female breeders/treatment and 6 male breeders/treatment): an un-supplemented control (T1) and three groups with 0.0176% SSP (group T2), 0.026% SSP (group T3) and 0.0528% SSP (group T4), to have supplementary saponin at 0, 50, 75, and 150 ppm, respectively, for 42 days.

Results

The results indicated that serum (p<0.001) and seminal plasma (p<0.05) testosterone level, semen volume (p<0.001), mass motility (p<0.001), and live spermatozoa count (p<0.001) was increased in groups T3 and T4 compared to T2 and control groups. Compared with control group, total sperm count was increased (p<0.001) and dead spermatozoa count was decreased (p<0.001) in SSP supplemented groups. Supplementation of SSP did not affected the quality of egg lay. Compared with control group, fertility (p<0.01) and hatchability (total eggs set and fertile eggs set) (p<0.001) were significantly improved in SSP supplemented groups with the highest improvement in T3 treatment group. Embryonic death was decreased (p< 0.001) in SSP supplemented groups compared to control; lowest embryonic death was recorded in T3 treatment group.

Conclusion

Thus, it was concluded that dietary supplementation of 0.026% SSP (saponin equivalent 75 ppm) improved the reproductive performance of broiler breeders.

Red ginseng monograph

Ginseng has been traditionally used for several millennia in Asian countries, including Korea, China, and Japan, not only as a nourishing and tonifying agent but also as a therapeutic agent for a variety of diseases. In recent years, the various effects of red ginseng including immunity improvement, fatigue relief, memory improvement, blood circulation improvement, antioxidation, mitigation of menopausal women's symptoms, and anticancer an effect have been reported in clinical as well as basic research. Around the world, there is a trend of the rising consumption of health functional foods on the level of disease prevention along with increased interest in maintaining health because of population aging and the awareness of lifestyle diseases and chronic diseases. Red ginseng occupies an important position as a health functional food. But till now, international ginseng monographs including those of the World Health Organization have been based on data on white ginseng and have mentioned red ginseng only partly. Therefore, the red ginseng monograph is needed for component of red ginseng, functionality certified as a health functional food in the Korea Food and Drug Administration, major efficacy, action mechanism, and safety. The present red ginseng monograph will contribute to providing accurate information on red ginseng to agencies, businesses, and consumers both in South Korea and abroad.

Brysocarpus coccineus (Schum & Thonn) root reinstates sexual competence and testicular function in paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in male Wistar rats

The effects of aqueous extract of Brysocarpus coccineus roots (AEBCR) were studied on sexual behaviour and testicular function of paroxetine-induced sexual dysfunction (SD) in male rats. Ninety, sexually matured male rats (150.88 ± 5.53 g) were assigned into two groups: A and B. Fifteen SD animals from group B were each allotted to B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5 and received distilled water (DW), Powmax M (7.14 mg/kg body weight, b.w.) 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg b.w of AEBCR, respectively, for 7 days while the non-SD animals (group A) received DW. Eleven secondary metabolites were present in AEBCR. The lowered (p < .05) ejaculation frequency, penile erection index and penile grooming, higher mount and intromission frequencies, prolonged (p < .05) latencies of mount, intromission, ejaculation, and post-ejaculatory interval, reduced (p < .05) serum luteinising hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone, nitric oxide and testicular function indices, degenerated seminiferous tubules and low luminal spermatozoa contents by paroxetine were significantly (p < .05) attenuated and/or reinstated by AEBCR and Powmax M. The restoration of androgen-dependent sexual and testicular functions in SD male rats by AEBCR validates its folkloric use as aphrodisiac. Clinical studies are desirable to ascertain the efficacy of AEBCR in SD.

Antidepressive effects of ginsenoside Rg1 via regulation of HPA and HPG axis

BACKGROUND

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hyperactivity is a well-established pathological feature of major depression, accompanied by the persistent increase of glucocorticoid level and the dysfunction of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) is one of the most active ingredients of Panax ginseng, which has various biological activity.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the antidepressive effects of Rg1 and elucidate its impact on neuroendocrine system.

METHODS

The antidepressive effects of Rg1 were first analysed in mice, and was further identified in the chronic-unpredictable-mild-stress (CUMS) model and the gonadectomized (GDX) model. The effects of Rg1 on depression-like behaviour were analysed by the forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), sucrose preference test, and measurement of pentobarbital-induced sleep. The serum corticosterone and testosterone levels were detected by ELISA. The protein levels of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and androgen receptor (AR) were analysed by western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis.

RESULTS

Rg1 significantly decreased the immobility time of mice in FST and TST. Furthermore, Rg1 alleviated anhedonia and hopelessness, decreased serum corticosterone level, and increased serum testosterone level, and the GR protein level in the PFC and hippocampus of the CUMS-treated rats. Moreover, Rg1 improved sleep disruption, down-regulated the serum corticosterone level, and increased AR protein level in the PFC of the GDX-treated mice.

CONCLUSION

Together, these studies suggest that Rg1 displayed antidepressant activity through the modulation of the HPA and the HPG axis. These findings provide new mechanism involved in the antidepressive effects of Rg1 and propose theoretical clues for clinical therapies.

Effects of ginseng on stress-related depression, anxiety, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

Ginseng effectively regulates the immune response and the hormonal changes due to stress, thus maintaining homeostasis. In addition to suppressing the occurrence of psychological diseases such as anxiety and depression, ginseng also prevents stress-associated physiological diseases. Recent findings have revealed that ginseng is involved in adjusting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and controlling hormones, thus producing beneficial effects on the heart and brain, and in cases of bone diseases, as well as alleviating erectile dysfunction. Recent studies have highlighted the potential use of ginseng in the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and allergic asthma. However, the mechanism underlying the effects of ginseng on these stress-related diseases has not been completely established. In this review, we focus on the disease pathways caused by stress in order to determine how ginseng acts to improve health. Central to our discussion is how this effective and stable therapeutic agent alleviates the anxiety and depression caused by stress and ameliorates inflammatory diseases.

A review on plants used for improvement of sexual performance and virility

The use of plant or plant-based products to stimulate sexual desire and to enhance performance and enjoyment is almost as old as the human race itself. The present paper reviews the active, natural principles, and crude extracts of plants, which have been useful in sexual disorders, have potential for improving sexual behaviour and performance, and are helpful in spermatogenesis and reproduction. Review of refereed journals and scientific literature available in electronic databases and traditional literature available in India was extensively performed. The work reviews correlation of the evidence with traditional claims, elucidation, and evaluation of a plausible concept governing the usage of plants as aphrodisiac in total. Phytoconstituents with known structures have been classified in appropriate chemical groups and the active crude extracts have been tabulated. Data on their pharmacological activity, mechanism of action, and toxicity are reported. The present review provides an overview of the herbs and their active molecule with claims for improvement of sexual behaviour. A number of herbal drugs have been validated for their effect on sexual behavior and fertility and can therefore serve as basis for the identification of new chemical leads useful in sexual and erectile dysfunction.

Ginseng and male reproductive function

Ginseng is often referred to as the King of all herbs, and is found to be a promising agent to improve general well-being. Ginseng has also been reputed as an aphrodisiac, and is used to treat sexual dysfunction as well as to enhance sexual behavior in traditional Chinese medical practices. Data from animal studies have shown a positive correlation among ginseng, libido, and copulatory performances, and these effects have been confirmed in case-control studies in human. In addition, ginseng is found to improve the sperm quality and count of healthy individuals as well as patients with treatment-related infertility. These actions are mostly attributed to ginsenosides, the major pharmacological active components of ginseng. This review compiles the current knowledge about the multifaceted effects of ginseng on male reproductive function, and also focuses on its mechanisms of action that may represent novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of male reproductive diseases or disorders.

Effects of Korean ginseng berry extract on sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction: a multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study

Ginseng is beneficial for many aspects of human physiology, including sexual function. In this study, we have evaluated the efficacy and safety of an extract of ginseng berry, which has a ginsenoside profile distinct from other parts of the plant, on sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction. In all, 119 men with mild-to-moderate ED participated in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled clinical study. They were administered 4 tablets of either standardized Korean ginseng berry (SKGB, 350 mg ginseng berry extract per tablet), or placebo, daily, for 8 weeks. Efficacy was assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-15 and premature ejaculation diagnostic tool (PEDT) at the end of the 4th and 8th week. We observed that the total and each of the individual domain scores of IIEF-15 increased from 40.95 ± 7.05 to 46.19 ± 12.69 significantly in the SKGB by the 8th week (P<0.05). The erectile function domain of IIEF changed slightly from 17.17 ± 2.57 to 18.59 ± 5.99 in the SKGB group by the 8th week (P<0.05). In addition, PEDT scores significantly improved from 9.14 ± 4.57 to 7.97 ± 4.4 and 7.53 ± 4.26 in the SKGB group after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). Safety markers including hormone and lipid in the blood were assessed at the end of the 4th and 8th week and they remained unchanged. Oral administration of the SKGB extract improved all domains of sexual function. It can be used as an alternative medicine to improve sexual life in men with sexual dysfunction.

What do most erectile dysfunction guidelines have in common? No evidence-based discussion or recommendation of heart-healthy lifestyle changes and/or Panax ginseng

Sexual health or erectile dysfunction (ED) state of the art guidelines provide a thorough overview of conventional prescription or other notable extrinsic treatment options. Yet, over the past 10-15 years, a plethora of international researchers have established that individual and comprehensive lifestyle changes can prevent and potentially improve ED. We review the lifestyle evidence that should equate to grade A or level 1 evidence recommendations for ED. We also review the evidence for Panax ginseng, an over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplement with a 35-year history of laboratory investigations, multiple positive randomized trials over approximately 15 years and several independent meta-analyses and systematic reviews. Perhaps it is time to at least discuss and even emphasize lifestyle and other non-conventional interventions in ED guidelines so that patients can explore a diversity of potentially synergistic choices with their physicians and can improve their quality and quantity of life. Ignoring the consistent, positive data on lifestyle modifications in ED guidelines, for example, is tantamount to ignoring diet and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of or ameliorate cardiovascular diseases.

The history of ginseng in the management of erectile dysfunction in ancient China (3500-2600 BCE)

Emperor Shen-Nung was the second of China's mythical emperors (3500-2600 BCE). Widely considered the father of Chinese medicine, he catalogued over 365 species of medicinal plants which he personally tasted. Through his treatise ‘Shen Nung Benchau Jing’, we relive Emperor Shen-Nung's contribution to urology with reference to his management of erectile dysfunction. Time-related sources in medical and historical literature were reviewed, including the ‘Shen Nung Benchau Jing’ (The medicine book of Emperor Shen-Nung), archives and manuscripts at the Wellcome History of Medicine Collection, the Royal Society of Medicine, London, The Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences, and The Museum of Medical History, Shanghai, China. Chinese traditional herbal medicine began approximately 5000 years ago. Agricultural clan leader, Emperor Shen-Nung, was said to have a ‘crystal-like belly’ to watch the reactions in his own stomach of the herbs he collected. Ginseng was among of Shen Nung's contributions to herbal medicine. He experienced a warm and sexually pleasurable feeling after chewing the root. He advocated this as a treatment for erectile dysfunction and used it to stimulate sexual appetite. The reputation of ginseng as an aphrodisiac is based on the doctrine of signatures, since the adult root has a phallic shape. Shen-Nung believed that ginseng's resemblance to the human form is proof of its rejuvenative and aphrodisiac properties. It was believed that the closer the similarity to the human figure, the more potent the root. The use of ginseng for erectile dysfunction by Emperor Shen-Nung was unique for its time. It continues to hold parallels as a modern-day herbal aphrodisiac 5000 years on.

Inhibitory Effect of Ginsenoside Rg1 on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation Induced by PDGF-BB Is Involved in Nitric Oxide Formation

Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) has been reported to suppress the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). This study aimed to observe the role of nitric oxide (NO) in Rg1-antiproliferative effect. VSMCs from the thoracic aorta of SD rats were cultured by tissue explant method, and the effect of Rg1 (20 mg·L⁻¹, 60 mg·L⁻¹, and 180 mg·L⁻¹) on platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-induced proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay. The cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. For probing the mechanisms, the content of NO in supernatant and cGMP level in VSMCs was measured by nitric oxide kit and cGMP radio-immunity kit, respectively; the expressions of protooncogene c-fos and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) mRNA in the VSMCs were detected by real-time RT-PCR; the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2⁺]_i) was detected with Fura-2/AM-loaded VSMCs. Comparing with that in normal group, Rg1 180 mg·L⁻¹ did not change the absorbance of MTT and cell percent of G₀/G₁, G₂/M, and S phase in normal cells (P > 0.05). Contrarily, PDGF-BB could increase the absorbance of MTT (P < 0.01) and the percent of the S phase cells but decrease the G₀/G₁ phase cell percent in the cell cycle, accompanied with an upregulating c-fos mRNA expression (P < 0.01), which was reversed by additions of Rg1(20 mg·L⁻¹, 60 mg·L⁻¹, and 180 mg·L⁻¹). Rg1 administration could also significantly increase the NO content in supernatant and the cGMP level in VSMCs, as well as the eNOS mRNA expression in the cells, in comparison of that in the group treated with PDGF-BB alone (P < 0.01). Furthermore, Rg1 caused a further increase in the elevated [Ca²⁺]_i induced by PDGF-BB. It was concluded that Rg1 could inhibit the VSMC proliferation induced by PDGF-BB through restricting the G₀/G₁ phase to S-phase progression in cell cycle. The mechanisms may be related to the upregulation of eNOS mRNA and the increase of the formation of NO and cGMP.

Antioxidative and aldose reductase-inhibitory effects of a fermentation filtrate of Rubus coreanus

Antioxidative and aldose reductase (AR)-inhibitory effects of a fermentation filtrate of Rubus coreanus (FRC) were investigated using corneal/retinal homogenate and lens cytosol, respectively. Rat corneal/retinal homogenate was treated with 50 µM FeCl₃ in the presence of FRC (3.2-100 µg/mL) for 30 min at 37℃, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) was quantified as a lipid peroxidation parameter. FRC markedly suppressed the TBARS production in a concentration-dependent manner, leading to 50% (IC₅₀) and 100% (IC₁₀₀) inhibitory concentrations of 20 and 95 µg/mL, respectively, which was similar to the effect of butylated hydroxyanisole. Activity of AR from rat lens was assayed in the presence of FRC (1-31.6 µg/mL) at 25℃ using glyceraldehyde as a substrate. FRC inhibited lens AR by 50% (IC₅₀) and 90% (IC₉₀) at approximately 2 and 31.6 µg/mL, respectively, comparable to the effect of quercetin. The results indicate that ERC could be a promising candidate for the improvement of eye injury and visual dysfunction of dry eye and diabetic patients.