Effects of Portulaca oleracea on gonadotrophins and testosterone.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Effect of fraction 4 of portulaca oleracea on plasma gonadotrophins and testosterone levels and their recoveries in male wistar rats
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Oyedeji Kazeem Olusina, Adegoke Olajire, Oladosu Adebayo
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Effect of fraction 4 of portulaca oleracea on plasma gonadotrophins and testosterone levels and their recoveries in male wistar rats
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study investigates the effects of fraction 4 of Portulaca oleracea on plasma gonadotrophins and testosterone levels in male Wistar rats. The plant, common in temperate and tropical regions, contains extracts that have previously been linked to reductions in testosterone levels in male rats. Given its usage in traditional medicine and known pharmacological effects—including analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties—this research aims to explore the hormonal impacts of fraction 4 following extensive treatment and recovery periods.
Hormonal Changes Induced by Fraction 4
The treatment of male rats with fraction 4 for 50 days resulted in significant hormonal changes. Specifically, dosages of 1 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg led to a significant decrease in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels relative to the control group. Conversely, these same dosages caused a significant increase in testosterone levels. Interestingly, the fraction had varying effects on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels; while some doses led to insignificant changes, reductions were noted after the withdrawal period. This highlights the complex interactions that fraction 4 has on male reproductive hormones and suggests that dosage plays a critical role in its effects.
Recovery and Long-term Effects
Following a 50-day recovery period after the initial treatment, hormonal levels were assessed again. Results indicated no significant changes in LH levels for most treatment groups except for the highest dose (3 mg/kg), suggesting a potential activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis feedback mechanisms. However, notable reductions in FSH were observed in lower treatment groups during recovery, implying that the withdrawal phase also includes a hormonal adjustment process, potentially influenced by factors such as inhibin secreted by Sertoli cells.
Mechanisms Behind Testosterone Levels
Surprisingly, despite the decrease in LH, which typically stimulates testosterone production, the administration of fraction 4 resulted in an unexpected increase in testosterone levels. This observation suggests a potential direct effect on the testes rather than a purely gonadotropic regulation. It is hypothesized that fraction 4 may have caused direct damage to testicular tissues, possibly impairing the feedback mechanisms that govern testosterone synthesis while simultaneously allowing for increased testosterone release. Additionally, following the recovery period, a significant increase in testosterone indicates that any damage induced by the fraction may have long-lasting implications.
Conclusion
The findings of this study suggest that chromatographic fraction 4 of Portulaca oleracea induces significant alterations in plasma gonadotrophins and testosterone levels in male Wistar rats, likely through the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. The abnormal increase in testosterone despite decreased LH levels raises concerns about potential testicular damage and irreversible effects on fertility. Thus, caution should be exercised regarding the consumption of Portulaca oleracea, as its effects could lead to lasting reproductive challenges if the hormonal changes introduced by fraction 4 are indicative of broader physiological impacts.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the purpose of the study on Portulaca oleracea?
The study investigates the effects of fraction 4 of Portulaca oleracea on plasma gonadotrophins and testosterone levels in male Wistar rats to determine potential hormonal changes and health implications.
What method was used to extract Portulaca oleracea?
The extraction involved cold extraction in methanol for 72 hours, followed by open column chromatography for fractionation, resulting in five distinct fractions for bioassay.
What were the findings regarding LH and FSH levels?
Fraction 4 significantly decreased LH levels and led to insignificant changes in FSH levels during treatment, but FSH showed significant reductions after the recovery period.
How did fraction 4 affect testosterone levels in the rats?
Surprisingly, fraction 4 caused significant increases in testosterone levels, despite reducing LH levels, potentially indicating damage to the testes affecting hormone regulation.
What were the dosage levels used in the experiment?
The male rats were treated with three dosage levels of fraction 4: 1 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg, and 3 mg/kg over a period of 50 days.
What are the potential implications of this study's findings?
The study suggests that fraction 4 of Portulaca oleracea may induce hormonal changes through the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, potentially leading to irreversible sterility in male rats.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Effects of Portulaca oleracea on gonadotrophins and testosterone.”. 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) Relative:
Relative in this context refers to the comparison of experimental results between different treatment groups, particularly in regard to hormonal levels in male Wistar rats treated with fraction 4 of Portulaca oleracea. Understanding these relationships helps elucidate the effects of the extract on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in male subjects.
2) Male (Mālē):
Male is significant in this study as the research focuses on male Wistar rats to evaluate the effects of Portulaca oleracea on plasma gonadotrophins and testosterone levels. Gender-specific studies are crucial in pharmacology to understand how treatments may differ between males and females, allowing for targeted therapeutic approaches.
3) Animal:
Animal refers to the use of male Wistar rats as experimental subjects in the study. Utilizing animal models is essential in preclinical research to mimic human physiology and test the effects of substances before any consideration of human trials, ensuring safety and efficacy of potential treatments.
4) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the general field of health science the study contributes to, including pharmacology and toxicology aspects revealed by the effects of Portulaca oleracea on hormonal levels. The findings can influence medicinal applications and the understanding of the herb's therapeutic or adverse effects in human health.
5) Science (Scientific):
Science represents the systematic approach of the study highlighting methods, observations, and analyses involved in determining the effects of Portulaca oleracea on male rat physiology. It underscores the empirical process of forming hypotheses, gathering data, and drawing evidence-based conclusions critical in advancing biological and medical knowledge.
6) Water:
Water serves as the solvent used in the control treatment group, which received distilled water daily. Such a baseline is crucial for comparing physiological changes against those induced by fraction 4, ensuring that observed effects are specifically attributed to the treatment rather than environmental hydration levels.
7) Blood:
Blood is vital for the study since plasma samples are collected to assay the levels of gonadotrophins and testosterone. The analysis of blood parameters provides insights into how the treatment affects systemic hormone levels, further elucidating the physiological implications of the herbal extract on male reproductive health.
8) Toxicity:
Toxicity is a key aspect evaluated in this study, assessing the safety of fraction 4 of Portulaca oleracea. Understanding toxicity is crucial for determining a substance’s therapeutic index, ensuring that any potential treatment is safe for use and does not adversely affect the physiological wellbeing of subjects.
9) Study (Studying):
Study refers to the comprehensive investigation conducted to explore the effects of fraction 4 of Portulaca oleracea on male rats, employing rigorous methodologies including hormonal assays. This study contributes new knowledge to the field of pharmacology and plant-based therapies, potentially impacting future research and clinical practices.
10) Cosmopolitan:
Cosmopolitan describes the geographical distribution of Portulaca oleracea, emphasizing its widespread presence across various climates. This relevance underlines the plant's accessibility for research and possible medicinal use worldwide, highlighting its significance in ethnomedicine and the potential for application in diverse cultural health systems.
11) Observation:
Observation pertains to the detailed monitoring of male rats during the study, crucial for assessing behavioral and physiological changes following treatment with fraction 4. Careful observation helps in accumulating data to analyze trends and effects, solidifying conclusions drawn about the impact of the plant extract.
12) Discussion:
Discussion is the section of the research where results are interpreted, contextualized, and related back to existing knowledge in the field. This critical analysis allows researchers to explore implications of their findings, suggest further research avenues, and address limitations, contributing to an evolving understanding in pharmacological sciences.
13) Activity:
Activity refers to specific physiological actions observed in response to the treatments administered. The term encompasses both behavioral changes and biological processes, emphasizing how fraction 4 of Portulaca oleracea alters hormonal activity within the subjects, which is key in evaluating the extract's effects on reproductive health.
14) Language:
Language represents the medium of communication and documentation within the scientific research community. Clear and precise language is essential for articulating methods, results, and interpretations, ensuring that findings are accessible and comprehensible to others in the field, thus facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration.
15) Family:
Family refers to the classification of Portulaca oleracea within the taxonomic hierarchy (Portulacaceae). Understanding the botanical family is significant in pharmacognosy, as it can provide insights into the potential medicinal properties shared among related plants based on their chemical compositions and biological activity.
16) House:
House relates to the controlled environment where the experimental animals were kept. Proper housing ensures that conditions are standardized for all subjects, mitigating variables that could influence the study's outcomes and ensuring the welfare of the animals during experimentation, which is paramount in ethical research.
17) Tank (Ṭaṅk, Taṅk):
Tank refers to the container used for developing thin-layer chromatography plates in the study. The tank provides a controlled environment for the solvent system, essential in isolating the different compounds present in Portulaca oleracea. This process is foundational in characterizing active constituents for subsequent bioassays.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Effects of Portulaca oleracea on gonadotrophins and testosterone.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Statistical analysis, Control group, Male Wistar rats, Acute toxicity test, Testosterone Level.