• P-ISSN 0973-7200 E-ISSN 2454-8405
  • Follow us

Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Article

Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Year: 2022, Volume: 21, Issue: 4, Pages: 128-135

Original Article

Androgenic and Spermatogenic Effects of Methanolic Root Extract of Waltheria indica (linn) in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Waltheria indica is a common shrub found in many parts of Northern Nigeria for the management of several diseases. Although the ability of Waltheria indica to treat infertility, erectile dysfunction and impotency in male has been reported in ethno-medicine, there is no scientific study to verify its action on androgens and spermatogenic parameters. This study seeks to evaluate the effect of methanolic root extract of Waltheria indica on androgens and spermatogenesis in albino rats. Rats were grouped into four: 1, 2, 3 and 4 where 1(the control) received orally 1mL of normal saline. Groups 2, 3 and 4 received orally on daily basis, graded doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of the plant extract, respectively, for 40 days. Administration of plant extract resulted in enhanced levels of testosterone, follicular stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, sperm count, sperm viability, and sperm mobility, testicular gamma glutamyl transferase, testicular alkaline phosphatase, testicular acid phosphatase and testicular cholesterol. The results show that methanolic root extract of Waltheria indica has demonstrated androgenic and spermatogenic activity which further substantiates its claimed traditional use in the management of infertility in male folk.

Keywords: Waltheria indica root extract, infertility, erectile dysfunction, impotency in male, androgenic effect, spermatogenic effect

References

  1. Kałka D, Gebala J, Rusiecki L, Smoliński R, Dulanowski J, Rusiecka M, et al. Relation of Postexercise Reduction of Arterial Blood Pressure and Erectile Dysfunction in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease. The American Journal of Cardiology. 2018;122(2):229–234. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amjcard.2018.03.368
  2. Mobley DF, Khera M, Baum N. Recent advances in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Postgraduate Medical Journal. 2017;93(1105):679–685. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/postgradmedj-2016-134073
  3. Watcho P, Watio HM, Wankeu-Nya M, Ngadjui E, Defo PD, Nkeng-Efouet PA, et al. Androgenic effects of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Ficus asperifolia in male Wistar rats. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2017;17(1):42. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/ 10.1186/s12906-016-1547-5
  4. Goel B, Maurya NK. Aphrodisiac Herbal therapy for Erectile Dysfunction. Archives of Pharmacy Practice. 2020;11:1–6.
  5. Enema OJ, Umoh UF, Umoh RA, Ekpo EG, Adesina SK, Eseyin OA. Chemistry and Pharmacology of Aphrodisiac Plants: A Review. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research. 2018;10(7):70–98. Available from: https://www.jocpr.com/articles/chemistry-and-pharmacology-of-aphrodisiac-plants-a-review.pdf
  6. Rashed MM, Shallan M, Mohamed DA, Fouda K, Hanna LM. Biological Evaluation of Anti-androgenic Effect of Some Plant Foods. Journal of Food and Nutrition Research. 2014;2(9):645–651. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.12691/jfnr-2-9-19
  7. Kada AS, Aneng E, Mbouh M, Manfo F, Ngimgoh SN, Nantia EA. Testicular antioxidants and testosterone enhancing effects of the hydro-ethanolic extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria (Apocynacaea) in male Wistar rats. Investigational Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology. 2021;4(2):1–6. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.31183/imcp.2021.00054
  8. Ajuogu PK, Ere R, Nodu MB, Nwachukwu CU, Mgbere OO. The influence of graded levels of Cyathula prostrata (Linn.) Blume on semen quality characteristics of adult New Zealand white bucks. Translational Animal Science. 2020;4(2):1134–1139. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/tas/txaa060
  9. Chalabi SA, Mahmood RI, Rashaa F, Rf AL. The effect of some plants extract on hormonal and testicular function in rats. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 2020;12(02):1223–1228. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.31838/ijpr/2020.12.02.0183
  10. Basiru A, Olayemi FO. Effects of aqueous extract of Waltheria indica leaves on blood profile of male albino rats. Journal of Medicinal Plant Research. 2014;8(41):1223–1229. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.5897/JMPR2014.5477
  11. Jansen O, Angenot L, Tits M. In vitro antiplasmodial activity of ethnobotanically selected plants from Burkina Faso. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2010;130:143–150. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2010.04.032
  12. Leonti M, Vibrans H, Sticher O, Heinrich M. Ethnopharmacology of the Popoluca, Mexico: an evaluation. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2010;53(12):1653–1669. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.1211/0022357011778052
  13. Graham JG, Quinn ML, Fabricant DS, Farnsworth NR. Plants used against cancer – an extension of the work of Jonathan Hartwell. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2000;73(3):347–377. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0378-8741(00)00341-x
  14. Olajuyigbe OO, Babalola AE, Afolayan AJ. Antibacterial and phytochemical screening of crude ethanolic extracts of Waltheria indica Linn. African Journal of Microbiology Research. 2011;5(22):3760–3764. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.5897/AJMR11.627
  15. Sugiyama Y, Koman J. The flora of Bossou: its utilization by chimpanzees and humans. African Study Monographs. 1992;13:127–169. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.14989/68093
  16. Zongo F, Ribuot C, Boumendjel A, Guissou I. Botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Waltheria indica L. (syn. Waltheria americana): A review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2013;148(1):14–26. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2013.03.080
  17. Aguilar NO, Valkenburg JV. Waltheria indica L. In: Valkenburg JLv, Bunyapraphatsara N., eds. Plant Resources of South-East Asia 12: Medicinal and Poisonous Plants 2. (pp. 585-587) Plant Resources of South-East Asia; Leiden. 2001.
  18. Bekro YA, Mamyrbekova JA, Boua BB, Bi FHT, Ehile EE. Étude ethnobotanique et screening phytochimique de <i>Caesalpinia benthamiana</i> (Baill.) Herend. et Zarucchi (Caesalpiniaceae) Sciences & Nature. 2007;4(2):217–225. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/scinat.v4i2.42146
  19. Besley MA, Eliarson R, Gallegosm AJ, Moghissi KS, Paulsen CA, Prasad M. Laboratory Manual for the Examination of Human Semen and Semen Cervical Mucus Interaction. Singapore. WHO Press concern. 1980.
  20. Ahmed M, Al-Daghri N, Alokail MS, Hussain T. Potential changes in rat spermatogenesis and sperm parameters after inhalation of Boswellia papyrifera and Boswellia carterii incense. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2013;10(3):830–844. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph10030830
  21. Zemjanis R. Diagnostic and Therapeutic technique in animal reproduction (2). (pp. 139-154) 1977.
  22. Mehranjani MS, Noorafshan A, Momeni HR, Abnosi MH, Mahmoodi M, Anvari M, et al. Stereological study of the effects of vitamin E on testis structure in rats treated with para-nonylphenol. Asian Journal of Andrology. 2009;11(4):508–516. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3735314/
  23. Fouche G, Afolayan AJ, Wintola OA, Khorombi TE, Senabe J. Effect of the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Monsonia angustifolia E. Mey. Ex A. Rich., on the sexual behaviour of male Wistar rats. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2015;15(343). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-015-0880-4
  24. Gauthaman K, Adaikan PG, Prasda R. Aphrodisiac properties of Tribulus terrestis extract (protodioscin) in normal and castrated rats. Life Science. 2002;71(12):1385–1396. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/s0024-3205(02)01858-1
  25. Besong EB, Ateufack G, Babiaka SB, Kamanyi A. Leaf-Methanolic Extract of Pseudopanax arboreus (Araliaceae) (L. F. Phillipson) Reverses Amitriptyline-Induced Sexual Dysfunction in Male Rats. Biochemistry Research International. 2018;2018:1–14. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/2869727
  26. Chauhan NS, Sharma V, Dixit VK, Thakur M. A review on plants used for improvement of sexual performance and virility. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014(868062). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1155%2F2014%2F868062
  27. França LR, Ogawa T, Avarbock MR, Brinster RL, Russell LD. Germ Cell Genotype Controls Cell Cycle during Spermatogenesis in the Rat1. Biology of Reproduction. 1998;59(6):1371–1377. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1095/biolreprod59.6.1371
  28. Segatelli TM, França LR, Pinheiro PFF, Alemida CCD, Martinez M, Martinez FE. Spermatogenic Cycle Length and Spermatogenic Efficiency in the Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) Journal of Andrology. 2004;25(6):872–880. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1939-4640.2004.tb03156.x
  29. Hess RA, Franca LRD. Spermatogenesis and Cycle of the Seminiferous Epithelium. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 2009;636:1–15. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-09597-4_1
  30. Beheshti R, Bandariyan E, Hemati M. Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa Aqueous Extract on Spermatogenesis and Sperm Parameters of Mice. Herbal Medicine Journal. 2018;3(3):109–119. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.22087/hmj.v3i3.684
  31. Yoshida M, Fransén E, Hasselmo ME. mGluR-dependent persistent firing in entorhinal cortex layer III neurons. European Journal of Neuroscience. 2008;28(6):1116–1126. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-9568.2008.06409.x
  32. Purdy PH, Ericsson SA, Dodson RE, Sternes KL, Garner DL. Effects of the flavonoids, silibinin and catechin, on the motility of extended cooled caprine sperm. Small Ruminant Research. 2004;55(1-3):239–243. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2004.02.005
  33. Gonçalves R, Zamoner A, Zanatta L, Zanatta AP, Remor AP, Scheffer D. 25 (OH)2 vitamin D3signalling on immature rat sertoli cells: gamma glutamyl transpeptidase and glucose metabolism. Journal of Cell Communication and Signalling. 2017;1(3):233–243. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12079-016-0367-1
  34. Latchoumycandane C, Gupta SK, Mathur PP. Inhibitory effects of hypothyroidism on the testicular functions of postnatal rats. Biomedical Letters. 1997;56(223):171–177.
  35. Kamble A, Reddy C, Patili S. Testicular Activity of Mice Treated With MeOH Extract of Achyranthes aspera Leaves. Journal of Advanced Medical Sciences and Applied Technologies. 2017;3(2):93–100. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.18869/nrip.jamsat.3.2.93
  36. Peruquetti RL, Taboga SR, Azeredo-Oliveira MTV. Expression of acid phosphatase in the seminiferous epithelium of vertebrates. Genetics and Molecular Research. 2010;9(2):620–628. Available from: https://doi.org/10.4238/vol9-2gmr730
  37. Ramalingam V, Vimaladevi V. Effect of mercuric chloride on membrane-bound enzymes in rat testis. Asian Journal of Andrology. 2002;4(4):309–311. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12508136/
  38. Kasturi M, Sanivannan B, Ahmed NR, Shaikh PD, Pattan KM. Changes in epididymal structure and function of albino rat treated with Azardirachta indica leaves. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology. 1995;33(10):725–729. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8575802/
  39. Sèdes L, Thirouard L, Maqdasy S, Garcia M, Caira F, Lobaccaro JMA, et al. Cholesterol: A Gatekeeper of Male Fertility? Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2018;9(369). Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2018.00369
  40. Shen WJ, Azhar S, Kraemer FB. Lipid droplets and steroidogenic cells. Experimental Cell Research. 2016;340(2):209–214. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.11.024
  41. Akpovi CD, Yoon SR, Vitale ML, Pelletier R. The predominance of one of the SR-BI isoforms is associated with increased esterified cholesterol levels not apoptosis in mink testis. Journal of Lipid Research. 2006;47(10):2233–2247. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1194/jlr.m600162-jlr200
  42. Shi J, Li Y, Ren K, Xie Y, Yin W, Mo Z. Characterization of cholesterol metabolism in Sertoli cells and spermatogenesis (Review) Molecular Medicine Reports. 2018;17(1):705–713. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2017.8000
  43. Bedwall RS, Edwards MS, Katoch M, Bahuguna A, Dewan R. Histological and biochemical changes in testes of zinc deficient BALB/C strain of mice. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology. 1994;32(4):243–247. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8088879/
  44. Zhang Q, Mao Z, Zhang Q, Qiu J, Jia Z, Qin L. Acute and sub-chronic toxicological studies of the iridoid glycosides extract of Lamiophlomis rotata (Benth.) Kudo in rats. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology. 2018;92:315–323.

Copyright

© 2022 Published by Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/) 

DON'T MISS OUT!

Subscribe now for latest articles and news.