Biochemical changes in epididymis after amaranthus and dolichos treatment.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Biochemical changes in epididymis following treatment with combined extracts of amaranthus spinosus roots and dolichos biflorus seeds
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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K. Murugan, G. Vanithakumari, R. Sampathraj
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Biochemical changes in epididymis following treatment with combined extracts of amaranthus spinosus roots and dolichos biflorus seeds
Year: 1993
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study investigates the effects of combined extracts from the roots of Amaranthus spinosus and seeds of Dolichos biflorus on the epididymis in adult male rats, focusing on its structural and functional integrity. Previous research indicated that these extracts possess estrogenic and anti-androgenic properties, prompting the current inquiry into their impact on male reproductive tissues. The experimental design involved administering varying dosages of the herbal extracts to evaluate changes in epididymal biochemistry, sperm motility, and sperm count over a period of 10 days.
Impairment of Epididymal Function
The data revealed that both low and high doses of the herbal extracts significantly impaired sperm motility and reduced sperm counts in the cauda and caput regions of the epididymis. Although no significant change in caput tissue weight was noted, there was a notable decrease in weight in the cauda segment at both dosages. Furthermore, protein concentrations increased at low doses in both segments, but the reduction of acid and alkaline phosphatase activities, which serve as indicators of androgen action, suggested an anti-androgenic effect. The overall findings indicate that the herbal extracts created a hostile environment within the epididymis, adversely affecting sperm maturation and leading to impaired reproductive function.
Conclusion
The study concludes that the combined extracts of Amaranthus spinosus and Dolichos biflorus exert detrimental effects on the biochemical composition and functional integrity of the epididymis in male rats. There is a clear indication of decreased sperm motility, reduced counts, and altered enzymatic activities suggestive of anti-androgenic and anti-spermatogenic actions. These results underscore the need for further investigation into the implications of using such herbal extracts, particularly regarding their potential reproductive toxicity and the mechanisms underlying their effects on male fertility.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the effects of ASDB extracts on sperm motility?
ASDB extracts significantly decreased sperm motility in the epididymis. Both qualitative and quantitative assessments showed impairments after treatment, suggesting that the environment in the epididymis was altered, leading to reduced sperm activity.
How do ASDB extracts affect epididymal weight and sperm count?
Treatment with ASDB extracts resulted in decreased epididymal weights, particularly in the cauda segment. Sperm counts were also lower, indicating adverse effects on the structural and functional integrity of the epididymis.
What biochemical changes are observed with ASDB extract administration?
Administering ASDB extracts led to increased protein concentrations in the caput but varied in the cauda. Activities of acid and alkaline phosphatases were markedly reduced, suggesting changes in androgen supply and overall epididymal health.
What implications do these findings have for male reproductive health?
The study indicates that ASDB extracts possess anti-spermatogenic and anti-androgenic effects, potentially resulting in decreased fertility. Understanding these biochemical and structural alterations can inform future research on herbal impacts on male reproductive health.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Biochemical changes in epididymis after amaranthus and dolichos treatment.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
In the context of the study, 'activity' refers to the biochemical processes and physiological changes within the epididymis following treatment with herbal extracts. Specifically, it emphasizes the functionality of enzymes such as acid and alkaline phosphatases and lactate dehydrogenase, which is crucial for understanding the effects on sperm maturation and motility.
2) Dolichos biflorus:
'Dolichos biflorus' is a plant species whose seeds were combined with Amaranthus spinosus roots for the study. The relevance lies in its potential medicinal properties, as represented by the extracts' influence on male reproductive health, particularly on sperm parameters and biochemical changes in the epididymis.
3) Discussion:
'Discussion' refers to the section of the research where the authors interpret results, explain implications, and suggest mechanisms behind observed phenomena. This part is critical for contextualizing findings, comparing them with previous studies, and highlighting the significance of the adverse effects of the herbal extracts on rat epididymal function.
4) Zoology:
'Zoology' is the scientific discipline concerned with the study of animals, which encompasses various aspects including physiology, behavior, and biology. The relevance of zoology in this study is foundational, as the research focuses on the effects of herbal extracts on the epididymis of male albino rats, a behavioral and physiological study.
5) Science (Scientific):
'Science' underpins this research, representing systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe. The study employs scientific methodologies to investigate the biochemical and functional impacts of herbal extracts on reproductive health in rats, thus contributing to medical science.
6) Water:
'Water' serves as a critical solvent in biological systems and is essential for maintaining cellular functions within the epididymis. In the study, the treatment conditions included adequate hydration for the rats, which supports vitality, biochemical reactions, and overall health, influencing the experimental outcomes related to sperm motility.
7) Blood:
'Blood' is essential for providing oxygen and nutrients to tissues, including the epididymis, and plays a crucial role in hormonal transport, affecting reproductive functions. Understanding the interaction between blood-derived proteins and the effects of herbal extracts on the epididymis is essential for interpreting study results regarding sperm maturation.
8) Diet:
'Diet' pertains to the nutritional intake of the rats, which is significant for their overall health and physiological responses. In this research, the pelleted diet provided to the animals ensures standardized nutrition, allowing accurate assessment of the specific effects of the herbal extracts on sperm parameters and epididymal biochemistry.