Calotropin – a novel compound for fertility control
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Calotropin – a novel compound for fertility control
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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R. S. Gupta, Nutan Sharma, V.P. Dixit
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Calotropin – a novel compound for fertility control
Year: 1990
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Calotropin, a compound isolated from the roots of the plant Calotropis procera, has been investigated for its effects on fertility control in both male and female mammals. Previous studies have indicated that various parts of the Calotropis plant affect physiological processes in animals. The current study focuses on the quantitative analysis of germ cells and Leydig cells in the testes of male gerbils and rabbits subjected to calotropin treatment, as well as its abortifacient effects in female rats. The findings provide insight into the compound's potential as a fertility control agent.
Impact on Spermatogenesis
One of the most significant findings of the study is the inhibition of spermatogenesis following calotropin administration. In male gerbils and rabbits, calotropin (25 mg/kg body weight) led to a marked depletion of spermatid populations by 65% and 94%, respectively. The study reported further reductions in primary and secondary spermatocyte counts and a decrease in mature Leydig cell populations by 51.2% in gerbils and 33.9% in rabbits. Concurrent biochemical analyses revealed diminished levels of testicular proteins, sialic acid, and glycogen, indicating reduced androgen production and compromised fertility. These effects underscore calotropin's potential as an effective compound for controlling male fertility.
Conclusion
The research demonstrates that calotropin is a promising agent for both male fertility suppression and female abortifacient activity. In male subjects, the compound's ability to inhibit spermatogenesis and disrupt androgen production highlights its potential for use in fertility control strategies. Additionally, calotropin's significant impact on pregnancy outcomes in female rats suggests that it may serve as an effective interceptive agent following implantation. Overall, the study contributes important knowledge regarding the reproductive effects of calotropin, advocating for further exploration of its applications in fertility management.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Calotropin and its source?
Calotropin is a compound isolated from the roots of Calotropis procera, a perennial shrub known for its medicinal properties. It has shown efficacy in inhibiting spermatogenesis and inducing abortion during pregnancy.
How does Calotropin affect male fertility?
Calotropin significantly reduces the production of spermatids and Leydig cells in treated male gerbils and rabbits, leading to diminished sperm production and testosterone levels, effectively inhibiting spermatogenesis.
What effects does Calotropin have on pregnant females?
Administering Calotropin during pregnancy resulted in the complete resorption of developing embryos, indicating its abortifacient properties by interrupting hormonal processes required for maintaining pregnancy.
What biochemical changes occur after Calotropin treatment?
Calotropin treatment leads to decreased levels of proteins, sialic acid, and glycogen in the testes while significantly increasing cholesterol levels, reflecting alterations in androgen production and metabolism.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Calotropin – a novel compound for fertility control”. 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 in this context refers to the biological effects and physiological changes induced by calotropin treatment in male gerbils and rabbits. It reveals the compound's potential in fertility control by inhibiting spermatogenesis and causing embryonic resorption in pregnant females, showcasing its potency as an abortifacient agent.
2) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformed indicates the process of converting the raw data collected from tissue examinations into nuclear points using Abercrombie’s formula. This transformation is essential for evaluating cell population dynamics accurately, thereby allowing researchers to quantify the impact of calotropin on various cell types in the testes of treated animals.
3) Discussion:
Discussion is a critical segment where the researchers interpret results, linking calotropin's effects on spermatogenesis and its biochemical impacts to existing literature. This section analyzes the significance of findings, elucidating potential mechanisms underlying fertility control and laying the groundwork for further research into calotropin's applications.
4) Medicine:
Medicine, particularly traditional and indigenous practices, is essential for understanding the origins of calotropin's therapeutic use. The study builds on the historical knowledge of Calotropis procera in treating various ailments, exploring calotropin's novel role in fertility control and its abortifacient properties in modern biomedical research.
5) Zoology:
Zoology is the branch of biology that the researchers belong to and provides the framework for the study, which examines animal physiology and reproduction. The analysis of germ cells, Leydig cells, and hormonal interactions in gerbils and rabbits situates this research within the context of reproductive zoology.
6) Science (Scientific):
Science encompasses the systematic study and understanding of natural phenomena, including the investigation of calotropin's effects on reproduction. This research exemplifies the scientific method through hypothesis testing, data collection, and analysis, aiming to expand knowledge in reproductive biology and potential medicinal applications.
7) Asman (Ashman, Aśman):
Ashman refers to a researcher cited in the study contributing to the understanding of androgen influence on protein synthesis. His work underpins the biochemical analysis in the paper, linking androgen levels to transcriptional and metabolic events within the testes, crucial for interpreting calotropin's effects on fertility.
8) Sharman (Śarma, Sarmā, Sarma, Sharma, Śarman):
Sharma is one of the co-authors of the study, contributing to the research methodology and data analysis phases. As an integral part of the research team, Sharma’s expertise and insights likely influenced the experimental design and the contextual discussion surrounding calotropin's effects on reproductive physiology.
9) Gupta (Guptā):
Gupta is the lead author of the study, providing foundational direction and insight into the research objectives. His exploration of calotropin's roles as a fertility control agent showcases his contribution to advancing knowledge in reproductive health and pharmacological applications derived from indigenous medicinal sources.
10) Water:
Water signifies a basic necessity for maintaining the health and viability of gerbils and rabbits used in experiments. Its provision in ad libitum conditions ensures optimal physiological states, thereby minimizing confounding variables in the study, thus enhancing the reliability of the research findings on calotropin.
11) Blood:
Blood is a vital component in assessing physiological parameters in the study. It serves as a medium for transporting hormones and nutrients, influencing reproductive functions. While not analyzed directly, blood parameters are implicitly linked to the hormonal changes observed due to calotropin administration, impacting fertility outcomes.