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Effects of Hydro-alcoholic Extract from Arctium lappa L. (Burdock) Root on Gonadotropins, Testosterone, and Sperm Count and Viability in Male Mice with Nicotinamide/ Streptozotocin-Induced Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Reproductive dysfunction is a complication of diabetes. Arctium lappa (burdock) root has hypoglycemic and antioxidative properties, which are traditionally used for treatment of impotence and sterility. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of its hydro alcoholic extract on gonadotropin, testosterone, and sperm parameters in nicotinamide/ streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Methods: In this experimental study, 56 adult male Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice (30–35 g) were randomly divided into seven groups: control, diabetes, diabetes + glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg), diabetes + extract (200 or 300 mg/kg), and extract (200 or 300 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced with intraperitoneal injection of nicotinamide (NA) and streptozotocin (STZ). Twenty-four hours after the last extract and drug administration, serum samples, testes, and cauda epididymis were removed immediately for experimental assessment. Results: Body weight, serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels, and sperm count (P < 0.05) and viability (P < 0.01) decreased in diabetic mice. Administration of glibenclamide significantly improved these reductions in diabetic animals (P < 0.05). However, the hydro alcoholic extract (300 mg/kg) enhanced sperm viability only in diabetic mice (P < 0.01). In addition, this dose of extract increased sperm count, LH, FSH, and testosterone in nondiabetic animals compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results indicate that applied burdock root extract has anti-infertility effects in nondiabetic mice. Hence, this part of the A. lappa plant has an effect on the health of the reproductive system in order to improve diabetic conditions

Myricitrin and Its Solid Lipid Nanoparticle Increase Insulin Secretion and Content of Isolated Islets from the Pancreas of Male Mice

Glucose exposure induces toxic effects on the function of the pancreatic islets. Moreover, myricitrin as a flavonoid glycoside may have favorable effects on insulin secretion of Langerhans islets. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Myricitrin and its solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) on the insulin secretion as well as the content of isolated pancreatic islets from male mice. In this experimental study, Langerhans islets were separated from adult male NMRI mice using the collagenase method. The insulin secretion and content of islets were assessed in glucose-containing medium (2.8, 5.6, and 16.7mM). Further, islets treated were prepared by the administration of Myricitrin and its SLN (1, 3 and 10µM). Myricitrin 3μM, and SLN containing Myricitrin 3 and 10μM increased insulin secretion in medium containing glucose concentration 2.8mM. Accordingly, this variable increased in Myricitrin 3 and 10μM, SLN containing Myricitrin 1, 3, and 10μM utilization as well as glucose concentration 5.6mM. Afterward, the insulin secretion increased in medium containing 16.7mM glucose after the addition of Myricitrin and SLN containing Myricitrin 1, 3, and 10μM. Also, the insulin content increased in Myricitrin and SLN containing Myricitrin 1, 3, and 10μM administered groups in all medium containing glucose concentrations. Myricitrin and its SLN increased islets insulin secretion and content in low, moderate, and high glucose concentration mediums

The effects of Cassia italica leaves aqueous extract on non-pregnant uterus contraction in rats

Background: Cassia italica or Senna is a wild plant distributed in south of Iran. It increased water consumption and has a laxative effect. In traditional medicine this plant has been used for the dysmenorrheal. Objective: In this study we investigated the effect of aqueous extract of Cassia italica on uterus contraction. Materials and Methods: Virgin Wistar rats 200-300g were purchased. After laparatomy, a piece of uterus (1.5cm) was excised and mounted in an organ bath (10ml) containing De Jalon (29°C) and isometric contractions were recorded under 1g tension. KCl (60mM) was used to produce contractions. Cassia italica extracts after washing were added at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg/ml cumulatively to the organ bath and the contractions were recorded. Uterus was separately incubated with atropine sulfate (10μM), metoclopramide (10μM) and oxytocin (10mU/ml) and the tissue spasmodic effect of the extract were recorded. Results: Cumulative concentrations of the extract (0.5-4 mg/ml) increased the basal, peak and frequency of uterus contractions, dose-dependently (p<0.001). Incubation of the tissue with atropine sulfate and metoclopramide did not reduce the spasmodic effect of the extract. Cassia italica extract was shown the oxytocic activity on the uterine smooth muscle which most concentrations of the extract (4mg/ml) were more potent than of oxytocin (10mU/ml). Conclusion: Cassia italica stimulated the uterus contractions without involving dopaminergic (D2), and muscarinic receptors. This extract has oxytocin mimetic effects on uterus. Since the extract has uterus contraction, therefore we suggest that more study will be necessary about abortive or contraceptive effects of this plant on pregnant uterus

Antioxidant Effects of Eugenol on Oxidative Stress Induced by Hydrogen Peroxide in Islets of Langerhans Isolated from Male Mouse

Background. The antioxidant system in islets of Langerhans is weak, which can lead to diabetes. Meanwhile, the main component of cloves that produce antioxidant effects is eugenol. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant effect of eugenol on oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in islets of Langerhans isolated from the male mice. Materials and Methods. In this experimental study, adult Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice (20-25 g) were prepared. The collagenase digestion method was used for dissecting the islets of Langerhans. H2O2 50 μM was administered for 30 min to induce oxidative stress, with 50, 100, and 200 μM of eugenol employed for 2 hours before the administration of H2O2. The experimental groups were divided into five groups: (control, H2O2, and H2O2+eugenol 50, 100, and 200 μM). Finally, the islet’s lipid peroxidation and antioxidants levels were measured by the ELISA assay method. Results. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) increased in all groups when compared to the control (P<0.05). MDA diminished in H2O2+eugenol 50, 100, and 200 μM (P<0.01) groups versus the H2O2. TAC was elevated when eugenol 50, 100, and 200 μM was administered in oxidative stress-induced islets (P<0.001). Also, CAT increased in the H2O2+eugenol 50 (P<0.05) group in comparison with the H2O2 group. Conclusions. In conclusion, H2O2 induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in the islets, and administration of eugenol recovered these alterations by raising the level of TAC and CAT, while reducing MDA as a lipid peroxidation biomarker

Antispasmodic effects of Citrus aurantium flowers aqueous extract on uterus of non-pregnant rats

Background: Citrus aurantium is a small citrus tree, with scented white flowers. The C. aurantium is used in Asian herbal medicine primarily to treat digestive problems. Objective: The goal of this study is to investigate the effect of C. aurantium flower's aqueous extract on uterine contraction in presence of some known uterus stimulants. Materials and Methods: In experimental study 30 virgin Wistar rats 200-300gr were obtained. After laparatomy, a piece of Uterus was dissected out and mounted in an organ bath (10ml) containing De Jalon (29°C) and contracted by KCl (60mM), oxytocin (10mU/ml) and barium chloride (4mM) then the effect of C. aurantium flower's aqueous extract (1-8 mg/ml) on the uterine contractions was investigated. Uterus was separately incubated with propranolol (1?M), naloxone (1?M) and the role of ß-adrenoceptors, opioid receptors were evaluated. Results: Cumulative concentrations of the extract (1-8 mg/ml) decreased KCl, oxytocin and barium chloride induced uterine contractions, dose-dependently (p<0.001). C. aurantium flower's aqueous extract was unaffected on incubation the tissue with propranolol and naloxone. Conclusion: It seems that the extract induced antispasmodic effect mainly via calcium influx blockade. However, neither ß-adrenoceptors nor opioid receptors were involved. Since the extract has antispasmodic effect on uterus contraction therefore we can suggest that more study will be necessary to relief dysmenorrheal