Evaluating Muco-suppressant, Anti-tussive and Safety Profile of Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harms (Araliaceae) in Asthma Management

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Background: Polyscias fruticosa is used widely as food, remedy for diseases, and as an ornamental across Afro-Asian countries. For instance, P. fruticosa is used traditionally as an anti-asthma, anti-tussive, and a muco-suppressant herbal remedy for asthmatics in Ghana. Although many studies have investigated the pharmacological basis of the ethnobotanical uses of P. fruticosa, however, its effect on the reproductive system remains completely unknown. Aim of study: This study assessed effects of P. fruticosa leaf extract (PFE) on male fertility and toxicity in adult male Wistar rats. Materials and methods: After crude preparation of PFE, it was subjected to qualitative phytochemical, thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography mass spectrometry analyses. The effect of PFE was assessed on male fertility and toxicity by using healthy adult male Wistar rats. Rats were randomly assigned to normal saline (5 ml/kg po, n = 5), Clomiphene Citrate (CL; 50 mg/kg po; n = 5), and PFE (100, 200, and 500 mg/kg po; n = 5, respectively) groups and treated for 21 days. On day 22, rats were sacrificed and male fertility parameters (left testis weight, relative testis weight, caudal epididymal weight, caudal epididymal sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and assessment of male sex hormones and testicular histology) were assessed. Results: There were no significant changes in bodyweight, weight of left testis, weights of right and left caudal epididymides between treatment groups (PFE and CL) and control. Caudal epididymal sperm count increased in PFE (100 and 500 mg/kg)-treated rats relative to control. Sperm motility relatively increased in PFE-treated rats compared to control. Sperm abnormality decreased in PFE-treated rats, especially in PFE (100 mg/kg) group compared to control. Serum testosterone levels decreased inversely with serum luteinizing hormone levels in PFE-treated rats compared to control. There were minimal-to-no-alterations in histological sections of testis, except vacuolations at primary spermatocyte stage. Glycosides, saponins, cyanogenic glycosides, sterols, and alkaloids were detected in PFE. Conclusion: PFE improved caudal epididymal sperm count and may be useful as male fertility enhancer but exhaustive safety studies on key male sex organs needs to be established.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 93%

Section: Chemicals and Drugsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Preparation Of Pfementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Assessment of Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harm (Araliaceae) leaf extract on male fertility in male Wistar rats

Boye¹,

Osei-Owusu²,

Koffuor³

et al. 2018

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Assessment of an ethanolic seed extract of Picralima nitida ((Stapf) Th. and H. Durand) on reproductive hormones and its safety for use

Otoo¹,

Koffuor²,

Ansah³

et al. 2015

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Background:Picralima nitida seed extract (PNE) has aphrodisiac and contraceptive effect.Aim:To investigate the effect of PNE on reproductive hormones.Materials and Methods:The size and length of the combs of white leghorn day-old chicks treated with testosterone (0.5-1.5 mg/kg), cyproterone (3-30 mg/kg), or PNE (50-500 mg/kg) for 7 days, as well as cyproterone (10, and 30 mg/kg) on PNE-induced, and PNE (50-500 mg/kg) on testosterone-induced comb growth, were measured in the chick comb test. The effect of PNE the percentage change in an oviduct-chick weight ratio of Rhode Island Red layer day-old chicks treated with 17-β-estradiol (0.1-0.9 µg), PNE (30-300 mg/kg) or vehicle, for 6 days, was determined in the chick uterotrophic assay. Liver and kidney function was well lipid, and hematological profile tests were conducted to assess safety.Results:7-day treatment with PNE and testosterone increased significantly (P ≤ 0.01-0.001) while cyproterone significantly decreased (P ≤ 0.001) comb growth dose-dependently. Qualitatively, testosterone and PNE treatment resulted in relatively brighter red combs. Cyproterone caused significant inhibition (P ≤ 0.001) of both testosterone and PNE-induced comb growth. Co-administration of testosterone and PNE suppressed comb growth significantly (P ≤ 0.001). Administration of 17-β estradiol and PNE increased (P ≤ 0.001) oviduct-chick weight ratio dose-dependently. No significant changes were observed in assessing liver and kidney function, lipid profile, and hematological parameters.Conclusion:PNE exhibits both androgenic (partial testosterone agonist) and estrogenic activity. It has no detrimental effects on the blood, liver, and kidney tissue with prolonged use.

Cryptolepine, an indoloquinoline alkaloid, in the management of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications

Ameyaw

Koffuor

Asare

et al. 2016

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Background:Effective long-term management is the key to treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications.Aim:To ascertain the ability of cryptolepine (CRP) in managing DM and some associated complications.Materials and Methods:Changes in fasting blood sugar (FBS), body weight, response to thermally-induced pain, and semen quality were assessed in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated with CRP (10, 30, or 100 mg/kg), glibenclamide (10 mg/kg), or normal saline (2 ml/kg) per os. Hematological profile, liver and kidney function tests, lipid profile, as well as liver, kidney, and pancreas histopathological examinations were also conducted to establish possible effects of CRP treatment.Results:CRP treatment reduced (P ≤ 0.001) FBS and body weight, inhibited (P ≤ 0.05 - 0.001) the latency to tail flick or withdrawal from pain stimulus. It did not alter (P > 0.05): Hematological parameters, elevated (P ≤ 0.05 - 0.001) plasma aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase, reduced (P ≤ 0.01) plasma urea, and elevated (P ≤ 0.001) plasma creatinine associated with DM. CRP, however, reversed (P ≤ 0.05 - 0.001) DM-associated elevation (P ≤ 0.05 - 0.001) of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins, and the reduction in high-density lipoproteins. CRP (10-30 mg/kg) showed dose-dependent regeneration of β-islet cells but could not repair degenerated liver and kidney tissue. CRP worsens dose-dependently (P ≤ 0.001) reduced sperm quality associated with DM.Conclusion:CRP abolishes hyperglycemia, weight loss, cold allodynia, neuropathic pain, and hyperlipidemia as well as pancreatic β-islet cell damage associated with DM. It, however, does not improve liver and kidney damage and lowered semen quality.