Chemical Analysis of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) and Its Effects on Redox Status and on Reproductive Biology in Stallions †

Synthesis and Systematic Investigation of Lepidiline A and Its Gold(I), Silver(I), and Copper(I) Complexes Using In Vitro Cancer Models and Multipotent Stem Cells

The imidazole alkaloid lepidiline A from the root of Lepidium meyenii has a moderate to low in vitro anticancer effect. Our aim was to extend cytotoxicity investigations against a panel of cancer cells, including multidrug-resistant cancer cells, and multipotent stem cells. Lepidiline A is a N-heterocyclic carbene precursor, therefore a suitable ligand source for metal complexes. Thus, we synthesized lepidiline A and its copper(I), gold(I), and silver(I) complexes and tested them against ovarian, gastrointestinal, breast, and uterine cancer cells and bone marrow-derived and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Lepidiline A and its copper complex demonstrated moderate cytotoxicity, while silver and gold complexes exhibited significantly enhanced and consistent cytotoxicity against both cancer and stem cell lines. ABCB1 in the multidrug-resistant uterine sarcoma line conferred significant resistance against lepidiline A and the copper-lepidiline A complex, but not against the silver and gold complexes. Our results indicate that only the copper complex induced a significant and universal increase in the production of reactive oxygen species within cells. In summary, binding of metal ions to lepidiline A results in enhanced cytotoxicity with the nature of the metal ion playing a critical role in determining its properties.

Non-invasive prediction of maca powder adulteration using a pocket-sized spectrophotometer and machine learning techniques

Discriminating different cultivars of maca powder (MP) and detecting their authenticity after adulteration with potent adulterants such as maize and soy flour is a challenge that has not been studied with non-invasive techniques such as near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). This study developed models to rapidly classify and predict 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% w/w of soybean and maize flour in red, black and yellow maca cultivars using a handheld spectrophotometer and chemometrics. Soy and maize adulteration of yellow MP was classified with better accuracy than in red MP, suggesting that red MP may be a more susceptible target for adulteration. Soy flour was discovered to be a more potent adulterant compared to maize flour. Using 18 different pretreatments, MP could be authenticated with R2CV in the range 0.91-0.95, RMSECV 6.81-9.16 g/,100 g and RPD 3.45-4.60. The results show the potential of NIRS for monitoring Maca quality.

A novel approach of using Maca root as a radioprotector in a rat testicular damage model focusing on GRP78/CHOP/Caspase-3 pathway

PURPOSE

Despite the effectiveness of ionizing radiation in treating cancer, it can damage healthy tissues in the vicinity. Due to the high radio-sensitivity of testicular tissues, radiation therapy may affect spermatogenesis, which may result in infertility. Hence, in this study testicular damage model is constructed to investigate the mitigation effect of Maca root powder and its potential radioprotective activity through both oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stresses, besides the apoptotic pathway.

METHODS

Male albino rats were exposed to 6Gy of whole-body gamma radiation single dose. Maca root powder (1 g/kg b.wt./day, by oral gavage) was administered for a week before irradiation, then d-galactose (300 mg/kg, by oral gavage) and Maca daily for another week.

RESULTS

Gamma radiation and d-galactose revealed a significant decrease in serum testosterone, sperm count, and motility and higher percentage of the sperm head abnormality, while Maca root treatment maintained all sperm morphology parameters. Maca root treatment demonstrated a notable defense against radiation-induced oxidative stress and ameliorated malonaldehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) levels, reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and the ratio of GSH/GSSG in testis tissues. Exposure to gamma rays and d-galactose displayed a significant elevation in GRP78, CHOP, total caspase-3 as well as active (cleaved) caspase-3 levels, whereas treatment with Maca significantly reduced the ER and apoptotic markers levels. Also, Maca improved the histological changes of the disorganized seminiferous tubules induced by irradiation.

CONCLUSION

Our findings show for the first time that Maca has a protective effect on male reproductive damage induced by radiotherapy. Maca root reveals anti-apoptotic effect and protection against testicular damage via GRP78/CHOP/caspase-3 pathway.

Influence of dietary supplementation with Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on sperm quality in dogs

Maca is a traditional Andean crop used as a nutraceutical for the fertility-enhancing properties that are linked with antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the potential beneficial effects of oral Maca (Lepidium meyenii or Lepidium peruvianum) supplementation in improving reproductive performance in male dogs. Forty-eight male dogs of different breeds were enrolled in the study, fed the same maintenance diet, and exposed to the same environmental conditions. The subjects were divided into four groups of 12 dogs each: Subfertile treatment group, Subfertile control group, Normofertile treatment group, and Normofertile control group. The dogs in the treatment groups received Lepidium meyenii in their diet in a capsule formulation [75 mg/kg Maca extract 10:1, thickening agent (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), ground rice], while the control groups received placebo capsule (starch). For each subject included in the study, the spermiogram was analyzed at three time points of the sperm cycle: at day 0 (T0), day 31 (T31), and day 62 (T62). Dietary supplementation with Maca in subfertile subjects resulted in a significant increase in ejaculate volume and total sperm count compared to the control group. This increase was also observed in normofertile subjects in the treatment group. In addition, total and progressive motility as well as sperm morphology were significantly improved in the groups treated with Maca compared to the control groups. The results thus highlight, for the first time, the potential efficacy of supplementation with 75 mg/kg of Maca extract daily in improving semen quality in dogs.

Not All Maca Is Created Equal: A Review of Colors, Nutrition, Phytochemicals, and Clinical Uses

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.

Jatonik polyherbal mixture induced rat liver MMPT pore opening in normal Wistar rat: In vitro and in vivo studies

Objective

To assess acute toxicity, the in vitro and in vivo effects of methanol and ethyl acetate extracts (JME and JEE) of Jatonik polyherbal mixture on some mitochondria-related parameters and their effect on the activity of some liver enzymes.

Methods

Acute toxicity of JME and JEE was determined using Lorke's method. In vitro and in vivo opening of the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore (MMPT pore) was spectrophotometrically assayed. Production of malondialdehyde (MDA) as an index of lipid peroxidation and the activity of mitochondrial ATPase was evaluated in vitro and in vivo and the effect of JME and JEE on the activity of liver enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (AST and ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) was also investigated.

Results

JME had an LD50 of 3 808 mg/kg b.w whereas JEE had an LD50 greater than 5 000 mg/kg b.w. of rats. After the rats have been fed with both extracts, a photomicrograph of a piece of liver tissue showed no apparent symptoms of toxicity. From the in vitro and in vivo studies, both extracts prompted intact mitochondria to open their MMPT pores. When compared to the control, lipid peroxide product release and ATPase activity were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in vitro and in vivo. The activities of AST, ALT, and GGT were all reduced at 50 mg/kg when treated with JME, but the activity of AST was considerably enhanced when treated with JEE (P < 0.05). The results revealed that both JME and JEE of the Jatonik polyherbal mixture had low toxicity, profound MMPTpore induction, and enhanced ATPase activity, but an increased MDA production.

Conclusion

Jatonik extracts may be a promising target for drug development in diseases where there is dysregulation of apoptosis, however, further studies are needed to better clarify the molecular mechanism involved in these phenomena.

Effect of Atomized Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii) Supplementation in the Cryopreservation of Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) Epididymal Spermatozoa

Artificial insemination is an important assisted reproductive technology that has been applied in several mammalian species. However, successful cryopreservation of semen of South American camelids has been limited, hindering the commercial application of artificial insemination in alpaca species. In this scenario, the addition of antioxidants to semen extenders provides a strategy to improve the freezability of mammalian sperm. Bioactive metabolites from natural extracts of black maca have shown valuable antioxidant properties. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of atomized black maca in the freezing medium of epididymal spermatozoa of alpacas. Fifteen pairs of epididymis were collected from a local slaughterhouse. Each sample was divided into six groups: (1) fresh, (2) yolk medium (YM), (3) 10 mg/mL maca, (4) 20 mg/mL maca, (5) 30 mg/mL maca, and (6) resveratrol (as an antioxidant control). Sperm cryopreservation was performed through the slow freezing method. Markers associated with functionality, such as motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity, as well as markers associated with oxidative damage, such as DNA integrity, total ROS production, and mitochondrial function, were analyzed. The results show that the supplementation with black maca (20 mg/mL) improved the sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and mitochondrial function evaluated according to an index of formazan deposits. Similarly, the ROS production decreased with maca at 20 mg/mL, although the DNA integrity did not show any differences among the groups. These results suggest that maca at 20 mg/mL has cytoprotective effects during freezing/thawing of epididymal sperm of alpaca species. Further research will be focused on assessing the effects of maca supplementation on semen extenders by using biomolecular markers (proAKAP4) associated with fertility.

The benefits of Maca (Lepidium meyenii) extract administration for male rabbits affected by environmental heat stress

Heat stress (HS) is the most substantial environmental issue in rabbit health status impairment, which can lower productivity. Maca is a common medicinal plant with important biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, and neuroprotective effects. The present research explored the alleged protective role of Maca extract in alleviating the adverse impact of HS on rabbits. Growing V-line 6-week-old buck rabbits (N = 48) were orally administered Maca extract at levels of 0 (MAC0), 200 (MAC2), 400 (MAC4), or 600 (MAC6) mg/head twice per week. Compared to the control groups, rabbits provided Maca had better growth performance, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Liver and tests weights were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in Maca treated groups compared to the control. hemoglobin, white blood cell, red blood corpuscles, platelet count, hematocrit, and lymphocytes were significantly increased in the MAC4 group compared with the control group. MAC4 treatment significantly reduced aspartate aminotransferase and malondialdehyde levels compared with other groups. Moreover, the concentrations of total bilirubin, creatinine, glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were lower (p < 0.05) in the MAC4 group than in the controls. Oral administration of Maca improved cortisol and testosterone values, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase. The MAC4 group exhibited significant improvement (p < 0.05) in sperm motility, survival, membrane functionality, concentration, and libido, with a significant decrease in abnormal sperm compared with the control group. Also, aforementioned group showed sperm cells with a normal structure and intact plasma membranes, acrosomes, and well-organised axonemal components. Histopathological screening of liver sections showed moderate to severe degenerative and necrotic changes in rabbits exposed to HS, which were alleviated with Maca oral administration. In conclusion, oral administration of Maca extract at 400 or 600 mg/head-weekly enhanced growth performance, hemato-biochemical attributes, antioxidant status, and semen quality in rabbits during the hot season.

Lepidium meyenii Walp (red maca) Supplementation Prevents Acrylamide-Induced Oxidative Stress and Liver Toxicity in Rats: Phytochemical Composition by UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS

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.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) on semen quality parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: This study aimed to examine the evidence for the effect of Lepidium meyenii Walp. [Brassicaceae] (L. meyenii W.), known as maca, on improving semen quality. Methods: Nine databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the parameters for improvements in semen quality, regardless of the type of L. meyenii W. The risk of bias (ROB) among the studies was evaluated according to the Cochrane ROB tool. Results: Five RCTs met all of the inclusion criteria. Three RCTs showed mixed efficacy of maca in improving semen quality parameters, including sperm concentration and sperm motility, in men experiencing infertility. The meta-analysis also failed to show the efficacy of maca in increasing the sperm concentration compared to the placebo (weighted mean difference, 2.22, 95% confidence interval -2.94 to 7.37, p = 0.4). Two other RCTs also showed mixed effects of maca on several semen quality parameters in healthy men. Conclusion: The evidence from the included studies suggests unclear effects of maca on semen quality parameters in both men experiencing infertility and healthy men. However, the total number of RCTs and the total sample size were too small to draw firm conclusions.

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Maca Addition to an Extender for Chilled Canine Semen

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.

First study of in vitro protective effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on frozen–thawed bovine spermatozoa

Background and Aim:

Lepidium meyenii Walp (Maca) is an herbaceous plant that grows in the Peruvian Andes and it has been widely used as a nutritional supplement and fertility enhancer and has been used in the treatment of a variety of diseases, such as rheumatism, respiratory disorders, and anemia. The most notable feature of Maca is its potent antioxidant capacity, which helps in the scavenging of free radicals and protection of cells from oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of Maca extract on thawed sperm cells from bulls.

Materials and Methods:

Three dilutions of 1, 10, and 100 mg/mL of Maca extract were incubated with frozen–thawed bovine semen and analyzed at 1, 3, and 24 h of exposure time, evaluating the activity of the extract on the DNA, motility, morphology, viability, integrity of the membrane and acrosome of spermatozoa.

Results:

The Maca extract improved the studied sperm parameters of motility, acrosome integrity, vitality, and DNA integrity of sperm cells at a concentration of 10 mg/mL, and at 1 mg/mL, an improvement was observed in the morphology and integrity of the membrane. However, the best activity of the Maca extract was observed on the DNA integrity of the sperm, which was effective at the three concentrations evaluated after 24 h of incubation.

Conclusion:

The results indicate that L. meyenii can help in maintaining spermatozoa cellular integrity after the frozen–thaw process, especially in the protection against DNA fragmentation. Therefore, Maca would be a feasible supplementation to protect sperm to maintain their fertile ability after thawing.

Characterization of effective phytochemicals in traditional Chinese medicine by mass spectrometry

Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been widely used in clinical and healthcare applications around the world. The characterization of the phytochemical components in TCMs is very important for studying the therapeutic mechanism of TCMs. In the analysis process, sample preparation and instrument analysis are key steps to improve analysis performance and accuracy. In recent years, chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (MS) has been widely used for the separation and detection of trace components in complex TCM samples. This article reviews various sample preparation techniques and chromatography-MS techniques, including the application of gas chromatography-MS and liquid chromatography-MS and other MS techniques in the characterization of phytochemicals in TCM materials and Chinese medicine products. This article also describes a new ambient ionization MS method for rapid and high-throughput analysis of TCM components.

Lepidium meyenii (Maca) Roots: UPLC-HRMS, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics

Lepidium meyenii or Maca is widely cultivated as a health care food supplement due to its nutritional and medicinal properties. Although there are a few in-depth studies evaluating Maca antihypertensive effects, the correlations between the chemical constituents and bioactivity of the plant have not been studied before. Thus, the roots were extracted using different solvents (aqueous, methanol, 50% methanol, and methylene chloride) and investigated for their antihypertensive and antioxidant activities through several in vitro assays. The methanolic extract exhibited the best renin and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities with IC₅₀ values of 24.79 ± 1.3 ng/mL and 22.02 ± 1.1 ng/mL, respectively, along with the highest antioxidant activity. In total, 120 metabolites from different classes, e.g., alkylamides, alkaloids, glucosinolates, organic acids, and hydantoin derivatives, were identified in the methanolic extract using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC/HRMS). Molecular docking simulations were used to investigate the potential binding modes and the intermolecular interactions of the identified compounds with ACE and renin active sites. Glucotropaeolin, β-carboline alkaloids, succinic acid, and 2,4-dihydroxy-3,5-cyclopentyl dienoic acid showed the highest affinity to target the ACE with high docking scores (S ranging from -35.32 to -22.51 kcal mol^-1) compared to lisinopril (S = -36.64 kcal mol^-1). Interestingly, macamides displayed the greatest binding affinity to the active site of renin with docking scores (S ranging from -22.47 to -28.25 kcal mol^-1). Further, β-carbolines achieved docking scores comparable to that of the native ligand (S ranging from -13.50 to -20.06 kcal mol^-1). Molecular dynamics simulations and MMPBSA were also carried out and confirmed the docking results. Additionally, the computational ADMET study predicted that the compounds attaining promising docking results had proper pharmacokinetics, drug-likeness characteristics, and safe toxicological profiles. Ultimately, our findings revealed that Maca roots could be considered a promising candidate as an antihypertensive drug.

Influences of Dietary Supplementation with Maca (Lepidium meyenii) on Performance, Parameters of Growth Curve and Carcass Characteristics in Japanese Quail

Simple Summary

It is known that the bioactive compounds (N-benzyl-palmitamide, benzyl isothiocyanate, glucosinolates and phenolics) in the maca plant are appetizing, as well as having antioxidant effects and improving reproductive ability. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of adding maca plant powder to the ration at different levels on growth, slaughter carcass, partial egg production and some reproductive characteristics of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Addition of maca powder to the diet increased the feed consumption but did not affect growth, slaughter carcass, partial egg production or fertility. In addition, maca powder reduced embryonic deaths and improved chick quality. According to these results, the positive effects of short-term application of maca powder are not observed during the fattening period in Japanese quails.

Abstract

Maca plant contains rich nutrients and in addition, it has various bioactive substances (N-benzyl-palmitamide, benzyl isothiocyanate, glucosinolates and phenolics). It is used to improve reproductive properties and has antioxidant effects for both humans and animals. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of adding maca plant powder to the ration at different levels on growth, slaughter carcass, partial egg production and some reproductive characteristics in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). The experimental groups were formed by adding 0% (control), 0.05% and 0.1% maca powder to the diet, and a total of 300 birds were used. Growth (weekly body weights, parameters of Gompertz growth function), feed efficiency and carcass characteristics of quails in the 42-day fattening trial were determined. Reproductive characteristics were measured up to 22 weeks of age. Addition of maca powder to the diet increased the feed consumption (p < 0.05) but did not affect body weights at 35 and 42 days of age, β₀ and β₁ parameters or point of inflection weight of the Gompertz model, carcass traits, partial egg production or fertility. It may be advisable to add 0.1% maca powder to the diets of breeders. Besides, maca powder reduced embryonic deaths and improved chick quality (both p < 0.05). It is thought that different results for reproductive traits can be obtained if maca powder is used for a longer period in the diets of breeder quail flocks.

Effects of Two Polysaccharides from Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on Intestinal Immunity and Inflammation in vitro

In our previous studies, two polysaccharides (MC-1 and MC-2) were identified in the roots of maca (Lepidium meyenii). In this study, the effects of these two polysaccharides on intestinal immunity...

Effects of Oral Administration of Lepidium meyenii on Morphology of Mice Testis and Motility of Epididymal Sperm Cells After Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure

Background: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administration is associated with testicular damage and reduced semen quality. Oral administration of Lepidium Meyenii (maca) improves spermatogenesis and sperm motility and count and reduces spermatogenic damage. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of administration of THC, maca, and their combination on testicular tissue and semen parameters. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six-week-old male mice were classified into control, THC, Maca, and THC + Maca groups. The mice were subjected to Eco Color Doppler ultrasound examination of the testicles before and after treatment. After euthanasia, the epididymis, testes, liver, and kidney were collected for histological examination. For morphometry of the testis, tubular diameters and seminiferous epithelium height were measured. Sperm concentration and sperm motilities were assessed. Differences among the groups were assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's post-hoc test. Results: In all the groups, there were no significant changes in testicular morphology before and after treatment. Histological assessment of the testes showed no alterations in control, no significant alterations in Maca, mild to moderate alterations in THC, and mild alterations in THC + Maca groups. Histological examination of the other organs showed no significant differences among the groups. Tubular diameter showed significantly increased thickening for THC and THC + Maca compared with that for Maca and control. Moreover, seminiferous epithelium height decreased for THC compared with that in the control, Maca, and THC + Maca groups. No statistically significant reduction in the spermatogenic index was observed for THC compared with that for Maca and THC + Maca. Epididymal cross-sections of the groups showed no significant alterations. Sperm concentration and motility were higher for control and THC + Maca groups than in group THC and Maca. Conclusion: In vivo maca administration reduced the deleterious effect of THC on testicular parenchyma and semen production.

Effect of Selected Trichoderma Strains and Metabolites on Olive Drupes

Beneficial fungal strains of the genus Trichoderma are used as biofungicides and plant growth promoters. Trichoderma strains promote the activation of plant defense mechanisms of action, including the production of phenolic metabolites. In this work, we analyzed the effects of selected Trichoderma strains (T. asperellum KV906, T. virens GV41, and T. harzianum strains TH1, M10, and T22) and their metabolites (harzianic acid and 6-pentyl-α-pyrone) on drupes of young olive trees (4-year-old) cv. Carolea. This study used the untargeted analysis of drupe metabolome, carried out by LC–MS Q-TOF, to evaluate the phenolics profiles and target metabolomics approach to detect oleuropein and luteolin. The untargeted approach showed significant differences in the number and type of phenolic compounds in olive drupes after Trichoderma applications (by root dipping and drench soil irrigation method) compared to control. The levels of oleuropein (secoiridoid) and luteolin (flavonoid) varied according to the strain or metabolite applied, and in some cases, were less abundant in treated plants than in the control. In general, flavonoids’ levels were influenced more than secoiridoid production. The dissimilar aptitudes of the biological treatments could depend on the selective competence to cooperate with the enzymes involved in producing the secondary metabolites to defend plants by environmental stresses. Our results suggest that using selected fungi of the genus Trichoderma and their metabolites could contribute to selecting the nutraceutical properties of the olive drupe. The use of the metabolites would bring further advantages linked to the dosage in culture and storage.

A review of the study of active components and their pharmacology value in Lepidium meyenii (Maca)

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.

N-(3-Methozybenzyl)-(9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadecatrienamide from maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) ameliorates corticosterone-induced testicular toxicity in rats

This study investigated the protective effects of maca ethanol extract (EEM) and N-(3-methozybenzyl)-(9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadecatrienamide (M 18:3) on corticosterone (CORT)-induced testicular toxicity. Male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups. Except for the control group, CORT (40 mg per kg·bw) was injected subcutaneously for 21 consecutive days to induce testicular toxicity. 1 h before CORT injection, the rats were treated with EEM (400 mg per kg·bw) and M 18:3 (5 mg per kg·bw, 25 mg per kg·bw) by gavage, except for the control group and model group. Epididymal sperm and biochemical, and histological parameters were evaluated for the protective effects of the drugs. EEM (400 mg per kg·bw) and M 18:3 (5 mg per kg·bw, 25 mg per kg·bw) increased the sperm concentration and sperm motility, decreased the production of abnormal sperms, and increased the number of spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes in the seminiferous tubules of CORT-induced rats. Moreover, EEM and M 18:3 decreased the MDA levels and the positive expression rates of TUNEL, whereas they increased the activities of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and GST, and the contents of GSH in the testicles of CORT-induced rats. Furthermore, EEM and M 18:3 alleviated CORT-induced reduction in the positive expression rates of PCNA and Ki67 in the testicles of rats. Besides, EEM and M 18:3 reduced the expression levels of Keap-1 and increased the expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, γ-GCS, and NQO1 in the testicles of CORT-induced rats. In summary, the protective effects of EEM and M 18:3 may be attributed to their anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic properties.

Use of nutraceuticals in the stallion: Effects on semen quality and preservation

Nutritional supplements are widely used in the equine industry with the aim of improving horse health, sports or reproductive performances. Over the years, a number of studies have focused on investigating the effects of several dietary compounds on the quality and preservation of stallion semen. This paper reviews the literature available on the use of nutritional supplementation for the improvement of reproductive performance and semen quality in equine species, critically appraising the benefits and negative effects of several compounds found in complementary feeds such as PUFAs from different sources, vitamins and antioxidants, carnitine and botanical extracts. Different nutraceuticals have been highlighted to improve stallion fertility by providing optimal levels of antioxidants, with the most promising results obtained by the combination of PUFAs and antioxidants that resulted to be essential for the maintenance of normal reproductive functions and the reduction of cryodamage in cooled and frozen equine semen.

Exogenous Factors Affecting the Functional Integrity of Male Reproduction

Natural processes along with increased industrial production and the irresponsible behavior of mankind have resulted in environmental pollution. Environmental pollutants can be categorized based on their characteristics and appearance into the following groups: physical, biological, and chemical. Every single one of them represents a serious threat to the male reproductive tract despite the different modes of action. Male gonads and gametes are especially vulnerable to the effect of exogenous factors; therefore, they are considered a reliable indicator of environmental pollution. The impact of xenobiotics or radiation leads to an irreversible impairment of fertility displayed by histological changes, modulated androgen production, or compromised spermatozoa (or germ cells) quality. The present article reviews the exogenous threats, male reproductive system, the mode of action, and overall impact on the reproductive health of humans and animals.

Antioxidants in assisted reproductive technologies: An overview on dog, cat, and horse

Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are widely used as a tool to improve reproductive performance in both humans and animals. In particular, in the veterinary field, ARTs are used to improve animal genetics, recover endangered animals, and produce offspring in the event of subfertility or infertility in males or females. However, the use of ARTs did not improve the fertilization rate in some animals due to various factors such as the difficulty in reproducing an anatomical and humoral substrate typical of the natural condition or due to the increase in catabolites and their difficult elimination. The in vitro environment allows the production and increase in the concentration of substances, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), which could be harmful to gametes. If produced in high concentration, the ROS becomes deleterious, both in vitro and in vivo systems. It has been seen that the use of antioxidants can help neutralize or counteract the production of ROS. The present study aims to report the latest findings regarding the use of antioxidants in ARTs of some domestic species, such as dogs, cats, and horses, compared to other animal species, such as cattle, in which ARTs have instead developed more widely.

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

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.

The Application of Trichoderma Strains or Metabolites Alters the Olive Leaf Metabolome and the Expression of Defense-Related Genes

Biocontrol fungal strains of the genus Trichoderma can antagonize numerous plant pathogens and promote plant growth using different mechanisms of action, including the production of secondary metabolites (SMs). In this work we analyzed the effects of repeated applications of selected Trichoderma strains or SMs on young olive trees on the stimulation of plant growth and on the development of olive leaf spot disease caused by Fusicladium oleagineum. In addition, metabolomic analyses and gene expression profiles of olive leaves were carried out by LC-MS Q-TOF and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. A total of 104 phenolic compounds were detected from olive leave extracts and 20 were putatively identified. Targeted and untargeted approaches revealed significant differences in both the number and type of phenolic compounds accumulated in olive leaves after Trichoderma applications, as compared to water-treated plants. Different secoiridoids were less abundant in treated plants than in controls, while the accumulation of flavonoids (including luteolin and apigenin derivatives) increased following the application of specific Trichoderma strain. The induction of defense-related genes, and of genes involved in the synthesis of the secoiridoid oleuropein, was also analyzed and revealed a significant variation of gene expression according to the strain or metabolite applied.

An Unusual Case of Testicular Disorder in Sex Development of Arabian Mare (64,XX SRY-Negative)

Simple Summary

An interesting case of a horse with an XX, SRY-negative disorder of sexual development (DSD) is reported in this paper. In particular, the animal showed the development of both male and female portions of reproductive organs. The possible genetic background of this abnormality is also discussed.

Abstract

A 3-year-old Arabian mare underwent medical examinations due to the presence of abnormalities of the reproductive apparatus and stallion behavior (nervous temperament, aggressiveness, masculine attitude). During the clinical visit, an anovulvar distance shorter than normal was observed; moreover, vulvar lips were dorsally fused except for the lower neckline, showing a blind ending from which a penis-like structure protruded. The ultrasound examination revealed the presence of a cervix and corpus of a uterus, hypoplastic uterine horns, and small gonads with an echogenicity similar to a testis. Blood testosterone levels ranged from 0.4 to 0.6 ng/mL. Cytogenetic analysis showed a normal female karyotype (2n = 64,XX), while PCR amplification of SRY and ZFY genes revealed the absence of a Y chromosome. At necroscopic examination, internal genitalia arising from the genital ridge in the form of masculine type structures were found, while those deriving from the Mullerian ducts were of feminine type. In addition, an infundibular portion of the salpinx at the cranial pole of the gonads was found. This is the first case in equine species of DSD 2n = 64,XX SRY-negative, with the simultaneous presence of male (hypoplastic testicles, epididymal portions, and a penis-like structure) and female (cervix, horn and body of a hypoplastic uterus) genital structures.

Assessment of living conditions in wild boars by analysis of oxidative stress markers

This study demonstrated that it is possible to differentiate wild boars living in habitats with different animal densities by the measurement of oxidative stress markers. Therefore, reactive oxygen metabolites, the antioxidant barrier, i.e., the biological antioxidant potential and the antioxidative power (OXY-Adsorbent), as well as cortisol were measured in freely ranging wild boars. In two different areas of a State Forest in the Campania Region (Italy), 42 freely ranging, managed wild boars were captured with a corral trap, and blood samples were collected. The wild boars were divided by age (>1 year old and <1 year old) and sex (male and female). Animals in one area showed significantly higher values of oxidative stress parameters than those living in the other area. The annual boar censuses of areas highlighted a higher population density in the first area than in the second one, and this would explain the results obtained. Since the health or nutritional status of animals is reflected by oxidative stress, wild boars in areas with higher animal densities may live under worse conditions than animals in areas with lower densities which becomes evident by measuring oxidative stress markers. As cortisol in blood is only reflecting a short period, the measurement of oxidative stress level may be a better indicator to evaluate the living conditions of wild boars.

Antimicrobial activity of harzianic acid against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius

The emerging concern about the increase of antibiotic resistance has encouraged research efforts to develop effective alternatives to counteract bacterial infections. Herein, we studied a new perspective to therapeutic treatment against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, an opportunistic pathogen documented as the major cause of skin, ear, and post-operative bacterial infections in dogs and cats. Antimicrobial activity of secondary metabolites produced by selected microbial strains belonging to Trichoderma, Talaromyces, Clonostachys and Coniothyrium fungal genera has been tested against S. pseudintermedius. Several extracts, particularly those obtained from Trichoderma harzianum E45 and ET45, showed a significant antimicrobial activity towards S. pseudintermedius methicillin-resistant (MRSP) and methicillin-susceptible (MSSP) strains. Bioassay-guided fractionation of E45 and ET45 extracts allowed to isolate harzianic acid as the major compound responsible for biological activities (e.g. antimicrobial, antibiofilm formation and biofilm disaggregation).

An Environmentally Friendly Practice Used in Olive Cultivation Capable of Increasing Commercial Interest in Waste Products from Oil Processing

In the Rural Development Plan (2014–2020), the European Commission encouraged the conversion and supported the maintenance of organic farming. Organic olive oil (bioEVOO) production involves the use of environmentally sustainable fertilizers and the recycling of olive pomace (Pom) and olive vegetation waters (VW) to reduce the environmental impact of these wastes. An ecofriendly way to recycle olive wastes is to reuse them to extract bioactive compounds. In this study, the total phenolic compounds content, their profile and dosage, the antioxidant action in oil, pomace, and vegetation water was evaluated when the Trichoderma harzianum M10 was used as a biostimulant in agriculture. Two spectrophotometric tests (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid (ABTS)) evaluated the antioxidant potential of samples, a spectrophotometric method estimated total phenolic content, and an Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC)–Orbitrap method evaluated the phenolics profile. Our results showed that the biostimulation improved the antioxidant potential and the total concentration of phenolics in the bioEVOO and bio-pomace (bioPom) samples and mainly enhanced, among all classes of phenolic compounds, the production of the flavonoids and the secoiridoids. Moreover, they demonstrated the Trichoderma action in the mevalonate pathway to produce phenols for the first time. The decisive action of the Thricoderma on the production of phenolic compounds increases the economic value of the waste materials as a source of bioactive compounds useful for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.

New Strategies in the Cultivation of Olive Trees and Repercussions on the Nutritional Value of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The health advantages of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) are ascribed mainly to the antioxidant ability of the phenolic compounds. Secoiridoids, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, phenolic acid, and flavones, are the main nutraceutical substances of EVOO. Applications of beneficial microbes and/or their metabolites impact the plant metabolome. In this study the effects of application of selected Trichoderma strains or their effectors (secondary metabolites) on the phenolic compounds content and antioxidant potential of the EVOOs have been evaluated. For this purpose, Trichoderma virens (strain GV41) and Trichoderma harzianum (strain T22), well-known biocontrol agents, and two their metabolites harzianic acid (HA) and 6-pentyl-α-pyrone (6PP) were been used to treat plants of Olea europaea var. Leccino and var. Carolea. Then the nutraceutical potential of EVOO was evaluated. Total phenolic content was estimated by Folin–Ciocalteau’s assay, metabolic profile by High-Resolution Mass spectroscopy (HRMS-Orbitrap), and antioxidant activity by DPPH and ABTS assays. Our results showed that in the cultivation of the olive tree, T22 and its metabolites improve the nutraceutical value of the EVOOs modulating the phenolic profile and improving antioxidants activity.

Lepidium meyenii (Maca) in male reproduction

Lepidium meyenii (Maca) is an edible root plant that grows in the Andean region of Peru. For centuries, the plant has been used as a dietary supplement for its nutritional and therapeutic properties. Maca are rich in high value nutritional elements and secondary metabolites (macaridine, macamides and glucosinolates) with high biological activity. Several studies demonstrated various biological effects of Maca mainly in the field of fertility. The aim of this review is to summarize the state of knowledge on the properties of Maca on male reproduction. Literature data was performed in PubMed with researches published from 2000 to 2019. The research showed results related to the effects of Maca on the quality and quantity of the semen, sexual behaviour and disorders of the male genital tract. Despite the numerous studies carried out on different animal species, further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms of action of Maca.