Tropaeolum tuberosum(Mashua) reduces testicular function: effect of different treatment times

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.

Ethnobiology and Ethnopharmacology ofLepidium meyenii(Maca), a Plant from the Peruvian Highlands

“…This plant, however, has opposed effects to maca since administration to male rats reduced sperm count [15] in contrast with the known effect of maca increasing sperm count [16]. …”

Screening for in vivo (anti)estrogenic and (anti)androgenic activities of Tropaeolum majus L. and its effect on uterine contractility

“…Some studies performed in vivo and in vitro with Tropaeolum tuberosus, a member of the Tropaeolaceae family, showed reductions in testosterone levels, as well as decreased binding of estradiol to its receptor, when the extract obtained from the roots of this species was tested (Johns et al, 1982;Cardenas-Valencia et al, 2008). In addition, root extracts of Tropaeolum tuberosus reduced the testicular function of adult rats after 12, 21 and 42 days of treatment (Cardenas-Valencia et al, 2008).…”

“…In addition, root extracts of Tropaeolum tuberosus reduced the testicular function of adult rats after 12, 21 and 42 days of treatment (Cardenas-Valencia et al, 2008). On the other hand, benzyl isothiocyanate, a major component Tropaeolum majus, Tropaeolum tuberosus and cruciferous vegetables, did not change pregnancy outcomes following rat exposure during pre-and postimplantation periods (Adebiyi et al, 2004).…”

“…More recently, studies from Gasparotto et al (2009Gasparotto et al ( , 2011a demonstrated diuretic and antihypertensive activity of the ethanolic extract of Tropaeolum majus (HETM), purified fraction and a flavonoid, isoquercitrin, from the leaves of Tropaeolum majus L. Nevertheless, despite many studies on the pharmacological properties of Tropaeolum majus L., several aspects of its safety have not yet been thoroughly studied (Wielanek and Urbanek, 2006). Recently, another species of the same family, Tropaeolum tuberosum, was reported as being able to reduce testicular function in rats following treatment with extracts prepared from the roots (Cardenas-Valencia et al, 2008). In addition, it has been reported that some flavonoids, which are major components of the hydroethanolic extract of Tropaeolum majus, are potential endocrine active compounds (Le Bail et al, 1998).…”

Decrease in spermatic parameters of mice treated with hydroalcoholic extract Tropaeolum tuberosum “mashua”

“…Nevertheless, there was not a proper monitoring of the animals ingested dose which make difficult the results interpretation. Cárdenas-Valencia et al (2008) report that aqueous extract of mashua produced a testicular function decrease by reducing spermatids and sperm densities, as well as sperm daily production and spermatozoa transit time through the epididymis. However, no changes in testosterone levels were observed during treatments.…”