Reversible oestrous cycle disturbance by Bupleurum marginatum extract
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Reversible oestrous cycle disturbing activity of the extract of bupleurum marginatum
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.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Sheel Jonathan, Sangeetha Dehadrai, A.O. Prakash
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Reversible oestrous cycle disturbing activity of the extract of bupleurum marginatum
Year: 1994
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study investigates the effects of the ethanolic extract of Bupleurum marginatum on the oestrous cycle of adult female rats. Traditional medicine has often employed various medicinal plants for reproductive health, including birth control and the restoration of the uterus post-birth. Recent scientific approaches have aimed to explore the efficacy of these plants, with thousands screened for antifertility activities. The disturbance of the oestrous cycle serves as an indicator of reproductive disorders, and previous research has shown that certain plant extracts can disrupt this cycle, with Bupleurum marginatum noted for its significant anti-implantation and abortifacient effects.
Prolongation of Metaestrus Phase
One of the key findings of this research is the significant prolongation of the metaestrus phase in the oestrous cycle of treated rats. When administered the extract at a dose of 50 mg/kg per day over varying durations (10, 20, and 30 days), the treatment consistently resulted in an extended metaestrus phase, which suppressed the normal estrus and diestrus phases. Notably, the duration of the metaestrus phase remained similar regardless of the treatment length, suggesting that the disruptive effect on the oestrous cycle is independent of how long the extract is administered. This indicates a potential interaction between the extract's components and the endogenous estrogens in the rats, which could either mimic or counteract estrogenic activity, further complicating the hormonal mechanisms involved.
Conclusion
Overall, the research highlights the influence of Bupleurum marginatum on reproductive cyclicity in female rats, marking its potential as a disruptor of the oestrous cycle. While the treatment did not affect the body weight of the subjects, it did lead to observable irregularities in the reproductive cycle, which reverted to normal after treatment cessation. This suggests that though the extract possesses characteristics that disturb regular reproductive functioning, these effects are not permanent and depend on the duration of administration. Further studies into the hormonal properties of the extract are anticipated to elucidate its exact mechanisms of action and validate its traditional use in reproductive health.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the focus of the study on Buplerum marginatum?
The study investigated the effect of ethanolic extract from Buplerum marginatum on the oestrous cycle in adult female rats, specifically its impact on the duration of different phases of the cycle.
What results were observed after administering the extract to rats?
The extract caused a significant increase in the duration of the metaestrus phase. Treated rats experienced irregularity in their oestrous cycles, but returned to normal after discontinuation of treatment.
Did the extract affect the body weight of the rats?
No significant changes in body weight were observed during or after the treatment with Buplerum marginatum extract, indicating that the treatment primarily influenced the reproductive system without affecting overall body weight.
What potential mechanisms were suggested for the observed effects?
The extract may have anti-estrogenic properties or could stimulate the release of more estrogen. Further studies are needed to confirm the hormonal properties of the extract.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Reversible oestrous cycle disturbance by Bupleurum marginatum extract”. 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:
Activity refers to the measurable action or behavior of an organism or substance. In the context of the study, it specifically pertains to the effects of Bupleurum marginatum extract on the estrous cycle of rats, indicating how the extract interacts with physiological processes. Such activities are crucial in understanding efficacy and implications for reproductive health.
2) Discussion:
Discussion is a critical analytical phase where results are interpreted in light of existing knowledge. It allows researchers to address the significance of their findings, explore mechanisms, compare with other studies, and propose future research directions. In the paper, this section elaborates on how the estrous cycle is influenced by herbal extracts.
3) Science (Scientific):
Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and arranges knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe. This study is an example of biological science where hypotheses about the effects of an ethanolic extract are tested, contributing to the corpus of knowledge on medicinal plants.
4) Medicine:
Medicine is the field dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness through various interventions including pharmacology, surgery, and herbal remedies. The study emphasizes medicinal plants, highlighting the importance of understanding their effects for improving reproductive health, showcasing the interplay between traditional herbal use and modern scientific validation.
5) Zoology:
Zoology is the branch of biology focused on the study of animals and their physiological processes. This study falls under zoological research as it investigates the reproductive cycles in rats, contributing to a deeper understanding of reproductive endocrinology and the effects of botanical extracts on animal physiology.
6) Reason:
Reason refers to the logical basis for understanding phenomena or relationships between variables. In this research, the reason for studying the effect of Bupleurum marginatum on the estrous cycle lies in uncovering potential antifertility properties and understanding the underlying mechanisms, which could have therapeutic implications for reproductive health.
7) Water:
Water serves as a universal solvent and is essential for life, playing a crucial role in biochemical reactions. In this study, distilled water is used as a medium for preparing extracts of Bupleurum marginatum, emphasizing the importance of purity and quality in preparing herbal remedies for scientific investigation.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Reversible oestrous cycle disturbance by Bupleurum marginatum extract’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Body weight, Duration of treatment, Control animals, Hormonal properties, Reproductive disorder, Vaginal cytology.