Typha capensis (Rohrb.)N.E.Br. (bulrush) is used by traditional healers in Southern Africa to treat male reproductive problems. This study aimed at investigating the effects of T. capensis on TM3-Leydig cells. T. capensis rhizome crude extract obtained from autumn, winter, spring and summer harvest was fractionated using HPLC into four fractions, and TM3-Leydig cells were incubated with different concentrations of the F1 fraction (0.01, 0.02, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 μg/ml) for 24, 48 and 96 hr respectively. The following parameters were evaluated: cell morphology, viability (MTT assay), testosterone production (testosterone ELISA test), apoptosis (Annexin V-Cy3 binding) and DNA fragmentation (TUNEL assay). Results revealed that the summer harvest obtained the highest amount of extract. The F1 fraction of all harvests was the most effective. This fraction significantly enhanced testosterone production in TM3 cells in a dose-dependent manner with maximum effect at 0.1 μg/ml. At higher concentrations, lower testosterone production was observed. Cell viability including apoptosis was not affected at concentrations used by the traditional healers to treat patients. This study shows that T. capensis enhanced testosterone production and might be useful to treat male infertility and ageing male problems.

Typha capensis, commonly referred to as one of indigenous medicinal plants that are traditionally used to treat male fertility problems and various other ailments. Previous studies revealed that T. capensis has indeed a beneficial effect on male reproductive functions and aging male symptoms. LNCaP cells incubated with different concentrations of crude aqueous extract of T. capensis rhizomes (0.01, 0.02, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 μg/ml) and control (without extract) for 24 and 96 hours, after incubation. The following parameters were evaluated: cell morphology and viability (determined by means of MTT assay). LNCaP cells showed a decline in cell viability at the incubation period 96 hours (-82.4%) more than 24 hours (-64.7%) indicating more cell death. cell early apoptosis (determined by means of Annexin V-Cy3 binding), DNA fragmentation (determined by means of the TUNEL assay). After 96 hours of exposure, all concentrations caused a dose-dependent increase in early apoptosis in the cells. At higher concentrations (10 and 100 μg/ml), a significant increase of 38.8% (P=0.009) and 52.3%(P<0.001), respectively, in the percentage of cells with signs of early apoptosis was significant. a significant increase of TUNEL-positive cells was found between the control and 1, 10, 100 μg/ml.