How bad is brazilian ginseng extract for reproductive parameters in mice?

Properties attributed to the Panax ginseng are also attributed to the Brazilian ginseng, such as adaptogenic and aphrodisiac effects. There are studies demonstrating that the Brazilian ginseng (BGE) possibly increases the serum levels of testosterone and nitric oxide in mice and rats. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of its extract on male fertility and sperm quality. Male Swiss mice (n=60) were divided into six groups. The control animals were provided 0.5 mL of water, and 0.5 mL of water containing 7 mg/kg per day (d) sildenafil citrate. Other animals were treated with BGE at 100 mg/kg/d, 200 mg/kg/d, and 400 mg/kg/d by gavage for 42 days. Finally, animals from the last group received 200 mg/kg BGE every 3 days (3- 3d) by gavage for 42 days. The results showed a reduction in the number of resistant spermatids in the testis and damage to daily sperm production, culminating in a reduction in the number of epididymal spermatozoa. Although the sperm quality decreased in all experimental animals, only males treated with BGE 100 mg/kg/d showed pre and post implantation embryo losses. We concluded that BGE alters sperm viability compromising the embryonic development after implantatio

The interaction between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Piriformospora indica improves the growth and nutrient uptake in micropropagation-derived pineapple plantlets

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Piriformospora indica are well known for promoting growth, development, and nutrient uptake and for improving plant photosynthesis. These fungi represent promising tools supporting micropropagated plants during the acclimatization stage, and their use can reduce the application of phosphate fertilizers, providing economic and environmental benefits. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the benefits of inoculation with AMF and P. indica for the growth of plantlets of the Imperial cultivar of pineapple inoculated during the acclimatization stage and grown with different levels of phosphorus (P). The experiment consisted of six P levels (0, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg kg −1 soil) with inoculation of Claroideoglomus etunicatum, Dentiscutata heterogama, Rhizophagus clarus, P. indica, a mixture of all fungi (Mix), or control (no inoculation). The parameters vegetative growth, the nutrient contents in the plants, photosynthetic efficiency, and the components of dependence and colonization by fungi were assessed. The fungal inoculation was effective for plantlet growth, especially up to a P dose of 40 mg kg^ −1 , increasing both plant biomass and the absorption of all evaluated nutrients. With P at 80 mg kg^ −1 , only the treatments with C. etunicatum and Mix produced plantlets of better quality than the non-inoculated control. The colonization by AMF and P. indica was not affected by the addition of P to the soil, although fungal dependence decreased under these conditions and could be considered moderate even at 40 mg kg^ −1 for plants inoculated with C. etunicatum, R. clarus, P. indica or Mix. The inoculation of pineapple plantlets is a promising method that can be employed to produce high-quality propagative material for the market

Regeneração in vitro de Passiflora suberosa a partir de discos foliares In vitro regeneration of Passiflora suberosa from leaf discs

A regeneração in vitro de plantas de Passiflora suberosa foi obtida a partir de discos foliares. Folhas foram retiradas de plantas germinadas em casa de vegetação, imersas em solução comercial de hipoclorito de sódio (3:1), durante 20 minutos. Discos foliares de 0,5 cm de diâmetro, com a face adaxial em contato com o meio de cultura, foram introduzidos em placa de petri. Organogênese foi obtida utilizando-se meio MS acrescido de 0,5 ou 1,0 mg L-1 de BAP (6-benzilaminopurina). Após 4 a 8 semanas, observou-se formação de calos nas bordas dos discos foliares. Os calos formados foram transferidos para meio MSM, acrescido de 1,0 mg L-1 de GA3 (ácido giberélico), sob fotoperíodo de 16 horas. Desenvolvimento de gemas adventícias foi obtido a partir dos calos, sendo estas alongadas e enraizadas no mesmo meio de cultura, após periódicas repicagens, e aclimatadas em casa de vegetação.<br>In vitro regeneration of plantlets was obtained from Passiflora suberosa leaf discs. Leaves from plants germinated in the greenhouse were collected and immersed in commercial sodium hypochlorite solution (3:1), during 20 minutes. Leaf discs (0.5 cm in diameter) were obtained and placed with the adaxial side in contact with the culture medium in petri dishes. Organogenesis was obtained when MS medium was supplemented with 0.5 or 1.0 mg L-1 BAP (6-benzylaminopurine), after four to eight weeks, callus proliferated from the edge of the discs. After induction, calli were transferred to modified MS media supplemented with1.0 mg L-1 GA3, under 16-hour photoperiod. Development of adventitious shoots was obtained from the callus tissues and the shoots were elongated and rooted in the same culture medium and acclimatized in the greenhouse

Estabelecimento in vitro e micropropagação de maracujá silvestre (Passiflora foetida L.) In vitro establishment and micropropagation of Passiflora foetida L.

Entre as espécies do gênero Passiflora, a P. foetida L. apresenta a maior variabilidade genética e tem grande importância medicinal, pois é usada no tratamento de doenças como asma, icterícia, e na forma de emplastros, para as erisipelas e doenças de pele com inflamação. Portanto, são necessários estudos que visem a micropropagação e conservação. As sementes de P. foetida L. apresentam dormência e muitas vezes, levam alguns meses para germinar, produzindo mudas desuniformes e de baixo vigor. Neste sentido, a cultura de tecidos apresenta-se como uma forma alternativa a propagação. Assim, o objetivo do trabalho foi estabelecer e micropropagar P. foetida L., para formação de um banco de germoplasma. Para tanto, sementes foram escarificadas, desinfestadas e inoculadas em meio MS(½) sem reguladores de crescimento e cultivados por 66 dias. Explantes de hipocótilos obtidos de plantas germinadas in vitro, foram cultivados no mesmo meio suplementado com 1,0 mg L-1 de BAP. Na fase de estabelecimento, 45% dos explantes brotaram e formaram gemas axilares. 88,9% dos explantes de hipocótilo induziram brotação e 11,1% produziram calos. Plântulas regeneradas com 1,82 cm de altura, com raízes foram aclimatadas.<br>Among the species of the genus Passiflora, P. foetida L. presents highest genetic variability and also great medicinal importance. This species is used in the treatment of diseases such as asthma, jaundice, and in the form of poultices for erysipelas and skin diseases with inflammation. Therefore, studies are needed to preserve them. Its seeds present dormancy and often take several months to germinate. The tissue culture is a alternative form to propagate species. The objective was to establish and micropropagation P. foetida L., and create a germplasm bank. Seeds were scarified, disinfected, and inoculated on MS medium (½) without regulators for 66 days. Hypocotyls explants obtained of seedlings in vitro germinated were transferred and placed in the same medium supplemented with BAP (1,0 mg L-1). In the establishment phase of 45% of the explants sprouted and formed axillary buds. 88,9% of hypocotyl explants induced shoots and 11,1% produced callus. Seedling measuring 1,82 cm length and rooted were acclimatized