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Chae J, Hahn D, Nam JO. Macamide, a component of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp) lipophilic extract, enhances myogenic differentiation via AKT/p38 signaling and attenuates dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 172:116249. [PMID: 38340399 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a plant that grows in the central Andes region of Peru, and it has been reported to have various bioactive functions, such as improving or preventing osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction, and memory impairment. In this study, maca roots of various colors (yellow, red, or black) were extracted using different polar solvents (PE, HEX, or BuOH) to compare their effects on muscle differentiation. Among them, the red maca lipophilic extract, which showed the most effectiveness, was chosen for further investigation. Our results show that RMLE enhances muscle differentiation by inducing MyoD-E2A heterodimerization through the activation of the AKT/p38 pathway. Additionally, RMLE attenuated dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy by inhibiting nuclear translocation of FoxO3a and expression of E3-ligase (MAFbx and MURF1) in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, based on these results suggest that lipophilic extract of maca, which can abundantly contain nonpolar compounds, macamides, can enhance the functional properties of maca in alleviating muscle homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongbeom Chae
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongyup Hahn
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ju-Ock Nam
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Tailored Food Technology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea.
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Minich DM, Ross K, Frame J, Fahoum M, Warner W, Meissner HO. Not All Maca Is Created Equal: A Review of Colors, Nutrition, Phytochemicals, and Clinical Uses. Nutrients 2024; 16:530. [PMID: 38398854 PMCID: PMC10892513 DOI: 10.3390/nu16040530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Maca (Lepidium meyenii, Lepidium peruvianum) is part of the Brassicaceae family and grows at high altitudes in the Peruvian Andes mountain range (3500-5000 m). Historically, it has been used as a nutrient-dense food and for its medicinal properties, primarily in enhancing energy and fertility. Scientific research has validated these traditional uses and other clinical applications by elucidating maca's mechanisms of action, nutrition, and phytochemical content. However, research over the last twenty years has identified up to seventeen different colors (phenotypes) of maca. The color, hypocotyl size, growing location, cultivation, and post-harvest processing methods can have a significant effect on the nutrition content, phytochemical profile, and clinical application. Yet, research differentiating the colors of maca and clinical applications remains limited. In this review, research on the nutrition, phytochemicals, and various colors of maca, including black, red, yellow (predominant colors), purple, gray (lesser-known colors), and any combination of colors, including proprietary formulations, will be discussed based on available preclinical and clinical trials. The gaps, deficiencies, and conflicts in the studies will be detailed, along with quality, safety, and efficacy criteria, highlighting the need for future research to specify all these factors of the maca used in publications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna M. Minich
- Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine, Adjunct Faculty, University of Western States, Portland, OR 97213, USA
- Food & Spirit, LLC, Port Orchard, WA 98366, USA
- Symphony Natural Health, Inc., West Valley City, UT 84119, USA; (K.R.); (M.F.); (W.W.)
- Symphony Natural Health Institute, West Valley City, UT 84119, USA
| | - Kim Ross
- Symphony Natural Health, Inc., West Valley City, UT 84119, USA; (K.R.); (M.F.); (W.W.)
- Symphony Natural Health Institute, West Valley City, UT 84119, USA
- Kim Ross Consulting, LLC, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211, USA
- College of Nutrition, Sonoran University of Health Sciences, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA
| | - James Frame
- Symphony Natural Health Holdings Inc., Craigmuir Chambers, Road Town, Tortola VG1110, (BVI), UK;
- Natural Health International Pty Ltd., Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Mona Fahoum
- Symphony Natural Health, Inc., West Valley City, UT 84119, USA; (K.R.); (M.F.); (W.W.)
- Meridian Medicine, Seattle, WA 98133, USA
- Bastyr Center for Natural Health, Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA 98028, USA
| | - Wendy Warner
- Symphony Natural Health, Inc., West Valley City, UT 84119, USA; (K.R.); (M.F.); (W.W.)
- Wendy Warner, MD, PC, Yardley, PA 19067, USA
| | - Henry O. Meissner
- National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Building J, 158-160 Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Therapeutic Research, TTD International Pty Ltd., 39 Leopard Ave., Elanora-Gold Coast, QLD 4221, Australia
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Ramzan MH, Shah M, Ramzan F. Neurokinin B Administration Induces Dose Dependent Proliferation of Seminal Vesicles in Adult Rats. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2024; 25:339-352. [PMID: 38243941 DOI: 10.2174/0113892037264538231128072614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurokinin B; an endogenous decapeptide, mediates its reproductive physiological actions through gonadotropin releasing hormone. Despite the potential role of Neurokinin B on seminal vesicles, its effects on seminal vesicles in adult male mammals remain elusive. We aimed to investigate the potentials of variable doses of Neurokinin B, its agonist and antagonist on histomorphology and expression of NK3R on seminal vesicles, and secretory activity of seminal vesicles in adult male rats. METHODS Adult male Sprague Dawley rats (n=10 in each group) were administered intraperitoneally with Neurokinin B in three variable doses: 1 μg, 1 ηg and 10 ρg while, Senktide (Neurokinin B agonist) and SB222200 (Neurokinin B antagonist) in 1 μg doses consecutively for 12 days. After 12 days of peptide treatment, half of the animals (n=05) in each group were sacrificed while remaining half (n=05) were kept for another 12 days without any treatment to investigate treatment reversal. Seminal vesicles were dissected and excised tissue was processed for light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and estimation of seminal fructose levels. RESULTS Treatment with Neurokinin B and Senktide significantly increased while SB222200 slightly decrease the seminal vesicles weight, epithelial height and seminal fructose levels as compared to control. Light microscopy revealed increased epithelial height and epithelial folding as compared to control in all Neurokinin B and Senktide treated groups while decreased in SB222200. Effects of various doses of Neurokinin B, Senktide and SB222200 on seminal vesicles weight, epithelial height, seminal fructose levels and histomorphology were reversed when rats were maintained without treatments. Immuno-expression of Neurokinin B shows no change in treatment and reversal groups. CONCLUSION Continuous administration of Neurokinin B and Senktide effect positively while SB222200 have detrimental effects on cellular morphology, epithelial height and seminal fructose levels in seminal vesicles. Effects of peptide treatments depicted a reversal towards control group when rats were kept without any treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Haris Ramzan
- Department of Physiology, Khyber Medical University Institute of Medical Sciences (KMU-IMS), Kohat 26000, Pakistan
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar25100, Pakistan
| | - Mohsin Shah
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, 25100, Pakistan
| | - Faiqah Ramzan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (FVAS), Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, 29050, Pakistan
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Hong R, Luo L, Wang L, Hu Z, Yin Q, Li M, Gu B, Wang B, Zhuang T, Zhang X, Zhou Y, Wang W, Huang L, Gu B, Qi S. Lepidium meyenii Walp (Maca)-derived extracellular vesicles ameliorate depression by promoting 5-HT synthesis via the modulation of gut-brain axis. IMETA 2023; 2:e116. [PMID: 38867934 PMCID: PMC10989901 DOI: 10.1002/imt2.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Depression is a common and debilitating condition for which effective treatments are needed. Lepidium meyenii Walp (Maca) is a plant with potential medicinal effects in treating depression. Recently, there has been growing interest in plant-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) due to their low toxicity and ability to transport to human cells. Targeting the gut-brain axis, a novel strategy for depression management, may be achieved through the use of Maca-derived EVs (Maca-EVs). In this study, we successfully isolated Maca-EVs using gradient ultracentrifugation and characterized their shape, size, and markers (CD63 and TSG101). The in vivo imaging showed that the Dil-labeled Maca-EVs crossed the brain-blood barrier and accumulated in the brain. The behavioral tests revealed that Maca-EVs dramatically recovered the depression-like behaviors of unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) mice. UCMS mice fecal were characterized by an elevated abundance of g_Enterococcus, g_Lactobacillus, and g_Escherichia_Shigella, which were significantly restored by administration of Maca-EVs. The effects of Maca-EVs on the altered microbial and fecal metabolites in UCMS mice were mapped to biotin, pyrimidine, and amino acid (tyrosine, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate) metabolisms, which were closely associated with the serotonin (5-HT) production. Maca-EVs were able to increase serum monoamine neurotransmitter levels in UCMS mice, with 5-HT showing the most significant changes. We further demonstrated that 5-HT improved the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a key regulator of neuronal plasticity, and its subsequent activation of TrkB/p-AKT signaling by regulating the GTP-Cdc42/ERK pathway. These findings suggest that Maca-EVs enhance 5-HT release, possibly by modulating the gut-brain axis, to improve depression behavior. Our study sheds light on a novel approach to depression treatment using plant-derived EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Hong
- School of Medical TechnologyXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
- School of PharmacyXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Lan Luo
- School of Medical TechnologyXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Liang Wang
- Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangzhouChina
- School of Medical Informatics and EngineeringXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
- Centre for Precision Health, School of Medical and Health SciencesEdith Cowan UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Zhao‐Li Hu
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease BioinformationXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Qi‐Rong Yin
- School of PharmacyXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
- Department of Laboratory MedicineAffiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Ming Li
- School of Medical TechnologyXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Bin Gu
- School of Medical Informatics and EngineeringXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Laboratory MedicineAffiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Tao Zhuang
- School of PharmacyXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Xin‐Yue Zhang
- School of PharmacyXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Yuan Zhou
- School of Medical TechnologyXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Wan Wang
- School of Medical TechnologyXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Lin‐Yan Huang
- School of Medical TechnologyXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
| | - Bing Gu
- School of Medical TechnologyXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
- Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's HospitalGuangzhouChina
| | - Su‐Hua Qi
- School of Medical TechnologyXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
- School of PharmacyXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouChina
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Ybañez-Julca RO, Palacios J, Asunción-Alvarez D, Quispe-Díaz I, Nwokocha CR, de Albuquerque RDDG. Lepidium meyenii Walp (red maca) Supplementation Prevents Acrylamide-Induced Oxidative Stress and Liver Toxicity in Rats: Phytochemical Composition by UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS. PLANT FOODS FOR HUMAN NUTRITION (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 77:460-466. [PMID: 35932411 DOI: 10.1007/s11130-022-01000-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Lepidium meyenii Walp (red maca) is a high Andean plant cultivated since the Incas and has innumerable therapeutic properties. The study aims to identify its phytochemical composition using UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS, and evaluate its effects on acrylamide-induced oxidative stress. The lyophilized aqueous extract of red maca (LAqE-RM) was orally administered in doses of 1 and 2 g/kg body weight for 4 weeks. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in erythrocytes, brain, and liver, as well as hepatic levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined. Administration of acrylamide for 2 and 4 weeks significantly increased (p < 0.001) MDA levels in erythrocytes, brain, and liver. However, LAqE-RM prevented (p < 0.001) an increase in MDA levels in all tissues studied. Likewise, the groups treated with LAqE-RM presented significantly (p < 0.001) lower levels of ALT and AST compared to the control. Treatment with LAqE-RM ameliorated the acrylamide-induced oxidative stress by reducing MDA levels in erythrocytes, brain, and liver and by lowering liver levels of ALT and AST in a dose-dependent manner. Twenty-five secondary metabolites were identified and characterized from LAqE-RM based on UHPLC mass spectrophotometry. These include carbolines, alkamides, fatty acids, and macamides, which are probably involved in their antioxidant protective role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto O Ybañez-Julca
- Laboratorio de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Trujillo, Perú.
| | - Javier Palacios
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Aplicada, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique, Chile
| | - Daniel Asunción-Alvarez
- Laboratorio de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Trujillo, Perú
| | - Ivan Quispe-Díaz
- Laboratorio de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Trujillo, Perú
| | - Chukwuemeka R Nwokocha
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
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Gül ET, Olgun O, Yıldız A, Tüzün AE, Sarmiento-García A. Use of Maca Powder ( Lepidium meyenii) as Feed Additive in Diets of Laying Quails at Different Ages: Its Effect on Performance, Eggshell Quality, Serum, Ileum, and Bone Properties. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9080418. [PMID: 36006333 PMCID: PMC9415308 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9080418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Using additives can reduce the negative effects of aging on factors affecting profitability, such as the availability of nutrients, production, and egg quality. Maca is an herbaceous plant rich in protein, crude oil, essential acids, and pharmacological compounds. Maca has positive effects on different health parameters. In this study, the effect of adding Maca powder to the diets of young and old laying quails at the end of the 10-week trial was investigated. In total, 150 laying Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) (209.1 ± 10.0 g) were randomly distributed to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with two ages (10 weeks and 30 weeks) and three Maca powder levels (0, 1, or 2 g/kg), with five subgroups per treatment. According to the study, eggshell quality, total cholesterol, triglyceride, progesterone, and testosterone concentrations of serum were lower in old quail than in young quail, while egg weight, feed intake, and follicle-stimulating hormone increased significantly as quail aged. (p < 0.05). Furthermore, aging negatively affected the histomorphology of the ileum and cortical bone thickness (p < 0.05). Additional findings show that adding 1 g/kg Maca powder to the diet of quail significantly improved eggshell, ileum, and bone traits that deteriorate with age, without affecting performance, and adding 2 g/kg Maca powder to the diet significantly reduced serum total cholesterol levels (p < 0.05). Incorporating Maca powder into the diet of aged birds could reduce the negative effects of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Tuğçe Gül
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Selcuk, Konya 42130, Turkey
| | - Osman Olgun
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Selcuk, Konya 42130, Turkey
| | - Alpönder Yıldız
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Selcuk, Konya 42130, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Engin Tüzün
- Kocarlı Vocational School, University of Aydın Adnan Menderes, Aydın 09970, Turkey
| | - Ainhoa Sarmiento-García
- Área de Producción Animal, Department of Construcción y Agronomía, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Ambientales, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-619-847-558
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Effect of maca powder supplementation to growing quail diets on performance, carcass, serum constituents and hormones, and bone and ileum characteristics. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:239. [PMID: 35867215 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03230-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different levels of maca powder supplementation (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 g/kg) in the diet on performance, carcass characteristics, serum biochemical constituents and hormone concentrations, bone biomechanical properties, and ileum histomorphology in growing Japanese quails. In this 42-day trial, a total of 480 mixed sex Japanese quail chicks, aged 1 day, were randomly distributed among six experimental groups. Each experimental group contained four replicates of 20 chicks each. The addition of 2.0 g/kg of maca powder to the diet significantly decreased body weight, body weight gain compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, with the 1.5 g/kg level of maca powder, feed efficiency improved considerably (P < 0.05). The testis weight increased significantly with the addition of maca powder at 1.0 g/kg level to the diet, and testesteron concentration of serum in male quails was also increased significantly at 1.5 g/kg level of maca powder compared to control group (P < 0.05). The addition of 2.5 g/kg level of maca powder significantly reduced the cholesterol concentration of serum in male quails compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The administration of 2.0 g/kg level of maca powder to the diet caused a decrease in shear force (P < 0.05). The addition of maca powder to the diet significantly increased crypt depth and villus surface area at 0.5 g/kg level, villus width at 1.0 g/kg level, and villus height at 2.0 g/kg level in growing quails (P < 0.05). According to the results obtained from the present research, it can be said that the addition up to 2.0 g/kg maca powder to growing quail diets could improve feed efficiency, testesteron concentration of serum, and ileum properties.
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Del Prete C, Calabria A, Longobardi V, Palumbo V, Merlo B, Iacono E, Tafuri S, Carotenuto D, Ciani F, Damiano S, Ciarcia R, Cocchia N. Effect of Aqueous Extract of Maca Addition to an Extender for Chilled Canine Semen. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12131638. [PMID: 35804537 PMCID: PMC9264857 DOI: 10.3390/ani12131638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The wide use of artificial insemination in dogs justifies the development of new strategies to prevent the reduction of fertilizing ability of stored semen. In recent years, the use of plant antioxidant supplementation has become increasingly popular. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is an Andean edible root with antioxidant properties. The effectiveness of the oral supplementation of Maca in improving fresh semen quality and quantity and cooling or freezing ability has already been reported. This is the first in vitro study on the effects of aqueous extract of Maca on canine spermatozoa. The addition of low concentrations of aqueous extract of Maca to the canine chilled extender had positive effects only until 24 h of storage, increasing hyperactivation of sperm cells and preserving DNA integrity of spermatozoa in short-term storage. Meanwhile, a high concentration of Maca had an immediately deleterious effect on semen quality. Abstract Antioxidant supplementation has been proposed as a new strategy to improve the long-term preservation of semen. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Maca supplementation of semen extender on quality-related canine semen parameters during cooling. Ejaculates from nine dogs were cooled for 7 days in the absence (control group) or in the presence of 10, 20 and 50 μL/mL of an aqueous extract of Maca. Sperm were evaluated for sperm viability, motility, DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation after 3 h, 24 h, 4 days and 7 days of storage. The addition of 10 μL/mL of Maca preserved sperm DNA and plasma membrane integrity at 3 h and increased sperm curvilinear velocity after 24 h. Treatment with 20 and 50 μL/mL of Maca increased the percentage of hyperactivated sperm after 3 h. Moreover, semen treated with 20 μL/mL of Maca decreased lipid peroxidation at 24 h. A significant reduction of sperm DNA and plasma membrane integrity as well as of kinetics parameters between 3 and 24 h of refrigerated storage with the higher concentration tested was observed. Although Maca was not able to protect canine semen with extended refrigeration storage time, it increased hyperactivation and preserved DNA integrity in short-term storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Del Prete
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (V.P.); (S.T.); (F.C.); (S.D.); (R.C.); (N.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-2536017
| | - Alfonso Calabria
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (V.P.); (S.T.); (F.C.); (S.D.); (R.C.); (N.C.)
| | - Valentina Longobardi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (V.P.); (S.T.); (F.C.); (S.D.); (R.C.); (N.C.)
| | - Veronica Palumbo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (V.P.); (S.T.); (F.C.); (S.D.); (R.C.); (N.C.)
| | - Barbara Merlo
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (B.M.); (E.I.)
| | - Eleonora Iacono
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (B.M.); (E.I.)
| | - Simona Tafuri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (V.P.); (S.T.); (F.C.); (S.D.); (R.C.); (N.C.)
| | - Domenico Carotenuto
- Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor San Marcos (UNMSM), Avenida Universitaria 34, Lima 15081, Peru;
| | - Francesca Ciani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (V.P.); (S.T.); (F.C.); (S.D.); (R.C.); (N.C.)
| | - Sara Damiano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (V.P.); (S.T.); (F.C.); (S.D.); (R.C.); (N.C.)
| | - Roberto Ciarcia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (V.P.); (S.T.); (F.C.); (S.D.); (R.C.); (N.C.)
| | - Natascia Cocchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples ‘Federico II’, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (V.P.); (S.T.); (F.C.); (S.D.); (R.C.); (N.C.)
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9
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Melnikovova I, Russo D, Fait T, Kolarova M, Tauchen J, Kushniruk N, Falabella R, Milella L, Fernández Cusimamani E. Evaluation of the effect of Lepidium meyenii Walpers in infertile patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Phytother Res 2021; 35:6359-6368. [PMID: 34585449 PMCID: PMC9293450 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility refers to the inability to conceive a natural pregnancy in a fertile female, and approximately 15% of reproductive‐aged couples worldwide face this problem. Several plants were used to treat fertility disorders and, among them, Lepidium meyenii, a folk medicament of Andean regions, is still used to enhance vitality and treat sterility in humans and domestic animals. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of L. meyenii Walpers on infertile patients by a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Fifty patients suffering from various reproductive‐related problems were enrolled for 16 weeks to evaluate the effect of yellow maca on semen quality and serum hormone levels. Treatment with maca improved the percentage of sperm concentration by 40%, whereas the placebo improved by 76% after 8 and 16 weeks of treatment, but the results were statistically non‐significant. No statistically significant change in hormone levels was reported by using maca, except a decrease in the level of free testosterone. Results are not sufficient to assess the efficacy of maca on male fertility. Further investigation and trials are required to obtain conclusive results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Melnikovova
- Department of Crop Sciences and Agroforestry, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Daniela Russo
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy.,Spinoff BioActiPlants.r.l., Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Tomas Fait
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Kolarova
- Department of Agroecology and Biometeorology, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Tauchen
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Nataliya Kushniruk
- First Medical Faculty of Charles University Prague, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Roberto Falabella
- Urology Unit, San Carlo Hospital, Via Potito Petrone, Potenza, Italy
| | - Luigi Milella
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Eloy Fernández Cusimamani
- Department of Crop Sciences and Agroforestry, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague 6, Czech Republic
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10
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Chen R, Wei J, Gao Y. A review of the study of active components and their pharmacology value in Lepidium meyenii (Maca). Phytother Res 2021; 35:6706-6719. [PMID: 34533247 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lepidium meyenii (Maca) contains several active components, including alkaloids, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, polysaccharides, polyphenols, and sterols, which make it have the traditional therapeutic uses. In this paper, we summarized the analytical progress of the active components associated with alkaloids, polysaccharides, glucosinolates, sterols, free fatty acids, flavonoids, and natural phenols in Maca by mass spectrometry (MS). Due to the effect of color and type on active components in Maca, we summarized the study of quality evaluation about Maca according to the type and the content of active components such as glucosinolates, essential oils, macamides, and macaenes by MS. Additionally, the research on the change of active components in Maca at different growth stages by MS will be beneficial to full utilization of active components in Maca and other natural resources. We reviewed the study in the visible distribution of amino acids, amide alkaloids, imidazolium alkaloids, and saccharides in Maca by imaging mass spectrometry (IMS). We also reviewed the pharmacology value associated with improvement of reproductive function, anti-stress response, anti-osteoporosis, antitumor activity, clinical research and toxicity of Maca, and so forth. Nevertheless, due to individual differences and limitations of the subjects, further high-quality studies are needed to confirm the clinical efficacy of the plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
| | - Jinchao Wei
- Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yumei Gao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
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11
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Orellana Mendoza E, Cuadrado W, Yallico L, Zárate R, Quispe-Melgar HR, Limaymanta CH, Sarapura V, Bao-Cóndor D. Heavy metals in soils and edible tissues of Lepidium meyenii (maca) and health risk assessment in areas influenced by mining activity in the Central region of Peru. Toxicol Rep 2021; 8:1461-1470. [PMID: 34401355 PMCID: PMC8353470 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2021.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Heavy metal contamination of soil and agricultural products is an environmental problem, has an adverse effect on the quality of food crops, and is a danger to food security and public health. The concentration of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in surface soils and edible hypocotyls tissues of two ecotypes of Lepidium meyenii Walpers (maca) was evaluated in three districts of the Junín province, Peru. In addition, the risk to human health due to exposure to heavy metals from maca consumption was evaluated. Soil samples and maca hypocotyls were collected in areas influenced by mining and metallurgical activity. The mean concentration of Cd (0.32 ± 0.23 mg/kg) and Pb (0.20 ± 0.12 mg/kg) in maca samples exceeded the values established by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization. The bioconcentration factor was less than 1. The estimated daily intake of each metal was below the oral reference dose. The hazard quotient and hazard index were less than 1, it is unlikely to cause non-cancer adverse health outcome. The cancer risk for As and Cd was higher than the tolerable limit (1 × 10-6) in children and adults. In the district of Ondores, the cancer risk for As in children was higher than the acceptable limit (1 × 10-4). Residents of the Ondores district would be more exposed to As and Cd from consumption of maca hypocotyls. It is very important to carry out continuous monitoring of other toxic metals in different ecotypes of maca (red, black, yellow, purple, creamy white, pink) in order to evaluate the variation in the accumulation of heavy metals and the level of toxicity of each metal between ecotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Orellana Mendoza
- Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, Av. Mariscal Castilla 3909–4089, Huancayo, Huancayo 12006, Peru
| | - Walter Cuadrado
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, Av. Mariscal Castilla 3909–4089, Huancayo, Huancayo 12006, Peru
| | - Luz Yallico
- Faculty of Nursing, Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, Av. Mariscal Castilla 3909–4089, Huancayo, Huancayo 12006, Peru
| | - Rosa Zárate
- Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, Av. Mariscal Castilla 3909–4089, Huancayo, Huancayo 12006, Peru
| | | | - Cesar H. Limaymanta
- Department of Library and Information Science, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Av. Universitaria with Av. Venezuela, Lima, Lima District 15081, Peru
- Department of Science, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Peru
| | - Vicky Sarapura
- Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, Av. Mariscal Castilla 3909–4089, Huancayo, Huancayo 12006, Peru
| | - Diana Bao-Cóndor
- Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, Av. Mariscal Castilla 3909–4089, Huancayo, Huancayo 12006, Peru
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12
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Singh AK, Rai SN, Maurya A, Mishra G, Awasthi R, Shakya A, Chellappan DK, Dua K, Vamanu E, Chaudhary SK, Singh MP. Therapeutic Potential of Phytoconstituents in Management of Alzheimer's Disease. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2021; 2021:5578574. [PMID: 34211570 PMCID: PMC8208882 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5578574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Since primitive times, herbs have been extensively used in conventional remedies for boosting cognitive impairment and age-associated memory loss. It is mentioned that medicinal plants have a variety of dynamic components, and they have become a prominent choice for synthetic medications for the care of cognitive and associated disorders. Herbal remedies have played a major role in the progression of medicine, and many advanced drugs have already been developed. Many studies have endorsed practicing herbal remedies with phytoconstituents, for healing Alzheimer's disease (AD). All the information in this article was collated from selected research papers from online scientific databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The aim of this article is to convey the potential of herbal remedies for the prospect management of Alzheimer's and related diseases. Herbal remedies may be useful in the discovery and advancement of drugs, thus extending new leads for neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. Nanocarriers play a significant role in delivering herbal medicaments to a specific target. Therefore, many drugs have been described for the management of age-linked complaints such as dementia, AD, and the like. Several phytochemicals are capable of managing AD, but their therapeutic claims are restricted due to their lower solubility and metabolism. These limitations of natural therapeutics can be overcome by using a targeted nanocarrier system. This article will provide the primitive remedies as well as the development of herbal remedies for AD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Kumar Singh
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sachchida Nand Rai
- Centre of Biotechnology, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj 211002, India
| | - Anand Maurya
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Gaurav Mishra
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rajendra Awasthi
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anshul Shakya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Dibrugarh University, Assam 786004, Dibrugarh, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University (IMU), Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emanuel Vamanu
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Agronomic Science and Veterinary Medicine, 59 Marasti Blvd, 1 District, 011464, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sushil Kumar Chaudhary
- Faculty of Pharmacy, DIT University, Mussoorie-Diversion Road, Makkawala, Dehradun 248 009, Uttarakhand, India
| | - M. P. Singh
- Centre of Biotechnology, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj 211002, India
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Marzo F, Milagro FI, Barrenetxe J, Díaz MT, Martínez JA. Azoxymethane-Induced Colorectal Cancer Mice Treated with a Polyphenol-Rich Apple Extract Show Less Neoplastic Lesions and Signs of Cachexia. Foods 2021; 10:863. [PMID: 33921048 PMCID: PMC8071383 DOI: 10.3390/foods10040863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is considered a risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer. In rodents, high-fat (HF) diets are able to increase the formation of azoxymethane (AOM)-induced polyps. Polyphenol-rich apple extracts have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and may induce an amelioration of the manifestations of colorectal cancer. Twenty-seven male Crl:CD-1 mice received AOM during four weeks and were subsequently divided into three groups fed a HF diet (n = 9 each group): a non-supplemented group, a second group supplemented with apple extract at 1%, and a third group supplemented with the same apple extract at 1.5%. Energy metabolism and the respiratory quotient were not affected by the supplementation with the apple extract. Although body weight was not affected by the treatment, the mice supplemented with the apple extract showed less signs of cachexia than the non-treated mice. In the intestine, the mice supplemented with the apple extract showed lower sucrase, dipeptidyl-peptidase IV, and aminopeptidase N activities, and less intestinal lesions (aberrant crypt foci and polyps). Administration of a polyphenol-rich apple extract reduces the number of neoplastic lesions in mice with AOM-induced colorectal cancer and contributes to preserve adipose tissue mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencio Marzo
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, School of Agronomy, Universidad Pública de Navarra, 31006 Pamplona, Spain;
- ISFOOD (Research Institute for Innovation & Sustainable Development in Food Chain), Universidad Pública de Navarra, 31006 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Fermin I. Milagro
- Center for Nutrition Research, Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (J.B.); (J.A.M.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdISNA), 31006 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaione Barrenetxe
- Center for Nutrition Research, Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (J.B.); (J.A.M.)
| | - María Teresa Díaz
- Departamento de Tecnología de Alimentos, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agraria (INIA), Carretera de la Coruña, km7, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - J. Alfredo Martínez
- Center for Nutrition Research, Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (J.B.); (J.A.M.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdISNA), 31006 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Perez CJ, Conceição RS, Ifa DR. Chemical profiling and separation of bioactive secondary metabolites in Maca (Lepidium peruvianum) by normal and reverse phase thin layer chromatography coupled to desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2021; 56:e4690. [PMID: 33410238 DOI: 10.1002/jms.4690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Maca is a Peruvian tuberous root of the Brassicaceae family grown in the central Andes between altitudes of 4000 and 4500 m. The medicinal plant is a nutraceutical with important biological activities and health effects. In this study, we report a rapid high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC)-(-)desorption electrospray ionization (DESI)-mass spectrometry (MS) method to profile and separate intact glucosinolates without prior biochemical modifications from the hydromethanolic extracts of two phenotypes, red and black Maca (Lepidium peruvianum) seeds. In the first stage of the plant's life cycle, aromatic glucosinolates were the main chemical constituents whereby six aromatic, three indole, and one aliphatic glucosinolate were tentatively identified. At the seedling stage, glucolepigramin/Glucosinalbin was the most predominant precursor, rather than Glucotropaeolin, which is mainly found in hypocotyls and roots. These findings lead us to suggest that glucolepigramin/glucosinalbin play a major role as active precursors in the biosynthetic pathways of other secondary metabolites in the early stages of plant development. Between red and black Maca seeds, only minor differences in the relative abundances of glucosinolates were observed rather than different plant metabolites. For the first time, we report six potential plant antibiotics, phytoanticipins: glycosylated ascorbigens and dihydroascorbigens from Maca seeds. We also investigated a targeted reverse phase C18 functionalized TLC-DESI-MS method with high sensitivity and specificity for Brassicaceae fatty acids in Maca seeds and health supplements such as black Maca root lyophilized powder and tinctures. The investigation of secondary metabolites by normal and reverse phase TLC-DESI-MS methods, described in this study, can aid in their identification as they begin to emerge in later stages of development in plant tissues such as leaves, hypocotyls, and roots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Consuelo J Perez
- Centre for Research in Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rodrigo S Conceição
- Centre for Research in Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health, State University of Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Brazil
| | - Demian R Ifa
- Centre for Research in Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Fei W, Hou Y, Yue N, Zhou X, Wang Y, Wang L, Li A, Zhang J. The effects of aqueous extract of Maca on energy metabolism and immunoregulation. Eur J Med Res 2020; 25:24. [PMID: 32600385 PMCID: PMC7322873 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-020-00420-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In the present work, we investigated the effects of aqueous extract of Maca (AEM) on energy metabolism and immunoregulation in spleen-deficient mice. Method We established a cyclophosphamide-induced spleen-deficiency model with ginseng, a herb that strengthens splenic function, as a control. Sixty male Kunming mice were randomly divided among 5 groups: normal, model, ginseng control (1.5 g/kg), AEM high dose (1.5 g/kg), and AEM low dose (0.75 g/kg). All animals, except those in the normal group, were injected with cyclophosphamide to induce spleen deficiency. Furthermore, we investigated differences in the thermotropic behaviors of mice using the Animal Thermotropism Behavior Surveillance System to detect energy metabolism-related assays and immune regulation assays. Results Mice given AEM exhibited tropism in response to hot plate exposure. AEM inhibited loss of body weight and immune organ atrophy caused by cyclophosphamide, increased the cAMP/cGMP ratio in blood, and enhanced the activities of Na+–K+-ATPase, Ca2+–Mg2+-ATPase, lactate dehydrogenase, and hepatic glycogen. AEM significantly reversed declining white blood cells and platelet counts, and increased the hemoglobin content within peripheral blood cells. AEM improved the protein levels of IFN-γ, TNF-β, IL-2, and IL-4 in the spleen. Conclusions Maca possesses the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) property of warm and appears to strengthen spleen function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Fei
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11, East Road, North 3rd Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yan Hou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11, East Road, North 3rd Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Na Yue
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11, East Road, North 3rd Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xue Zhou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11, East Road, North 3rd Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yujie Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11, East Road, North 3rd Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Linyuan Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine South Street, Fangshan District, Beijing, 100102, China
| | - Aimin Li
- New Era Health Industry(Group) Co., Ltd, No. 10, Science Park Road, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 11, East Road, North 3rd Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China.
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16
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Chemical Analysis of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) and Its Effects on Redox Status and on Reproductive Biology in Stallions †. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24101981. [PMID: 31126050 PMCID: PMC6571579 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24101981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was conducted to assess the chemical composition of Yellow Maca (Lepidium meyenii) and its biological activity on stallions following oral administration of hypocotyl powder. Maca was subjected to methanolic extraction and the chemical analysis was carried out by LC-MS-QTOF (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry). Our results showed that Maca contains some effective antioxidants, a high percentage of glucosinolates, and other important components with a high antioxidant capacity. To evaluate the plant biological activity in stallions fed with Maca powder for 60 days, the redox status and some reproductive parameters were investigated. Blood and semen samples were collected at 0, 30, 60, and 90 days from the beginning of this study. Blood samples showed a decrease of the reactive oxygen metabolites, evaluated by d-ROMs test, and an increase of the antioxidant barrier in terms of biological antioxidant potential (BAP test), powerful oxidant capacity (OXY-Adsorbent test), and thiols evaluation (-SHp test). Furthermore, semen samples showed a positive trend during Maca administration in the following parameters: ejaculate volumes and sperm concentrations, total and progressive motility, and acrosome integrity.
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17
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Shang R, Yang P, Wang B, Zhao Z. Transcriptome analysis of maca ( Lepidium meyenii) root at different developmental stages. APPLICATIONS IN PLANT SCIENCES 2018; 6:e01206. [PMID: 30598864 PMCID: PMC6303156 DOI: 10.1002/aps3.1206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE OF THE STUDY Maca (Lepidium meyenii; Brassicaceae) has been cultivated by Andeans for thousands of years as a food source and has been used for medicinal purposes. However, little is known about the mechanism underlying material accumulation during plant growth. METHODS RNA-Seq technology was used to compare the transcriptome of black maca root at three developmental stages. Gene Ontology term enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were applied for the identification of pathways in which differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched. RESULTS Trinity was used to de novo assemble the reads, and 120,664 unigenes were assembled. Of these, 71.53% of the unigenes were annotated based on BLAST. A total of 18,321 differentially expressed genes were observed. Gene Ontology term enrichment analysis found that the most highly represented pathway among the differentially expressed genes was for genes involved in starch and sucrose metabolism. We also found that genes involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis, such as glucosinolate biosynthesis, were significantly enriched. DISCUSSION The genes that were differentially expressed between developmental time points likely reflect both developmental pathways and responses to changes in the environment. As such, the transcriptome data in this study serve as a reference for subsequent mining of genes that are involved in the synthesis of important bioactive components in maca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui‐Guang Shang
- Research Institute of Resource InsectsChinese Academy of ForestryKunming650224YunnanPeople's Republic of China
| | - Pu Yang
- Research Institute of Resource InsectsChinese Academy of ForestryKunming650224YunnanPeople's Republic of China
| | - Bing‐Yi Wang
- Research Institute of Resource InsectsChinese Academy of ForestryKunming650224YunnanPeople's Republic of China
| | - Zun‐Ling Zhao
- Research Institute of Resource InsectsChinese Academy of ForestryKunming650224YunnanPeople's Republic of China
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18
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Chen Q, Li M, Wang C, Li Z, Xu J, Zheng Q, Liu P, Zhou H. Combining Targeted Metabolites Analysis and Transcriptomics to Reveal Chemical Composition Difference and Underlying Transcriptional Regulation in Maca ( Lepidium Meyenii Walp.) Ecotypes. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9070335. [PMID: 29970867 PMCID: PMC6071217 DOI: 10.3390/genes9070335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) is a traditional Andean crop with great potential for various sanitarian and medical functions, which is attracting increased research attention. The majority of previous Maca studies were focused on biochemistry and pharmacodynamics, while the genetic basis of its unique characteristics lagged due to a lack of genome information. The authors perform gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis in the hypocotyls of three Maca ecotypes and identify 79 compounds. Among them, 62 compounds have distinct profiles among Maca ecotypes. To reveal the underlying regulatory mechanism of the chemical composition differences, de novo transcriptome sequencing is performed and the transcription profiles of three Maca ecotypes are comparatively analyzed. Functional analysis indicates several key pathways, including “starch and sucrose metabolism,” “phenylpropanoid biosynthesis,” “phenylalanine metabolism” and “plant-pathogen interaction,” are involved in regulating the chemical compositions of Maca. Combining metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis indicates transcription factors such as MYB and WRKY and mediators such as protein kinase and bifunctional inhibitors might be critical regulators of chemical composition in Maca. The transcriptome reference genome and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) obtained in this study might serve as an initial step to illustrate the genetic differences in nutrient component, secondary metabolites content, medicinal function and stress resistance in Maca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiansi Chen
- Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou 450000, China.
| | - Meng Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China.
| | - Chen Wang
- Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou 450000, China.
| | - Zefeng Li
- Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou 450000, China.
| | - Jiayang Xu
- Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou 450000, China.
| | - Qingxia Zheng
- Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou 450000, China.
| | - Pingping Liu
- Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou 450000, China.
| | - Huina Zhou
- Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of CNTC, Zhengzhou 450000, China.
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Wan W, Li H, Xiang J, Yi F, Xu L, Jiang B, Xiao P. Aqueous Extract of Black Maca Prevents Metabolism Disorder via Regulating the Glycolysis/Gluconeogenesis-TCA Cycle and PPARα Signaling Activation in Golden Hamsters Fed a High-Fat, High-Fructose Diet. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:333. [PMID: 29681858 PMCID: PMC5897445 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walpers) has been used as a dietary supplement and ethnomedicine for centuries. Recently, maca has become a high profile functional food worldwide because of its multiple biological activities. This study is the first explorative research to investigate the prevention and amelioration capacity of the aqueous extract of black maca (AEM) on high-fat, high-fructose diet (HFD)-induced metabolism disorder in golden hamsters and to identify the potential mechanisms involved in these effects. For 20 weeks, 6-week-old male golden hamsters were fed the following respective diets: (1) a standard diet, (2) HFD, (3) HFD supplemented with metformin, or (4) HFD supplemented with three doses of AEM (300, 600, or 1,200 mg/kg). After 20 weeks, the golden hamsters that received daily AEM supplementation presented with the beneficial effects of improved hyperlipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis in vivo. Based on the hepatic metabolomic analysis results, alterations in metabolites associated with pathological changes were examined. A total of 194 identified metabolites were mapped to 46 relative metabolic pathways, including those of energy metabolism. In addition, via in silico profiling for secondary maca metabolites by a joint pharmacophore- and structure-based approach, a compound-target-disease network was established. The results revealed that 32 bioactive compounds in maca targeted 16 proteins involved in metabolism disorder. Considering the combined metabolomics and virtual screening results, we employed quantitative real-time PCR assays to verify the gene expression of key enzymes in the relevant pathways. AEM promoted glycolysis and inhibited gluconeogenesis via regulating the expression of key genes such as Gck and Pfkm. Moreover, AEM upregulated tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle flux by changing the concentrations of intermediates and increasing the mRNA levels of Aco2, Fh, and Mdh2. In addition, the lipid-lowering effects of AEM in boththe serum and liver may be partly related to PPARα signaling activation, including enhanced fatty acid β-oxidation and lipogenesis pathway inhibition. Together, our data demonstrated that AEM intervention significantly improved lipid and glucose metabolism disorder by regulating the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis-TCA cycle and by modulating gene expression levels involved in the PPARα signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Wan
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Hongxiang Li
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Jiamei Xiang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Yi
- School of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Cosmetic, China National Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Lijia Xu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Baoping Jiang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Peigen Xiao
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
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20
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Gugnani KS, Vu N, Rondón-Ortiz AN, Böhlke M, Maher TJ, Pino-Figueroa AJ. Neuroprotective activity of macamides on manganese-induced mitochondrial disruption in U-87 MG glioblastoma cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 340:67-76. [PMID: 29288688 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 12/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Macamides are a distinct class of secondary metabolites, benzylamides of long chain fatty acids, which were isolated from the Peruvian plant Lepidium meyenii (Maca). As structural analogues of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA), they have demonstrated neuroprotective effects in vitro and in vivo. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the neuroprotective activity of the macamides: N-(3-methoxybenzyl)oleamide (MAC 18:1), N-(3-methoxybenzyl)linoleamide (MAC 18:2) and N-(3-methoxybenzyl)linolenamide (MAC 18:3) in a neurotoxic environment caused by exposure of U-87 MG glioblastoma cells to manganese chloride (MnCl2). The neuroprotective effects of these macamides were reversed by the CB1 antagonist AM251. The mechanism by which manganese (Mn) induces cell damage was investigated by studying its effects on mitochondria. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase intracellular calcium and enhance the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores (MPTP), which leads to decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), to disruption of mitochondria and to neuron death in neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, MnCl2 at 50μM was responsible for mitochondrial disruption, which was attenuated by all three of the macamides tested. Human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) has been proposed to be a cannabinoid target, and PPARγ has also been demonstrated to mediate some of the longer-term vascular effects of the plant cannabinoid, ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol. PPARγ activation was observed in response to exposures of cells to MAC 18:2 and MAC 18:3. These findings suggest that macamides achieve their neuroprotective effects by binding to CB1 receptors to protect against Mn-induced toxicity in U-87 MG glioblastoma cells. Additionally these macamides, in a manner similar to the analogous endocannabinoid AEA, interact with other targets such as PPARγ to regulate metabolism and energy homeostasis, cell differentiation and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuljeet S Gugnani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MCPHS University, 179 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nguyen Vu
- School of Pharmacy, MCPHS University, 179 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Mark Böhlke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MCPHS University, 179 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Timothy J Maher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MCPHS University, 179 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
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21
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N-Butanol and Aqueous Fractions of Red Maca Methanolic Extract Exerts Opposite Effects on Androgen and Oestrogens Receptors (Alpha and Beta) in Rats with Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 2017:9124240. [PMID: 29375645 PMCID: PMC5742461 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9124240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) affects, worldwide, 50% of 60-year-old men. The Peruvian plant red maca (Lepidium meyenii) inhibits BPH in rodents. This study aimed to determine the effects of methanolic red maca extract and its n-butanol and aqueous fractions on expression of androgen and oestrogen receptors in rats with testosterone enanthate-induced BPH. Thirty-six rats in six groups were studied. Control group received 2 mL of vehicle orally and 0.1 mL of propylene glycol intramuscularly. The second group received vehicle orally and testosterone enanthate (TE) (25 mg/0.1 mL) intramuscularly in days 1 and 7. The other four groups were BPH-induced with TE and received, during 21 days, 3.78 mg/mL of finasteride, 18.3 mg/mL methanol extract of red maca, 2 mg/mL of n-butanol fraction, or 16.3 mg/mL of aqueous fraction from red maca. Treatments with red maca extract and its n-butanol but not aqueous fraction reduced prostate weight similar to finasteride. All maca treated groups restored the expression of ERβ, but only the aqueous fraction increased androgen receptors and ERα. In conclusion, butanol fraction of red maca reduced prostate size in BPH by restoring expression of ERβ without affecting androgen receptors and ERα. This effect was not observed with aqueous fraction of methanolic extract of red maca.
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22
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Meissner HO, Mscisz A, Baraniak M, Piatkowska E, Pisulewski P, Mrozikiewicz M, Bobkiewicz-Kozlowska T. Peruvian Maca ( Lepidium peruvianum) - III: The Effects of Cultivation Altitude on Phytochemical and Genetic Differences in the Four Prime Maca Phenotypes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE : IJBS 2017; 13:58-73. [PMID: 28824342 PMCID: PMC5542917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In two trials, dietary and Glucosinolates' characteristics in four Maca phenotypes have been examined with an extension into the determination of DNA sequences. Hypocotyls of the four prime phenotypes of Peruvian Maca - Lepidium peruvianum Chacon, labelled as "Yellow", "Black", "Red" and "Purple" were separated from mixed Maca crops cultivated in four geographically-distant locations in the Peruvian Andes at altitudes between 2,800m and 4,300 m a.s.l. It was found that at higher altitudes where Red and Purple Maca phenotypes were grown, the significantly higher (P<0.05) Glucosinolates' concentrations, adopted as the marker of Maca physiological activity, were observed with the Purple phenotype showing the highest Glucosinolates' content at 4,300m a.s.l., followed by the Red-coloured hypocotyls. Black Maca showed a reversal, but also a significant (P<0.05) trend, while the Yellow phenotype showed no visible altitude-inflicted response (P>0.05) and has consistently the lowest Glucosinolates content. Thus, it is reasonable to assume that the altitude at which Red, Purple and Black phenotypes of L. peruvianum are grown, may be responsible for the variation in physiologic functionalities, leading to different than expected specific therapeutic and health benefits induced by Maca phenotypes grown at diverse altitudes. Although promising, insufficiently precise differences in DNA sequences failed to distinguish, without any reasonable doubt, four Maca phenotypes cultivated either in the same or geographically-distant locations, and harvested at different altitudes a.s.l. Further research on DNA sequences is needed, with more primers and larger number of Maca phenotypes, considering biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and adaptation pathways induced by harsh environment at altitudes where Maca is cultivated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry O Meissner
- Faculty of Health Studies, Charles Sturt University & Therapeutic Research, TTD International Pty Ltd, 39 Leopard Ave., Elanora, QLD 4221, Australia
| | - Alina Mscisz
- Research Institute of Medicinal Plants, 27 Libelta St., 61-707 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marek Baraniak
- Research Institute of Medicinal Plants, 27 Libelta St., 61-707 Poznan, Poland
| | - Ewa Piatkowska
- Faculty of Food Technology, Cracow University of Agriculture, 122 Balicka St., 30-149 Krakow, Poland
| | - Pawel Pisulewski
- Faculty of Food Technology, Cracow University of Agriculture, 122 Balicka St., 30-149 Krakow, Poland
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Wang YR, Xu Y, Jiang ZZ, Zhang LY, Wang T. Triptolide reduces prostate size and androgen level on testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in Sprague Dawley rats. Chin J Nat Med 2017; 15:341-346. [PMID: 28558869 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(17)30054-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an age-related disease of unknown etiology, characterized by prostatic enlargement coincident with distinct alterations in tissue histology. In the present study, we investigated whether triptolide can prevent testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia in rats. Castration was performed via the scrotal route after urethane aesthesia. BPH was induced in experimental groups by daily subcutaneous injections of testosterone propionate (TP) for two weeks. Triptolide was administered daily by oral gavage at a dose of 100 and 50 μg·kg-1 for 2 weeks, along with the TP injections. On day 14, the animals were humanely killed by cervical dislocation after aesthesia. Prostates were excised, weighed, and used for histological studies. Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in serum and prostate were measured. The results showed that triptolide significantly reduced the prostate weight, and the testosterone and DHT levels in both the serum and prostate. Histopathological examination also showed that triptolide treatment suppressed TP-induced prostatic hyperplasia. In conclusion, triptolide effectively inhibits the development of BPH induced by testosterone in a rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Rong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuan Xu
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Zhen-Zhou Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening and Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lu-Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening and Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Tao Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening and Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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24
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Yoshida K, Ohta Y, Kawate N, Takahashi M, Inaba T, Hatoya S, Morii H, Takahashi K, Ito M, Tamada H. Long-term feeding of hydroalcoholic extract powder of Lepidium meyenii (maca) enhances the steroidogenic ability of Leydig cells to alleviate its decline with ageing in male rats. Andrologia 2017; 50. [PMID: 28295471 DOI: 10.1111/and.12803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined whether feeding hydroalcoholic extract of Lepidium meyenii (maca) to 8-week-old (sexually maturing) or 18-week-old (mature) male rats for more than a half year affects serum testosterone concentration and testosterone production by Leydig cells cultured with hCG, 22R-hydroxycholesterol or pregnenolone. Testosterone concentration was determined in the serum samples obtained before and 6, 12, 18 and 24 weeks after the feeding, and it was significantly increased only at the 6 weeks in the group fed with the maca extract to maturing rats when it was compared with controls. Testosterone production by Leydig cells significantly increased when cultured with hCG by feeding the maca extract to maturing rats for 27 weeks (35 weeks of age) and when cultured with 22R-hydroxycholesterol by feeding it to mature rats for 30 weeks (48 weeks of age). Overall testosterone production by cultured Leydig cells decreased to about a half from 35 to 48 weeks of age. These results suggest that feeding the maca extract for a long time to male rats may enhance the steroidogenic ability of Leydig cells to alleviate its decline with ageing, whereas it may cause only a transient increase in blood testosterone concentration in sexually maturing male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Yoshida
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Y Ohta
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan
| | - N Kawate
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan
| | - M Takahashi
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka, Japan
| | - T Inaba
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan
| | - S Hatoya
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan
| | - H Morii
- Towa Corporation, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - M Ito
- Towa Corporation, Tokyo, Japan
| | - H Tamada
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan
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25
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Ohta Y, Kawate N, Inaba T, Morii H, Takahashi K, Tamada H. Feeding hydroalcoholic extract powder ofLepidium meyenii(maca) enhances testicular gene expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in rats. Andrologia 2017; 49. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Y. Ohta
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
| | - N. Kawate
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
| | - T. Inaba
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
| | - H. Morii
- Towa Corporation; Shinjuku-ku Tokyo Japan
| | | | - H. Tamada
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
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26
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Valdivia Cuya M, Yarasca De La Vega K, Lévano Sánchez G, Vásquez Cavero J, Temoche García H, Torres Torres L, Cruz Ornetta V. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca) on testicular function of mice with chemically and physically induced subfertility. Andrologia 2017; 48:927-34. [PMID: 27681650 DOI: 10.1111/and.12682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca) in chemically and physically subfertile mice. After 35 days, the following groups of mice were evaluated: control, sham, chemical subfertility, chemical subfertility-maca-supplemented, physical subfertility, physical subfertility-maca-supplemented and maca-supplemented only. Motility (32.36% ± 5.34%) and sperm count (44.4 ± 5.37 × 10(6) /ml) in the chemically and physically subfertile mice (11.81% ± 4.06%, 17.34 ± 13.07 × 10(6) /ml) decreased compared to the control (75.53% ± 2.97% and 57.4 ± 19.6 10(6) /ml) and sham (53.5% ± 7.86% and 58.4 ± 14.10 10(6) /ml). Maca was able to reverse the deleterious effect of motility (76.36 ± 1.97) as well as sperm count (53.5 ± 9.18 × 10(6) /ml) on chemical subfertility. In contrast, maca did not reverse the effects of induced physical subfertility nor motility (18.78% ± 14.41%) or sperm count (20.17 ± 11.20 × 10(6) /ml). The percentage of sperm DNA fragmentation in the physically subfertile mice increased (11.1% ± 19.29%) compared to the control (0.84% ± 0.85%). However, in the physically subfertile group, maca decreased sperm DNA fragmentation (2.29% ± 2.30%) closer to the sham (1.04% ± 0.62%) and the control (0.84% ± 0.85%). The group supplemented only with maca showed 0.54% ± 0.50% of spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation. Yet, the differences observed were statistically not significant. In conclusion, it appears that maca activates the cytochrome P450 system after chemically induced subfertility. However, it does not reverse the low mitochondrial membrane potential in spermatozoa compromised in the physical subfertility group.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Valdivia Cuya
- Animal Reproductive Physiology, Faculty of Biological Science, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru.
| | - K Yarasca De La Vega
- Animal Reproductive Physiology, Faculty of Biological Science, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - G Lévano Sánchez
- Animal Reproductive Physiology, Faculty of Biological Science, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - J Vásquez Cavero
- Animal Reproductive Physiology, Faculty of Biological Science, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - H Temoche García
- Animal Reproductive Physiology, Faculty of Biological Science, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - L Torres Torres
- Animal Reproductive Physiology, Faculty of Biological Science, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - V Cruz Ornetta
- Faculty of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
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27
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Zhang L, Cao J, Hao L, Kang C. Quality Evaluation of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) Based on HPLC and LC-MS Analysis of its Glucosinolates from Roots. FOOD ANAL METHOD 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s12161-016-0787-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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28
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Inoue N, Farfan C, Gonzales GF. Effect of butanolic fraction of yellow and black maca (Lepidium meyenii
) on the sperm count of adult mice. Andrologia 2016; 48:915-21. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- N. Inoue
- Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences; Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy; Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Lima Peru
- Research Circle on Plants with effects on Health; Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Lima Peru
| | - C. Farfan
- Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences; Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy; Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Lima Peru
- Research Circle on Plants with effects on Health; Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Lima Peru
| | - G. F. Gonzales
- Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences; Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy; Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Lima Peru
- Research Circle on Plants with effects on Health; Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Lima Peru
- Instituto de Investigaciones de la Altura; Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Lima Peru
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29
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Yi F, Tan XL, Yan X, Liu HB. In silico profiling for secondary metabolites from Lepidium meyenii (maca) by the pharmacophore and ligand-shape-based joint approach. Chin Med 2016; 11:42. [PMID: 27708692 PMCID: PMC5037646 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-016-0112-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lepidium meyenii Walpers (maca) is an herb known as a traditional nutritional supplement and widely used in Peru, North America, and Europe to enhance human fertility and treat osteoporosis. The secondary metabolites of maca, namely, maca alkaloids, macaenes, and macamides, are bioactive compounds, but their targets are undefined. METHODS The pharmacophore-based PharmaDB targets database screening joint the ligand shape similarity-based WEGA validation approach is proposed to predict the targets of these unique constituents and was performed using Discovery Studio 4.5 and PharmaDB. A compounds-targets-diseases network was established using Cytoscape 3.2. These suitable targets and their genes were calculated and analyzed using ingenuity pathway analysis and GeneMANIA. RESULTS Certain targets were identified in osteoporosis (8 targets), prostate cancer (9 targets), and kidney diseases (11 targets). This was the first study to identify the targets of these bioactive compounds in maca for cardiovascular diseases (29 targets). The compound with the most targets (46) was an amide alkaloid (MA-24). CONCLUSION In silico target fishing identified maca's traditional effects on treatment and prevention of osteoporosis, prostate cancer, and kidney diseases, and its potential function of treating cardiovascular diseases, as the most important of this herb's possible activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yi
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, 151 Malianwa N, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193 China ; Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Xiao-Lei Tan
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, 151 Malianwa N, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193 China ; Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Xin Yan
- Research Center for Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 East Circle at University City, Guangzhou, 510006 China
| | - Hai-Bo Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, 151 Malianwa N, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193 China ; Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100193 China
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30
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Zevallos-Concha A, Nuñez D, Gasco M, Vasquez C, Quispe M, Gonzales GF. Effect of gamma irradiation on phenol content, antioxidant activity and biological activity of black maca and red maca extracts (Lepidium meyenii walp). Toxicol Mech Methods 2015; 26:67-73. [PMID: 26633045 DOI: 10.3109/15376516.2015.1090512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
This study was performed to determine the effects of gamma irradiation on UV spectrum on maca, total content of polyphenols, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activities and in vivo biological activities of red and black maca extracts (Lepidium meyenii). Adult mice of the strain Swiss aged 3 months and weighing 30-35 g in average were used to determine biological activities. Daily sperm production, effect on testosterone-induced prostate hyperplasia and forced swimming test were used to determine the effect of irradiation on biological activities of maca extracts. Irradiation did not show differences in UV spectrum but improves the amount of total polyphenols in red maca as well as in black maca extracts. In both cases, black maca extract has more content of polyphenols than red maca extract (p < 0.01). Gamma irradiation significantly increased the antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05). No difference was observed in daily sperm production when irradiated and nonirradiated maca extract were administered to mice (p > 0.05). Black maca extract but not red maca extract has more swimming endurance capacity in the forced swimming test. Irradiation of black maca extract increased the swimming time to exhaustion (p < 0.05). This is not observed with red maca extract (p > 0.05). Testosterone enanthate (TE) increased significantly the ventral prostate weight. Administration of red maca extract in animals treated with TE prevented the increase in prostate weight. Irradiation did not modify effect of red maca extract on prostate weight (p > 0.05). In conclusion, irradiation does not alter the biological activities of both black maca and red maca extracts. It prevents the presence of microorganisms in the extracts of black or red maca, but the biological activities were maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Zevallos-Concha
- a Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences , Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia , Lima , Peru .,b Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy , Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Head of the Endocrine and Reproductive Lab, Av. Honorio Delgado , Lima , Peru , and
| | - D Nuñez
- a Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences , Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia , Lima , Peru .,b Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy , Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Head of the Endocrine and Reproductive Lab, Av. Honorio Delgado , Lima , Peru , and
| | - M Gasco
- a Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences , Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia , Lima , Peru .,b Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy , Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Head of the Endocrine and Reproductive Lab, Av. Honorio Delgado , Lima , Peru , and.,c Instituto De Investigaciones De La Altura, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia , Lima , Peru
| | - C Vasquez
- a Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences , Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia , Lima , Peru
| | - M Quispe
- a Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences , Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia , Lima , Peru
| | - G F Gonzales
- a Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences , Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia , Lima , Peru .,b Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy , Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Head of the Endocrine and Reproductive Lab, Av. Honorio Delgado , Lima , Peru , and.,c Instituto De Investigaciones De La Altura, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia , Lima , Peru
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Ohta Y, Yoshida K, Kamiya S, Kawate N, Takahashi M, Inaba T, Hatoya S, Morii H, Takahashi K, Ito M, Ogawa H, Tamada H. Feeding hydroalcoholic extract powder ofLepidium meyenii(maca) increases serum testosterone concentration and enhances steroidogenic ability of Leydig cells in male rats. Andrologia 2015; 48:347-54. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Y. Ohta
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
| | - K. Yoshida
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
| | - S. Kamiya
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
| | - N. Kawate
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
| | - M. Takahashi
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine; Faculty of Agriculture; Iwate University; Morioka Japan
| | - T. Inaba
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
| | - S. Hatoya
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
| | - H. Morii
- Towa Corporation; Shinjuku-ku Tokyo Japan
| | | | - M. Ito
- Towa Corporation; Shinjuku-ku Tokyo Japan
| | - H. Ogawa
- Faculty of Human Sciences; Tezukayama Gakuin University; Harumidai; Sakai City Osaka Japan
| | - H. Tamada
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
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A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of maca root as treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:949036. [PMID: 25954318 PMCID: PMC4411442 DOI: 10.1155/2015/949036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective. We sought to demonstrate that maca root may be an effective treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction (AISD) in women. Method. We conducted a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of maca root (3.0 g/day) in 45 female outpatients (mean age of 41.5 ± 12.5 years) with SSRI/SNRI-induced sexual dysfunction whose depression remitted. Endpoints were improvement in sexual functioning as per the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) and the Massachusetts General Hospital Sexual Function Questionnaire (MGH-SFQ). Results. 45 of 57 consented females were randomized, and 42 (30 premenopausal and 12 postmenopausal women) were eligible for a modified intent-to-treat analysis based on having had at least one postmedication visit. Remission rates by the end of treatment were higher for the maca than the placebo group, based on attainment of an ASEX total score ≤ 10 (9.5% for maca versus 4.8% for placebo), attaining an MGH-SFQ score ≤ 12 (30.0% for maca versus 20.0% for placebo) and reaching an MGH-SFQ score ≤ 8 (9.5% for maca versus 5.0% for placebo). Higher remission rates for the maca versus placebo group were associated with postmenopausal status. Maca was well tolerated. Conclusion. Maca root may alleviate SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women. This trial is registered with NCT00568126.
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A review on plants used for improvement of sexual performance and virility. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:868062. [PMID: 25215296 PMCID: PMC4151601 DOI: 10.1155/2014/868062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Revised: 07/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Lembè DM, Gasco M, Gonzales GF. Synergistic effect of the hydroalcoholic extract from Lepidium meyenii (Brassicaceae) and Fagara tessmannii (Rutaceae) on male sexual organs and hormone level in rats. Pharmacognosy Res 2014; 6:80-6. [PMID: 24497748 PMCID: PMC3897015 DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.121451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 02/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lepidium meyenii is a plant, which has been used in folk medicine to treat infertility and to increase sexual desire. However, few reports have investigated the administration of this plant with other plants having the same properties. OBJECTIVE The present investigation was designed to evaluate whether the combination of Lepidium meyenii and Fagara tessmannii can improve spermatogenesis and testosterone level in rats. MATERIALS AND METHOD Twenty male rats were treated daily for 2 weeks with the hydroalcoholic extract of Fagara tessmannii and Lepidium meyenii (Fag + MN) as follow: (vehicle), (0.01 g + 0.5 mg), (0.1 g + 5 mg) and (1 g+ 50 mg)/kg BW. RESULTS At doses Fag 0.01 g/MN 0.5 mg and Fag 0.1 g/MN 5 mg, the weight of seminal vesicle, prostate, and testis significantly decreased (P < 0.05) while at dose Fag 1 g/MN 50 mg, the weight of epididymis and testis significantly increased (P < 0.05) when compared to the control. We noticed a significant increase of the number of spermatids/test (P < 0.05), epididymis sperm count (P < 0.05), and DSP/test of the rats at dose Fag 1 g/MN 50 mg while at dose Fag 0.01 g/MN 0.5 mg and Fag 0.1 g/MN 5 mg, sperm count was reduced in male organs, particularly in vas deferens (P < 0.05) and epididymis (P < 0.001). The serum testosterone concentration significantly decreased (P < 0.05) at lowest dose Fag 0.01 g/MN 0.5 mg. However, at highest dose Fag 1 g/MN 50 mg, the serum testosterone concentration increased significantly (P < 0.05). The length of stage VII-VIII and IX-I of the seminiferous tubule significantly (P < 0.05) increased while the length of stage II-VI significantly (P < 0.05) decreased. CONCLUSION The results indicated that the combination of Lepidium meyenii (Black Maca) with Fagara tessmannii can improve male reproductive organs activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuel Gasco
- Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - G F Gonzales
- Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru ; Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Gonzales GF, Gasco M, Lozada I. Role of maca (Lepidium meyenii) consumption on serum interleukin-6 levels and health status in populations living in the Peruvian Central Andes over 4000 m of altitude. PLANT FOODS FOR HUMAN NUTRITION (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2013; 68:347-51. [PMID: 23934543 PMCID: PMC3856628 DOI: 10.1007/s11130-013-0378-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Lepidium meyenii (Maca) is a plant that grows at over 4,000 m above sea level in the central Peruvian Andes. The hypocotyls of this plant are traditionally consumed for their nutritional and medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to determine the health status based on a health related quality of life (HRQL) questionnaire (SF-20) and serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in subjects that are maca consumers. For this, a cross-sectional study was designed to be performed in 50 subjects from Junin (4,100 m): 27 subjects were maca consumers and 23 were non-consumers. The SF-20 survey is used to obtain a summary measure of health status. The stand up from a chair and sit down (SUCSD) test (to assess lower-extremity function), hemoglobin measurement, blood pressure, sexual hormone levels, serum IL-6 levels and the score of chronic mountain sickness (CMS) were evaluated. Testosterone/estradiol ratio (P <0.05), IL-6 (P < 0.05) and CMS score were lower, whereas the health status score was higher, in maca consumers when compared to non-consumers (P < 0.01). A greater proportion of maca consumers successfully completed the SUCSD test compared to non-consumers (P < 0.01), showing a significant association with lower values of serum IL-6 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, consumption of maca was associated with low serum IL-6 levels and in turn with better health status scores in the SF-20 survey and low chronic mountain sickness scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo F. Gonzales
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Reproduction, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
- Instituto de Investigaciones de la Altura, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Manuel Gasco
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Reproduction, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
- Instituto de Investigaciones de la Altura, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Ivan Lozada
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
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Ramzan F, Qureshi IZ, Ramzan M, Ramzan MH, Ramzan F. Kisspeptin-10 induces dose dependent degeneration in prepubertal rat prostate gland. Prostate 2013; 73:690-9. [PMID: 23129449 DOI: 10.1002/pros.22609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kisspeptin peptides mediate their actions through the GnRH loop system. How kisspeptins affect prostate gland in prepubertal male mammals remains elusive. METHODS To address this kisspeptin was administered as subchronic (12 days) twice daily i.p. dose at three different dosage regimens: 10 pg, 1 ng and 1 µg, to prepubertal male Sprague-Dawley rats (PND 35). Control rats were maintained in parallel. At the end of the experiment prostate gland was dissected out and processed for light and electron microscopy. DNA damage was also estimated by DNA ladder assay and DNA fragmentation assay. RESULTS Prostate weights decreased significantly (P < 0.05) at 1 µg treatment dose of kisspeptin. The epithelial height of secretory acini of prostate decreased at 10 pg (P < 0.05), 1 ng, and 1 µg doses (P < 0.001). Histomorphology and ultrastructure demonstrated, decrease in epithelial cell height, epithelial folding and dilatation of the organelles with kisspeptin treatment. Percent DNA damage to the prostatic tissue was 20.74 ± 2.18, 43.60 ± 2.39, and 58.18 ± 2.59 at 10 pg, 1 ng and 1 µg doses, respectively. CONCLUSION The study reveals that continuous administration of kisspeptin does not lead to an early maturation but instead severe degeneration of prepubertal prostate gland. Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiqah Ramzan
- Gomal Centre of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan.
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Gonzales-Castañeda C, Rivera V, Chirinos AL, Evelson P, Gonzales GF. Photoprotection against the UVB-induced oxidative stress and epidermal damage in mice using leaves of three different varieties of Lepidium meyenii (maca). Int J Dermatol 2011; 50:928-38. [PMID: 21781063 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2010.04793.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skin exposure to ultraviolet (UV) B radiation leads to epidermal damage and generation of reactive oxygen species. The photoprotective effect of extracts of three varieties of leaves (red, yellow, and black) from maca (Lepidium meyenii), a plant from the Peruvian highlands, was assessed in mouse skin exposed to UVB radiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The hydroalcoholic extracts of three varieties of maca leaves were applied topically to the dorsal skin of young-adult male mice prior to exposition to UVB radiation. RESULTS The three varieties had UVA/UVB absorptive properties and presented antioxidant activity, being highest with red maca, followed by black and yellow maca. The three varieties of maca leaves prevented the development of sunburn cells, epidermal hyperplasia, leukocytic infiltration, and other alterations produced by UVB radiation. Mice treated with black maca showed the highest superoxide dismutase levels, and mice treated with black and yellow maca showed higher catalase levels in skin, whereas red maca protected the skin and liver against significant increases in the lipid peroxidation activity observed in the unprotected animals. CONCLUSION The presence of significant antioxidant activity and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation suggest that the observed protection could be partly attributable to this mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Gonzales-Castañeda
- Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Herediam Lima, Peru
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Lee MS, Shin BC, Yang EJ, Lim HJ, Ernst E. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) for treatment of menopausal symptoms: A systematic review. Maturitas 2011; 70:227-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2011.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2011] [Revised: 07/03/2011] [Accepted: 07/20/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Ethnobiology and Ethnopharmacology of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a Plant from the Peruvian Highlands. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2011; 2012:193496. [PMID: 21977053 PMCID: PMC3184420 DOI: 10.1155/2012/193496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Revised: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 07/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lepidium meyenii (maca) is a Peruvian plant of the Brassicaceae family cultivated for more than 2000 years, which grows exclusively in the central Andes between 4000 and 4500 m altitude. Maca is used as a food supplement and also for its medicinal properties described traditionally. Since the 90s of the XX century, an increasing interest in products from maca has been observed in many parts of the world. In the last decade, exportation of maca from Peru has increased from 1,415,000 USD in 2001 to USD 6,170,000 USD in 2010. Experimental scientific evidence showed that maca has nutritional, energizer, and fertility-enhancer properties, and it acts on sexual dysfunctions, osteoporosis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, memory and learning, and protects skin against ultraviolet radiation. Clinical trials showed efficacy of maca on sexual dysfunctions as well as increasing sperm count and motility. Maca is a plant with great potential as an adaptogen and appears to be promising as a nutraceutical in the prevention of several diseases.
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Yábar E, Pedreschi R, Chirinos R, Campos D. Glucosinolate content and myrosinase activity evolution in three maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) ecotypes during preharvest, harvest and postharvest drying. Food Chem 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2011.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Rubio J, Yucra S, Gasco M, Gonzales GF. Dose-response effect of black maca (Lepidium meyenii) in mice with memory impairment induced by ethanol. Toxicol Mech Methods 2011; 21:628-34. [PMID: 21780878 DOI: 10.3109/15376516.2011.583294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that black variety of maca has beneficial effects on learning and memory in experimental animal models. The present study aimed to determine whether the hydroalcoholic extract of black maca (BM) showed a dose-response effect in mice treated with ethanol 20% (EtOH) as a model of memory impairment. Mice were divided in the following groups: control, EtOH, ascorbic acid (AA) and 0.125, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.00 g/kg of BM plus EtOH. All treatments were orally administered for 28 days. Open field test was performed to determine locomotor activity and water Morris maze was done to determine spatial memory. Also, total polyphenol content in the hydroalcoholic extract of BM was determined (0.65 g pyrogallol/100 g). Mice treated with EtOH took more time to find the hidden platform than control during escape acquisition trials; meanwhile, AA and BM reversed the effect of EtOH. In addition, AA and BM ameliorated the deleterious effect of EtOH during the probe trial. Correlation analyses showed that the effect of BM a dose-dependent behavior. Finally, BM improved experimental memory impairment induced by ethanol in a dose-response manner due, in part, to its content of polyphenolic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Rubio
- Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy and Instituto de Investigaciones de la Altura, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia , Lima , Peru.
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Gonzales C, Leiva-Revilla J, Rubio J, Gasco M, Gonzales GF. Effect of red maca (Lepidium meyenii) on prostate zinc levels in rats with testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia. Andrologia 2011; 44 Suppl 1:362-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01190.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Leiva-Revilla J, Cárdenas-Valencia I, Rubio J, Guerra-Castañón F, Olcese-Mori P, Gasco M, Gonzales GF. Evaluation of different doses of mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum) on the reduction of sperm production, motility and morphology in adult male rats. Andrologia 2011; 44 Suppl 1:205-12. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01165.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Pino-Figueroa A, Nguyen D, Maher TJ. Neuroprotective effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca). Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1199:77-85. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.05174.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to estrogen or androgen content. Menopause 2009; 15:1157-62. [PMID: 18784609 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e3181732953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the estrogenic and androgenic activity of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) and its effect on the hormonal profile and symptoms in postmenopausal women. DESIGN Fourteen postmenopausal women completed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. They received 3.5 g/day of powered Maca for 6 weeks and matching placebo for 6 weeks, in either order, over a total of 12 weeks. At baseline and weeks 6 and 12 blood samples were collected for the measurement of estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and sex hormone-binding globulin, and the women completed the Greene Climacteric Scale to assess the severity of menopausal symptoms. In addition, aqueous and methanolic Maca extracts were tested for androgenic and estrogenic activity using a yeast-based hormone-dependent reporter assay. RESULTS No differences were seen in serum concentrations of estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and sex hormone-binding globulin between baseline, Maca treatment, and placebo (P > 0.05). The Greene Climacteric Scale revealed a significant reduction in scores in the areas of psychological symptoms, including the subscales for anxiety and depression and sexual dysfunction after Maca consumption compared with both baseline and placebo (P < 0.05). These findings did not correlate with androgenic or alpha-estrogenic activity present in the Maca as no physiologically significant activity was observed in yeast-based assays employing up to 4 mg/mL Maca extract (equivalent to 200 mg/mL Maca). CONCLUSIONS Preliminary findings show that Lepidium meyenii (Maca) (3.5 g/d) reduces psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, and lowers measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women independent of estrogenic and androgenic activity.
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Cárdenas-Valencia I, Nieto J, Gasco M, Gonzales C, Rubio J, Portella J, Gonzales GF. Tropaeolum tuberosum (Mashua) reduces testicular function: effect of different treatment times. Andrologia 2009; 40:352-7. [PMID: 19032684 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2008.00868.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruiz & Pavon, along with other several species, is an edible-tuber crop that grows in the Andean region. Folk medicine describes the use of mashua to reduce reproductive function in men. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of mashua (1 g kg(-1)) on sperm production in rats during 7, 12, 21 and 42 days of treatment. The following parameters were assessed: reproductive organ weights, spermatid count and daily sperm production (DSP), sperm count in epididymis and sperm transit and serum testosterone levels. Freeze-dried extract of mashua had 3.7 g 100 g(-1) of benzyl glucosinolate. Mashua-treated rats showed a reduction in testicular spermatid number and DSP from day 12 to day 42; meanwhile, the effect of mashua was noted in epididymal sperm count after 12 and 42 days of treatment. In addition, epididymal sperm transit time was delayed at day 7 and it was accelerated on days 12 and 21 of treatment. No differences in serum testosterone levels were found between rats treated with vehicle and mashua after 42 days of treatment. Finally, mashua reduces testicular function after one spermatogenic cycle by reducing spermatid and sperm number, DSP and epididymal sperm transit time.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Cárdenas-Valencia
- Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy and Instituto de Investigaciones de la Altura, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Gonzales GF, Gasco M, Malheiros-Pereira A, Gonzales-Castañeda C. Antagonistic effect of Lepidium meyenii (red maca) on prostatic hyperplasia in adult mice. Andrologia 2008; 40:179-85. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2008.00834.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Yucra S, Gasco M, Rubio J, Nieto J, Gonzales GF. Effect of different fractions from hydroalcoholic extract of Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) on testicular function in adult male rats. Fertil Steril 2008; 89:1461-7. [PMID: 17669402 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.04.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2007] [Revised: 04/23/2007] [Accepted: 04/23/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of different fractions of Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii), obtained from the hydroalcoholic extract, on spermatogenesis. DESIGN Animal study. SETTING Animal and laboratory facilities at a university. ANIMAL(S) Forty two adult male rats from the Holtzman strain (3 months old). INTERVENTION(S) Hydroalcoholic extract of Black Maca was partitioned with the following solvents: petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water to obtain each fraction. Forty-two rats were divided in different groups according the fraction administered and vehicle. The hydroalcoholic extract of Black Maca and its fractions and vehicle were given orally by gavage for 7 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Daily sperm production, epididymal sperm count, and sperm count in the vas deferens. RESULT(S) Daily sperm production was higher in the ethyl acetate group compared with all other groups. The epididymal sperm count was higher in rats treated with ethyl acetate fraction compared with rats treated with vehicle (control), petroleum ether, n-butanol, or water fractions. The sperm count in vas deferens was lower in rats treated with ethyl acetate, petroleum ether, or water fractions compared with the control group; thus, the sperm count in vas deferens in rats treated with chloroform and n-butanol fractions was higher than in the petroleum ether group. CONCLUSION(S) The greatest effect on spermatogenesis was observed in the ethyl acetate fraction from the hydroalcoholic extract of Black Maca, suggesting that the compounds related to the beneficial effect on sperm production of Black Maca are presented in this fraction. Antioxidant components could play a role in the effect of increased epididymal sperm concentration observed in the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Yucra
- Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Lima, Peru.
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Bisson JF, Hidalgo S, Rozan P, Messaoudi M. Therapeutic effect of ACTICOA powder, a cocoa polyphenolic extract, on experimentally induced prostate hyperplasia in Wistar-Unilever rats. J Med Food 2008; 10:628-35. [PMID: 18158833 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2006.242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-malignant enlargement of the prostate that results in obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms. Plant extracts are frequently used to treat BPH rather than therapeutics that can cause severe side effects. ACTICOA() (Ba0rry Callebaut France, Louviers, France) powder (AP) is a cocoa polyphenolic extract, and we have shown in a previous study that oral treatment with AP prevented prostate hyperplasia. This study investigated whether AP could improve established prostate hyperplasia using the same testosterone propionate (TP)-induced prostate hyperplasia model in rats. Male Wistar-Unilever rats were randomly divided in four groups of 12 rats: one group injected with corn oil and orally treated with the vehicle (negative control) and three groups injected subcutaneously with TP and orally treated with the vehicle (positive control) or AP at 24 (AP24) and 48 (AP48) mg/kg/day. Treatments started 1 week after the start of the induction of prostate hyperplasia and lasted for 2 weeks. The influence of TP and AP on body weights, food and water consumptions, plasma polyphenolic concentration, and serum dihydrotestoterone (DHT) level of rats was examined. At completion of the study, rats were sacrificed, and the prostates were removed, cleaned, and weighed. The prostate size ratio (prostate weight/rat body weight) was then calculated. TP significantly influenced the body weight gain of the rats and their food and water consumptions, while AP reduced significantly these differences in a dose-dependent manner. AP significantly reduced serum DHT level and prostate size ratio in comparison with positive controls also dose-dependently. In conclusion, AP orally administered was effective for reducing established prostate hyperplasia, especially at the dose of 48 mg/kg/day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Bisson
- ETAP - Ethologie Appliquée, Centre de Recherche en Pharmacologie, Cancérologie & Pathologies Humaines et Nutrition-Santé, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
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Valentová K, Stejskal D, Bartek J, Dvořáčková S, Křen V, Ulrichová J, Šimánek V. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) and yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) in combination with silymarin as food supplements: In vivo safety assessment. Food Chem Toxicol 2008; 46:1006-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2007.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2007] [Revised: 07/11/2007] [Accepted: 10/25/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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