Introduction Withania somnifera (WS) also known as ashwagandha is a well-known medicinal plant used in traditional medicine in many countries for infertility treatment. The present study was aimed at systemically reviewing therapeutic effects of WS on the reproductive system. Methods This systematic review study was designed in 2016. Required data were obtained from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Web of Knowledge, Web of Science, and manual search of articles, grey literature, reference checking, and expert contact. Results WS was found to improve reproductive system function by many ways. WS extract decreased infertility among male subjects, due to the enhancement in semen quality which is proposed due to the enhanced enzymatic activity in seminal plasma and decreasing oxidative stress. Also, WS extract improved luteinizing hormone and follicular stimulating hormone balance leading to folliculogenesis and increased gonadal weight, although some animal studies had concluded that WS had reversible spermicidal and infertilizing effects in male subjects. Conclusion WS was found to enhance spermatogenesis and sperm related indices in male and sexual behaviors in female. But, according to some available evidences for spermicidal features, further studies should focus on the extract preparation method and also dosage used in their study protocols.

Background: Carotenoids are organic pigments with substantial applications in neutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food industries. Considering the importance of carotenoids, we aimed to isolate and identify a carotenoid-producing microorganism in the present study. Methods: Gram-negative, aerobic and rod-shaped archaeon, Halorubrum sp. TBZ112 (KCTC 4203 and IBRC-M 10773) producing carotenoids with circle and red colonies were isolated from Urmia Lake in Northwest Iran. Phenotypic characterization and molecular identification of isolate were also conducted. In order to study the ability of TBZ112 to produce carotenoids as well as the production profile, carotenoids were extracted using acetonemethanol solution (7:3 v/v). Then, the carotenoid content of the extract was evaluated using UV spectroscopy and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The carotenoid profile was analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) techniques. Results: The 16S rRNA analysis showed that TBZ112 had the highest similarity with Halorubrum chaoviator Halo-G* T (99.78%). The total carotenoid content of strain TBZ112 was found to be 11.7 mg/l. The LC-MS analytical results indicated that carotenoids that were produced included bacterioruberin, lycopene and β-carotene. Among them, bacterioruberin was predominant. Conclusion: Consequently, we can suggest that future studies should investigate this new and natural source for producing carotenoids.

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