Delay of ejaculation induced by Bersama engleriana in nicotinamide/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Bersama engleriana (B. engleriana) leaves on the expulsion phase of fictive ejaculation in nicotinamide/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic male rats.MethodsThe electromyographic activity of the bulbospongiosus muscles was recorded in urethane anaesthetized, spinal cord transected rats receiving dopamine (0.1 μmol/L/kg) intravenously, in the absence or presence of aqueous and methanolic extracts of B. engleriana (2.5, 10, 50, 60, 75 mg/kg). In another experiment, the pro-ejaculatory effect of dopamine (0.1 μmol/L/kg, i.v.) was monitored in rats orally pre-treated with the aqueous and methanolic extracts (60 mg/kg) of B. engleriana for 1 or 4 weeks.ResultsResults of the study showed that the intravenous administration of B. engleriana did not provoke any contraction of the ejaculatory muscles whilst rhythmic and rapid contractions of the bulbospongiosus muscles accompanied sometimes by penis movement and expulsion of the urethral contents were recorded after dopamine application. The sequential treatment of animals with B. engleriana extracts (2.5-75.0 mg/kg) followed by dopamine (0.1 μmol/L/kg) resulted in a dose-dependent abolishment of the pro-ejaculatory response due to dopamine. However, in animals orally submitted to a daily gavage with B. engleriana extracts (60 mg/kg) for 1 or 4 weeks, the ejaculation stimulating effect of dopamine (0.1 μmol/L/kg) was significantly delayed (P<0.01) but not completely suppressed.ConclusionsPresent findings suggest the involvement of dopaminergic system in the activity of B. engleriana and further support its aphrodisiac potentials due to sterols and saponins revealed in this plant

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of <it>Bersama engleriana</it> leaves in nicotinamide/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The present investigation was aimed at evaluating the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties of the aqueous and methanolic extracts from <it>Bersama engleriana</it> leaves in streptozotocin/nicotinamide (STZ-NA)-induced type 2 diabetic rats.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Animals were orally treated for 4 consecutive weeks with <it>Bersama engleriana</it> extracts at doses of 300 or 600 mg/kg. The anti-diabetic effect was examined by measuring blood glucose (BG) at 0, 1, 14 and 28 days after STZ-NA treatment and, total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) levels at sacrifice (day 29). Glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg) was used for comparison.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>STZ-NA-induced diabetic rats showed moderate to significant increases in the levels of BG, TG, TC, LDL-C while body weight, HDL-C levels and relative weights of liver and pancreas were decreased compared to controls (non diabetic rats). Administration of the plant extracts to STZ-NA diabetic rats resulted in a significant decrease in BG, TG, TC and LDL-C and the dose 600 mg/kg of the methanolic extract was the most effective; HDL-C level was markedly increased after four weeks compared to untreated diabetic rats. A dose-dependent increase in the relative weights of the diabetogenic organs was observed in the <it>Bersama engleriana</it> groups. It can be also noticed that the methanolic extract, especially the dose 600 mg/kg (p<0.001), produced more effects than glibenclamide and aqueous extract. Rats treated with glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg) generally gave lower results compared to groups treated with plant extracts.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Results of the present study showed that <it>Bersama engleriana</it> extracts and especially its methanolic extract possess antidiabetogenic properties and beneficial effects on diabetic hyperlipidemia. All these effects could be due to the bioactive components revealed in the <it>Bersama engleriana</it> extracts such as triterpenes and phenols and which could justify its ethnomedical use.</p