RESUMEN
Eugenol is the main constituent of clove extract. It is a remarkably versatile molecule incorporated as a functional ingredient in several food products and widely applied in the pharmaceutical industry. Men consume natural products enriched with eugenol for treating sexual disorders and using as aphrodisiacs. Nevertheless, there is no information about the impact of eugenol intake on the reproductive parameters of healthy males. Therefore, we provided 10, 20, and 40 mg kg-1 pure eugenol to adult Wistar rats for 60 days. Testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa were analyzed under microscopic, biochemical, and functional approaches. This phenolic compound did not alter testicular and epididymal biometry and microscopy. However, 20 and 40 mg kg-1 eugenol reduced serum testosterone levels. The highest dose altered lactate and glucose concentrations in the epididymis. All the eugenol concentrations diminished CAT activity and MDA levels in the testis and increased FRAP and CAT activity in the epididymis. Epididymal sperm from rats receiving 10, 20, and 40 mg kg-1 eugenol presented high Ca2+ ATPase activity and low motility. In conclusion, eugenol at low and high doses negatively impacted the competence of epididymal sperm and modified oxidative parameters in male organs, with no influence on their microscopy.
Asunto(s)
Afrodisíacos , Productos Biológicos , Adenosina Trifosfatasas , Animales , Afrodisíacos/farmacología , Productos Biológicos/farmacología , Epidídimo , Eugenol/toxicidad , Glucosa/farmacología , Lactatos/farmacología , Masculino , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Semen , Motilidad Espermática , Espermatozoides , Testículo , TestosteronaRESUMEN
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Roots of Pfaffia glomerata are used in traditional medicine as aphrodisiacs and sexual stimulants. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to evaluate the action of the hydroalcoholic extract from the roots of Pfaffia glomerata on the Leydig cells, cavernous bodies and other penile constituents, as well as on serum testosterone and 17ß-estradiol levels of adult mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mature male Swiss mice were divided into 6 groups: control (water), sildenafil citrate, 3 groups receiving daily doses of P. glomerata extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) and one group receiving intermittent doses of P. glomerata (200 mg/kg/3-3d). RESULTS: The proportions of blood vessels, lymphatic space and estradiol levels were increased. On the other hand, reduction of testosterone levels due to Leydig cells death was observed. As for penile parameters, volumetric proportions of cavernous bodies, collagen and nitric oxide were increased, while smooth muscle content was decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Despite that the long term intake of P. glomerata extract was related to a stimulant action, reduction on Leydig cell viability induced decreased testosterone production.
Asunto(s)
Amaranthaceae/química , Afrodisíacos/farmacología , Células Intersticiales del Testículo/efectos de los fármacos , Pene/irrigación sanguínea , Pene/efectos de los fármacos , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Amaranthaceae/toxicidad , Animales , Afrodisíacos/aislamiento & purificación , Afrodisíacos/toxicidad , Muerte Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Estradiol/sangre , Colágenos Fibrilares/metabolismo , Células Intersticiales del Testículo/metabolismo , Células Intersticiales del Testículo/patología , Masculino , Ratones , Músculo Liso/efectos de los fármacos , Músculo Liso/patología , Óxido Nítrico/metabolismo , Pene/metabolismo , Pene/patología , Extractos Vegetales/aislamiento & purificación , Extractos Vegetales/toxicidad , Raíces de Plantas , Solventes/química , Testosterona/sangre , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Selected Peruvian Amazon plants are macerated into sugar cane distillates to prepare alcoholic beverages used to improve male sexual performance. The tree bark from Campsiandra angustifolia Spruce ex Benth (Fabaceae), Swartzia polyphylla DC (Fabaceae), Minquartia guianensis Aubl. (Olacaceae) and Thynantus panurensis (Bureau) Sandwith (Bignoniaceae) usually are used as crude drugs in mixtures of several ingredients. AIM OF STUDY: Describe the chemical composition of the most traded traditional male enhancer beverages, namely "Levántate Lazaro" and "Siete veces sin sacarla", and their single crude drug constituents, as well as their inhibitory activity towards the enzyme phosphodiesterase-5. The presence of pro-sexual drugs such as Sildenafil® and derivatives was assessed in the samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single plant constituents and the preparation mixtures were purchased in the Mercado Belen (Iquitos, Peru). Chemical profiling was carried out by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. The extracts were assessed for phosphodiesterase-5 inhibition. The occurrence of pro-sexual drugs was determined by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. RESULTS: Chemical profiling allowed the identification of condensed tannins as the main constituents of C. angustifolia and S. polyphylla, hydrolysable tannins for M. guianensis, and C-glycosides for T. panurensis. The traditional preparations showed similar composition compared to the crude drugs. At 200⯵g/mL, the traditional preparation "Levántate Lázaro" and "Siete veces sin sacarla" inhibited the phosphodiesterase-5 by 49.88% and 27.90%, respectively. No adulterations with pro-sexual drugs were found in the samples. From the crude drugs, low effect was found for the extracts of S. polyphylla and T. panurensis and high activity for C. angustifolia which inhibited the enzyme by 89.37% and 81.32% at 200 and 100⯵g/mL, respectively. CONCLUSION: The traditional preparations used to improve sexual performance in the Peruvian Amazon showed activity as phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. The most active ingredient of the traditional preparations was C. angustifolia, with some contribution from T. panurensis. These results encourage additional studies, including animal models to confirm the male enhancer effect of the preparations.
Asunto(s)
Afrodisíacos/farmacología , Magnoliopsida , Inhibidores de Fosfodiesterasa 5/farmacología , Preparaciones de Plantas/farmacología , Afrodisíacos/química , Fosfodiesterasas de Nucleótidos Cíclicos Tipo 5/metabolismo , Etanol/farmacología , Humanos , Masculino , Perú , Inhibidores de Fosfodiesterasa 5/química , Fitoquímicos/análisis , Fitoquímicos/farmacología , Corteza de la Planta , Preparaciones de Plantas/químicaRESUMEN
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Piper auritum Kunth is employed as an aphrodisiac in the traditional medicine, but corroborative evidence for such effect is scarce. AIM OF THE STUDY: The pro-sexual effect of an aqueous extract of P. auritum and its possible mechanisms were analyzed in two paradigms of male sexual function. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Effects of an aqueous extract of P. auritum (PA, single administration) were investigated in the fictive ejaculation, and copulatory behavior paradigms in sexually sluggish male rats. WAY 100635 (antagonist of 5-HT1A receptors), atosiban (antagonist of oxytocinergic receptors), L-NAME (inhibitor of the nitric oxide synthase) and baclofen (antagonist of GABAB receptors) were used as pre-treatments in order to investigate the role of different neurotransmitter systems in PA actions. Chemical profile of PA was determined by Gases Chromatography and Ultra Performance Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Masses Spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS). RESULTS: In males with retarded ejaculation, PA stimulated ejaculatory behavior and recovered electromyographic activity of pelvic musculature participating in seminal emission and ejaculation. All pre-treatments blocked stimulating effects of PA on the fictive ejaculation; additionally WAY 100635 interfered with PA actions on ejaculatory behavior. Safrol, apigenin dimethylether, myristicin, vaccihein A, sakuranin and sakuranetin flavonoids, were main constituents of PA, with possible participation in its pro-sexual effects. CONCLUSIONS: Pro-sexual effects of P. auritum elicited at level of ejaculation were mediated by several neurotransmitter systems, among which serotonin and its 5-HT1A receptors play an important role. Present findings support P. auritum reputation as an aphrodisiac, with potential use in delayed ejaculation disorder.
Asunto(s)
Afrodisíacos/farmacología , Piper , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Conducta Sexual/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Afrodisíacos/química , Conducta Animal/efectos de los fármacos , Eyaculación/efectos de los fármacos , Femenino , Masculino , Fitoquímicos/análisis , Fitoquímicos/farmacología , Piper/química , Piperazinas/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/química , Hojas de la Planta/química , Piridinas/farmacología , Ratas Wistar , Receptor de Serotonina 5-HT1A/fisiología , Antagonistas del Receptor de Serotonina 5-HT1/farmacologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Phlegmariurus saururus is popularly known in Argentina as aphrodisiac. For this reason, it was previously investigated and determined that the decoction of this plant elicits pro-ejaculatory activity and increases the ejaculatory potency in the Fictive Ejaculation Model. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: the decoction of P. saururus facilitates sexual behavior in sexually experienced male rat and induces copulatory behavior in non-copulating male rats. METHODS: The extraction method (decoction) was validated through Selectivity, Accuracy and Precision, by identification of the majority alkaloids, expressed as sauroxine. Male (sexually experienced and noncopulating) and female (receptive) Wistar rats were used to determine sexual behavior. Sildenafil was used as positive control. The following variables were evaluated: Mount Latency, Intromission Latency, Ejaculation Latency, Post Ejaculatory Interval, as well as the Mounts and Intromissions Number. RESULTS: In sexually experienced male rats, P. saururus decoction stimulates sexual arousal and facilitates sexual execution. In noncopulating male rats, this decoction induces copulation with behavioral characteristics similar to sexually experienced animals. CONCLUSION: P. saururus possesses aphrodisiac activity in copulating and noncopulating male rats.
Asunto(s)
Afrodisíacos/farmacología , Huperzia/química , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Plantas Medicinales/química , Conducta Sexual Animal/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Argentina , Femenino , Masculino , Fitoterapia , Ratas , Ratas WistarRESUMEN
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Huperzia saururus (Lam.) Trevis. has an extensive ethnopharmacological use, mainly because of its aphrodisiac properties. The species is consumed as decoctions or infusions in traditional medicine. The purpose of the present research was to determine if Huperzia saururus is able to increase sexual potency by evaluating the ejaculatory response, in the presence of a decoction in spinal cord transected male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The fictive ejaculation model to record the rhythmic contractions of the bulbospongiosus muscles that accompany ejaculation as an indicator of ejaculation occurrence was used. Sexually experienced male Wistar rats were used. The activation of the fictive ejaculation by the i.v. administration of a decoction was tested, as well as the effects of the oxytocinergic, cholinergic, adrenergic and nitrergic antagonism upon the pro-ejaculatory activity of Huperzia saururus. RESULTS: Decoction (3µg/animal) was able to activate the fictive ejaculation in spinal male rats, producing a statistically significant diminution on the latency of discharge parameter and a statistically significant augment for the number of discharges. Moreover, when sequential treatments using antagonists plus decoction were administered, the effects produced showed that prazosin prevent the pro-ejaculatory effect of the decoction and that the four antagonists assayed blocked the facilitatory effect of Huperzia saururus since the facilitation in the latency of response was prevented, and the number of discharges was reduced. Together these findings support the notion that the decoction exerts an aphrodisiac effect influencing the ejaculatory potency which is partially mediated by oxytocinergic, cholinergic, adrenergic and nitrergic spinal mechanisms. CONCLUSION: In agreement to the ethnopharmacological uses, Huperzia saururus decoction has aphrodisiac properties by influence on the ejaculatory potency.
Asunto(s)
Afrodisíacos/farmacología , Eyaculación/efectos de los fármacos , Huperzia/química , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Animales , Masculino , Medicina Tradicional , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Traumatismos de la Médula Espinal/patologíaRESUMEN
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In folk medicine, Turnera diffusa Wild (Turnera diffusa, Turneraceae) is considered as an aphrodisiac, but its ability to restore copulation in sexually inhibited subjects has not been reported. AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine whether Turnera diffusa recovers sexual behavior in sexually exhausted (SExh) male rats and to identify the main components in an aqueous extract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SExh males were treated with Turnera diffusa, 20-80 mg/kg, yohimbine, 2 mg/kg, or vehicle. RESULTS: Yohimbine and Turnera diffusa (80 mg/kg) significantly increased the percentage of males achieving one ejaculatory series and resuming a second one. In addition, Turnera diffusa significantly reduced the post-ejaculatory interval. These effects were not associated to an increase in locomotor activity or anxiety-like behaviors. The HPLC-ESI-MS analysis showed the presence of caffeine, arbutine, and flavonoids as the main compounds in the active extract. CONCLUSION: The results support the use of Turnera diffusa as an aphrodisiac in traditional medicine and suggest possible therapeutic properties of Turnera diffusa on sexual dysfunction. The flavonoids present in active extract may participate in its pro-sexual effect, which is analogous to those produced by yohimbine, suggesting a shared mechanism of action.
Asunto(s)
Afrodisíacos/farmacología , Arbutina/farmacología , Cafeína/farmacología , Flavonoides/farmacología , Fitoterapia , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Respuesta de Saciedad/efectos de los fármacos , Conducta Sexual Animal/efectos de los fármacos , Turnera , Yohimbina/farmacología , Animales , Femenino , Masculino , Extractos Vegetales/química , Plantas Medicinales/química , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Turnera/químicaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Tribulus alatus extracts on free serum testosterone in male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Free serum testosterone level was measured in male rats treated with alcoholic extracts of the aerial part without fruits, fruits of Tribulus alatus and their fractions. RESULTS: All tested extracts showed significant increase in the level of free serum testosterone when compared to that of corresponding control, p < 0.05. Statistical comparison of all groups revealed that the maximum level was found in groups treated with chloroformic and ethanolic fractions of fruits extract. CONCLUSION: Tribulus alatus extract appears to possess aphrodisiac activity due to its androgen increasing property.
Asunto(s)
Afrodisíacos/farmacología , Fitoterapia , Componentes Aéreos de las Plantas/química , Conducta Sexual Animal/efectos de los fármacos , Testosterona/sangre , Tribulus/química , Animales , Afrodisíacos/química , Evaluación Preclínica de Medicamentos , Masculino , Pene/irrigación sanguínea , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Distribución Aleatoria , Ratas , Ratas WistarRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Tribulus alatus extracts on free serum testosterone in male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Free serum testosterone level was measured in male rats treated with alcoholic extracts of the aerial part without fruits, fruits of Tribulus alatus and their fractions. RESULTS: All tested extracts showed significant increase in the level of free serum testosterone when compared to that of corresponding control, p < 0.05. Statistical comparison of all groups revealed that the maximum level was found in groups treated with chloroformic and ethanolic fractions of fruits extract. CONCLUSION: Tribulus alatus extract appears to possess aphrodisiac activity due to its androgen increasing property.
Asunto(s)
Animales , Masculino , Ratas , Afrodisíacos/farmacología , Fitoterapia , Componentes Aéreos de las Plantas/química , Conducta Sexual Animal/efectos de los fármacos , Testosterona/sangre , Tribulus/química , Afrodisíacos/química , Evaluación Preclínica de Medicamentos , Pene/irrigación sanguínea , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Distribución Aleatoria , Ratas WistarRESUMEN
Several species of Ferula genus have been used in folk medicine in digestive disorders, rheumatism, headache, arthritis, and as tranquilizers, antispasmodic and aphrodisiac. From the dry and powdered roots of Ferula hermonis Boiss was extracted the oxygenated sesquiterpene 1,5-trans-daucane type: ferutinine (1). The structure of (1) was established by spectroscopic methods as: IR, (1)H RMN, (13)C RMN, COSY, HMBC, HMQC, NOESY, EIMS, and CIMS. The possible signaling pathway of ferutinin (1) in nervous tissue in vitro was assessed and the results showed that this compound is able to increase nitric oxide synthase activity and inositol monophosphate accumulation (49%, each) in the median eminence of the rat brain, suggesting that compound (1) is associated to the activation of phosphoinositide breakdown and nitric oxide production (NO), the last is a gaseous intercellular messenger known to play a broad role in human biology from homeostasis to pathology.
Asunto(s)
Afrodisíacos/farmacología , Ferula , Eminencia Media/efectos de los fármacos , Óxido Nítrico Sintasa/biosíntesis , Fitoterapia , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Animales , Afrodisíacos/administración & dosificación , Afrodisíacos/química , Masculino , Eminencia Media/metabolismo , Extractos Vegetales/administración & dosificación , Extractos Vegetales/química , Raíces de Plantas , Ratas , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Relación Estructura-ActividadRESUMEN
Fourteen commercial samples of the popular Brazilian aphrodisiac Catuaba specified as bark drugs of Anemopaegma, Erythroxylum and Trichilia species were examined for identity and purity. Only a minority of the examined Catuaba samples contained the crude drugs claimed on the labels. More than half of the products were adulterated with different crude drugs. The majority of the samples contained a bark originating from Trichilia catigua. The TLC fingerprints confirmed the heterogeneity, in 50% of the samples tropane alkaloids of various concentrations were detected. TLC and HPLC methods for separation and identification of the tropane alkaloids were developed and their analytical data (RF values, retention times, ESI-MS) given. The structure elucidation of the two main alkaloids, catuabine D and its hydroxymethyl derivative, is presented. The 1H- and 13C-NMR assignments of these alkaloids are discussed with regard to literature data. Neither aqueous nor methanolic extracts of the Trichilia catigua reference material nor alkaloid-enriched fractions of commercial samples showed any effect on the rabbit corpus cavernosum in an in vitro test.
Asunto(s)
Afrodisíacos/farmacología , Fitoterapia , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Plantas Medicinales , Animales , Afrodisíacos/administración & dosificación , Afrodisíacos/química , Afrodisíacos/uso terapéutico , Brasil , Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Presión , Cromatografía en Capa Delgada , Espectroscopía de Resonancia Magnética , Masculino , Medicina Tradicional , Estructura Molecular , Erección Peniana/efectos de los fármacos , Corteza de la Planta , Extractos Vegetales/administración & dosificación , Extractos Vegetales/química , Extractos Vegetales/uso terapéutico , ConejosRESUMEN
Cihuapatli, the Mexican zoapatle (Montanoa tomentosa) has an extensive ethnomedical history of use as a traditional remedy for reproductive impairments. During the study of the ejaculatory function in rats and by testing a set of Mexican plants with medicinal properties, we observed that crude extracts of M. tomentosa facilitated ejaculation. Thus, we decided to analyze the possibility that this plant possessed sexual stimulant properties. To that aim, copulatory behavior of sexually active male rats receiving doses of 38, 75 and 150 mg/kg of the aqueous crude extract of M. tomentosa, as it is prepared in traditional medicine, was assessed. In addition, we evaluated the effect of the 75-mg/kg dose of the extract on males with anesthetization of the genital area and on sexual behavior of sexually inactive male rats (noncopulators). Results showed that acute oral administration of crude extracts of M. tomentosa facilitates expression of sexual behavior in sexually active male rats, significantly increases mounting behavior in genitally anesthetized animals and induces the expression of sexual behavior in noncopulating males. Altogether, these data reveal a facilitatory action of this extract on sexual activity and particularly on sexual arousal. Present findings provide experimental evidence that the crude extract preparation of M. tomentosa, used as a traditional remedy, possesses aphrodisiac properties.
Asunto(s)
Afrodisíacos/farmacología , Montanoa , Conducta Sexual Animal/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Afrodisíacos/aislamiento & purificación , Femenino , Flores , Masculino , Extractos Vegetales/aislamiento & purificación , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Hojas de la Planta , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Conducta Sexual Animal/fisiología , Agua/farmacologíaRESUMEN
Sleep deprivation is associated with cocaine-enhanced genital reflexes in male rats, and castration of the male rat causes a decline in sexual behaviour, which can be reversed by hormone administration. We conducted two experiments to determine whether sleep deprivation and cocaine administration could also induce spontaneous penile erection in castrated rats after hormonal treatment (testosterone, progesterone and oestradiol). Different doses of hormones or vehicle were administered to rats during the 4-day period of sleep deprivation, and in home-cage control rats. Testosterone did not restore penile erection in castrated sleep-deprived rats. Progesterone triggered penile erection, and 100 mg/day of progesterone induced the highest proportion of rats displaying penile erection, and restored the frequency of penile erection observed in noncastrated sleep deprived rats. Penile erection was absent in vehicle as well as oestradiol-treated sleep-deprived castrated rats. Whereas sleep deprivation increased progesterone concentrations in noncastrated rats, sleep deprivation decreased progesterone concentrations in castrated rats. Corticosterone concentrations were lower in the castrated sleep-deprived rats than in respective control group. These data show that progesterone treatment facilitates penile erection in sleep deprived-cocaine castrated rats.
Asunto(s)
Cocaína/farmacología , Erección Peniana/fisiología , Progesterona/fisiología , Conducta Sexual Animal/fisiología , Privación de Sueño/fisiopatología , Animales , Afrodisíacos/farmacología , Castración , Estradiol/fisiología , Masculino , Erección Peniana/efectos de los fármacos , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Conducta Sexual Animal/efectos de los fármacos , Testosterona/fisiologíaRESUMEN
Lepidium meyenii (Maca) is a Peruvian hypocotyl that grows exclusively between 4000 and 4500 m in the central Andes. Maca is traditionally employed in the Andean region for its supposed aphrodisiac and/or fertility-enhancing properties. This study was a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel trial in which active treatment with different doses of Maca Gelatinizada was compared with a placebo. The study aimed to test the hypothesis that Maca has no effect on serum reproductive hormone levels in apparently healthy men when administered in doses used for aphrodisiac and/or fertility-enhancing properties. Men aged between 21 and 56 Years received 1500 mg or 3000 mg Maca. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone and 17-beta estradiol were measured before and at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment with placebo or Maca (1.5 g or 3.0 g per day). Data showed that compared with placebo Maca had no effect on any of the hormones studied nor did the hormones show any changes over time. Multiple regression analysis showed that serum testosterone levels were not affected by treatment with Maca at any of the times studied (P, not significant). In conclusion, treatment with Maca does not affect serum reproductive hormone levels.
Asunto(s)
Afrodisíacos/farmacología , Hormonas Esteroides Gonadales/sangre , Lepidium , Raíces de Plantas , 17-alfa-Hidroxiprogesterona/sangre , Adulto , Método Doble Ciego , Estradiol/sangre , Hormona Folículo Estimulante/sangre , Humanos , Hormona Luteinizante/sangre , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Perú , Prolactina/sangre , Análisis de Regresión , Testosterona/sangreRESUMEN
Sexually potent and sexually sluggish/impotent male rats were treated orally with different amounts of Turnera diffusa and Pfaffia paniculata fluid extracts (0.25, 0.50, 1.0 ml/kg). While having no effect on the copulatory behavior of sexually potent rats, both plant extracts--singly or in combination--improved the copulatory performance of sexually sluggish/impotent rats. The highest dose of either extract (1 ml/kg) (as well as the combination of 0.5 ml/kg of each extract) increased the percentage of rats achieving ejaculation and significantly reduced mount, intromission and ejaculation latencies, post-ejaculatory interval and intercopulatory interval. Neither extract affected locomotor activity. These results seem to support the folk reputation of Turnera diffusa and Pfaffia paniculata as sexual stimulants.