Maternal postnatal early overfeeding induces sex-related cardiac dysfunction and alters sexually hormones levels in young offspring.

Postnatal early overfeeding (PO) is a risk factor for cardiometabolic disorders. However, remains unknown the cardiac effects in the second generation from postnatal overfed dams. Our aim was to investigate the effects of maternal PO on cardiac parameters in second generation (F2) offspring. For this, pregnant Wistar rats (F0) were divided into two groups: normal litter (NL, 9 pups) and small litter (SL, 3 pups). At P70, female offspring (F1) of both groups were mated with non-PO male rats. At P21 male and female F2 offspring (NLO and SLO) were weaned, and at P45 they were euthanized to evaluate the cardiac function and sample collection. Male and female SLO showed increased body weight, food intake and adiposity. Blood estradiol levels were increased in the male SLO and decreased in the female SLO. Blood testosterone levels increased in SLO females, but not change in SLO male rats. Although SLO offspring presented cardiac hypertrophy, only males had ex vivo functional impairments, such as reduction of the intraventricular systolic pressure and dP/dt. Male and female SLO had increased interstitial fibrosis; however, only the male SLO had increased perivascular fibrosis. In addition, only male rats from SLO group had decreased AKT and Type 2 Ang-2 receptor, increased catalase and type alpha estrogenic receptor protein levels. Maternal PO leads to obese phenotype and alters sex-steroid levels in both male and female offspring. Although both sexes showed cardiac hypertrophy, only male offspring showed cardiac dysfunction, which may be related with Ang2 and AKT signaling impairments.

Decreasing sperm quality in mice subjected to chronic cannabidiol exposure: New insights of cannabidiol-mediated male reproductive toxicity.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural cannabinoid present in the Cannabis sativa plant, widely prescribed as an anticonvulsant drug, especially for pediatric use. However, its effects on male reproduction are still little investigated. Therefore, the present study assessed the effects of CBD on the spermatogenesis and sperm quality. For this, twenty-one-day-old Swiss mice received CBD for 34 consecutive days by gavage at doses of either 15 or 30 mg/kg. Chronic exposure to CBD decreased the frequency of stages VII-VIII and XII of spermatogenesis and an increase in the frequency of stage IX were noted. Furthermore, the seminiferous epithelium height reduced at stage IX and increased at stage XII in both CBD-treated groups. There was a significant rise of sperm DNA damage, while no genotoxic effects were observed in leukocytes. The activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase decreased, while malondialdehyde levels increased in the sperm of mice treated with a higher dose of CBD. Mice exposed to 30 mg/kg of CBD showed a reduction in the mobile spermatozoa percentage and in curvilinear velocity, while straight line and average path velocity decreased in both treated groups. The number of acrosome-intact spermatozoa declined in the CBD 30 group, and the number of abnormal acrosomes raised in both CBD groups. On the other hand, the weight of reproductive organs, sperm count, and hormone levels were not affected by CBD treatment. These findings show that dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system by CBD can reduce sperm quality. The mechanisms responsible may be associated with disorders during spermatogenesis, especially during the final stages of nuclear remodelling and assembly of acrosome. However, changes in mitochondrial function, as well as the reduction on the antioxidant enzyme activities during epididymal transit, at least partly, may also be involved.

Can nanomaterials induce reproductive toxicity in male mammals? A historical and critical review.

The nanotechnology enabled the development of nanomaterials (NMs) with a variety of industrial, biomedical, and consumer applications. However, the mechanism of action (MoA) and toxicity of NMs remain unclear, especially in the male reproductive system. Thus, this study aimed to perform a bibliometric and systematic review of the literature on the toxic effects of different types of NMs on the male reproductive system and function in mammalian models. A series of 236 articles related to the in vitro and in vivo reproductive toxicity of NMs in mammalian models were analyzed. The data concerning the bioaccumulation, experimental conditions (types of NMs, species, cell lines, exposure period, and routes of exposure), and the MoA and toxicity of NMs were summarized and discussed. Results showed that this field of research began in 2005 and has experienced an exponential increase since 2012. Revised data confirmed that the NMs have the ability to cross the blood-testis barrier and bioaccumulate in several organs of the male reproductive system, such as testis, prostate, epididymis, and seminal vesicle. A similar MoA and toxicity were observed after in vitro and in vivo exposure to NMs. The NM reproductive toxicity was mainly related to ROS production, oxidative stress, DNA damage and apoptosis. In conclusion, the NM exposure induces bioaccumulation and toxic effects on male reproductive system of mammal models, confirming its potential risk to human and environmental health. The knowledge concerning the NM reproductive toxicity contributes to safety and sustainable use of nanotechnology.

Serious Game on a Smartphone for Adolescents Undergoing Hemodialysis: Development and Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents with chronic kidney disease have a hard time adhering to hemodialysis as a therapy, indicating a need to establish new alternatives for motivation and adherence to treatment. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a serious game to stimulate and motivate adolescents undergoing hemodialysis. METHODS: We describe the technological production followed by a qualitative analysis. We invited 8 adolescents undergoing hemodialysis in the city Goiânia, located in the midwest of Brazil, to participate. The final convenience sample included 7 (87.5% of the target population) adolescents. The process was conducted in 3 phases: creation of a serious game, evaluation of its use, and observation of its motivating effect on behavioral modification with a focus on acquiring the necessary competence for self-care. RESULTS: An app (Bim) in the modality of a serious game was developed to be used during hemodialysis; the player was encouraged to take care of a character with daily actions during his or her treatment. The game was made available to adolescents aged 10-14 years. Mobile devices were offered during the hemodialysis treatment for a period of 30-40 minutes, 3 times a week for 60 days. The usage definitions of the game were freely chosen by the participants. The qualitative evaluation of the use of the Bim app showed that it encompasses scenarios and activities that enable the exercise of daily actions for the treatment of patients. The behavioral evaluation showed that the Bim app worked as a motivating stimulus for behavioral adherence to hemodialysis requirements. CONCLUSIONS: The easy-to-access app interface showed good operability for its users. The description of the character and proposed activities contributed to motivation and ability to cope with hemodialysis care.

Silymarin administration during pregnancy and breastfeeding: evaluation of initial development and adult behavior of mice.

Silymarin is a phytotherapeutic agent derived from the species Silybum marianum (Asteraceae), commonly is known as milk thistle, and traditionally used as a hepatoprotective; however, recent studies have proposed its use in order to promote lactogenesis, but there are few reports of its effects on the development of offspring. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of silymarin treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding on the sensory-somatic-motor development and adult behavior of F1-generation Swiss mice. The pregnant females of the parental generation were distributed in four experimental groups and treated orally with doses of 100, 200 or 300 mg/kg of silymarin, with a control group receiving vehicle - vegetable oil (VEH), to obtain the F1-generation. At the end of lactation, the parental generation were submitted to euthanasia. Body mass evolution was determined in both generations. The sensory-motor development of the offspring (F1-generation) was evaluated, and one male pup from each litter was followed up for an analysis of adult behavior. In the F1 analysis, no differences between the groups were observed in initial development from the sensory-somatic-motor analysis performed during the 1st to 21st postnatal days. In the behavioral evaluation of adults from the F1 generation, all the groups from dams treated with silymarin in open field (OF) analysis showed a decrease in the time spent in the periphery and an increase in the time spent in the center, but the ambulation observed by the number of quadrant crossed showed no difference. In addition, during OF, the 100 and 200 mg/kg groups presented an increase in fecal bolus compared with the VEH group. There was a decrease in immobility time in the forced swimming test in the 300 mg/kg group compared to the VEH group. Regarding the memory and learning test, the groups did not differ in their recognition scores. The results of this study using an animal model indicate that treatment with silymarin during pregnancy and breastfeeding does not promote significant morpho-functional changes in the offspring in their initial development and adult behavior, indicating the safety of its use during gestation and lactation.

The effects of cannabidiol on male reproductive system: A literature review.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most abundant phytocannabinoids present in the plant Cannabis sativa (marijuana). There have been several studies of CBD in the last few decades, mainly focused on its neuroprotective properties, particularly after the identification of the endocannabinoid system and its participation in the central nervous system. On the other hand, the peripheral effects of CBD, particularly on reproductive physiology, were also evidenced. A narrative review was conducted using the PubMed database to identify studies that analyzed the pharmacological effects of CBD on the male reproductive system of vertebrates and invertebrates. Thirty-two citations (in vivo and in vitro) were identified. Among the vertebrates, the studies were carried out with men, monkeys, rats and mice. Studies with invertebrates are centered exclusively on the sea urchin. The CBD treatment periods include mostly acute and subacute evaluations. Exposure to CBD is associated with a reduction in mammalian testis size, the number of germ and Sertoli cells in spermatogenesis, fertilization rates, and plasma concentrations of hypothalamic, pituitary and gonadal hormones. Moreover, chronic doses of CBD have impaired sexual behavior in mice. From the studies identified in this review, it is possible to conclude that CBD has negative effects on the reproductive system of males. However, knowledge is still limited, and additional research is required to elucidate fully the mechanisms of action, as well as the reversibility of CBD effects on the reproductive system.

Stimulation of the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis in hypertensive pregnant rats attenuates cardiovascular dysfunction in adult male offspring.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether treatment with diminazene aceturate (DIZE), a putative ACE2 activator, or with angiotensin-(1-7) during pregnancy could attenuate the development of cardiovascular dysfunction in the adult offspring of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). For this, pregnant SHRs received DIZE or Ang-(1-7) throughout gestation. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured in the male offspring from the 6th to16th weeks of age by tail-cuff plethysmography. Thereafter, the left ventricular contractile function and coronary reactivity were evaluated by the Langendorff technique. Samples of the left ventricles (LVs) and kidneys were collected for histology and western blot assay in another batch of adult rat offspring. Maternal treatment with DIZE or Ang-(1-7) during pregnancy attenuated the increase in SBP in adult offspring. In addition, both DIZE and Ang-(1-7) treatments reduced the cardiomyocyte diameter and fibrosis deposition in the LV, and treatment with Ang-(1-7) also reduced the fibrosis deposition in the kidneys. Maternal treatment with DIZE, as well as Ang-(1-7), improved the coronary vasodilation induced by bradykinin in isolated hearts from adult offspring. However, no difference was observed in the contractile function of the LVs of these animals. The expression levels of AT1 and Mas receptors, ACE, ACE2, SOD, and catalase in the LV were not modified by maternal treatment with Ang-(1-7), but this treatment elicited a reduction in AT2 expression. These data show that treatment with DIZE or Ang-(1-7) during gestation promoted beneficial effects of attenuating hypertension and cardiac remodeling in adult offspring.

Effects of subchronic exposure to Caryocar brasiliense peel ethanolic extract on male reproductive functions in Swiss mice.

This study evaluated the effects of subchronic exposure to Caryocar brasiliense peel ethanolic extract (CBPE) on reproductive function in male Swiss mice. CBPE was administered orally for 28 days at doses of 75, 150 and 300 mg.kg-1 bw; control group received saline. Fertility test was performed after 14 days of treatment and animals were euthanized after the end of the 28-day period for evaluation of the reproductive parameters. The tested doses produced no significant changes in plasma testosterone levels, daily sperm production, sperm concentration, sperm morphology or fertility rate. However, sperm transit time was reduced in the caput/corpus epididymis, the post-implantation loss rate increased and there were significant changes in spermatogenic dynamics at the highest dose. These results indicated that subchronic exposure to CBPE has low reproductive toxicity, but additional studies are recommended to provide evidence of long-term safety at high concentrations.

Chronic cannabidiol exposure promotes functional impairment in sexual behavior and fertility of male mice.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a potent substance extracted from Cannabis sativa. As it has been suggested that marijuana can affect the reproductive system, we decided to assess the effects of chronic CBD exposure on the male reproductive system in an animal model. 21-day old male Swiss mice received CBD for 34 consecutive days at doses (p.o.) of either 15 or 30 mg/kg, and a control group received sunflower oil. Body weight gain and circulating progesterone concentration did not significantly change in CBD-treated animals. In the sexual behavior analysis, the CBD 15 group presented a delay in performing the first mount and intromission, and a reduced number of mounts and ejaculations. The CBD 30 group showed a 30% reduction in fertility rate and a 23% reduction in the number of litters. Our results indicate that chronic CBD exposure promotes functional impairment of the reproductive system of male Swiss mice.

Chronic exposure to cannabidiol induces reproductive toxicity in male Swiss mice.

Children and adults with frequent and severe episodes of epilepsy that do not respond to standard treatments (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin and valproate) have long been prescribed cannabidiol (CBD) as an anticonvulsant drug. However, the safety of its chronic use in relation to reproduction has not been fully examined. This study aimed to assess the effects of chronic CBD exposure on the male reproductive system. CBD was orally administered to 21-day-old male Swiss mice at doses of 15 and 30 mg kg-1 daily (CBD 15 and 30 groups, respectively), with a control group receiving sunflower oil, for 34 consecutive days. After a 35 day recovery period, the following parameters were evaluated: weight of reproductive organs, testosterone concentration, spermatogenesis, histomorphometry, daily sperm production and its morphology. The CBD 30 group had a 76% decrease in total circulating testosterone, but it remained within the physiological normal range (240-1100 ng dl-1 ). CBD treatment induced a significant increase in the frequency of stages I-IV and V-VI of spermatogenesis, and a decrease in the frequency of stages VII-VIII and XII. A significant decrease in the number of Sertoli cells was observed only in the CBD 30 group. In both CBD groups the number of spermatozoa in the epididymis tail was reduced by 38%, sperm had head abnormalities, and cytoplasmic droplets were observed in the medial region of flagellum. These results indicated that chronic CBD exposure was associated with changes in the male reproductive system, suggesting its reproductive toxicity.

Mas receptor contributes to pregnancy-induced cardiac remodelling.

Previous studies have demonstrated a protective effect of the Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis on pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Also, the involvement of Mas receptor in exercise-induced cardiac hypertrophy has been suggested. However, the role of the Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor on pregnancy-induced cardiac remodelling remains unknown. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the participation of the Mas receptor in the development of the cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis induced by gestation. Female Wistar rats were divided in three groups: control, pregnant and pregnant treated with Mas receptor antagonist A-779. Wild-type (WT) and Mas-knockout (KO) mice were distributed in non-pregnant and pregnant groups. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured by tail-cuff plethysmography. The medial part of the left ventricle (LV) was collected for histological analysis. Echocardiographic analysis was used to evaluate cardiac function. SBP was not changed by pregnancy or A-779 treatment in the Wistar rats. Pharmacological blockade or genetic deletion of Mas receptor attenuates the pregnancy-induced myocyte hypertrophy. The treatment with A-779 or genetic deletion of the Mas receptor increased the collagen III deposition in LV from pregnant animals without changing fibroblast proliferation. KO mice presented a lower ejection fraction (EF), fractional shortening (FS) and stroke volume (SV) and higher end systolic volume (ESV) compared with WT. Interestingly, pregnancy restored these parameters. In conclusion, these data show that although Mas receptor blockade or deletion decreases physiological hypertrophy of pregnancy, it is associated with more extracellular matrix deposition. These alterations are associated with improvement of cardiac function through a Mas-independent mechanism.

Aplicativos como estratégia de ensino na doença renal crônica infantil: uma revisão da literatura / APPS as strategy of teaching for child with chronic kidney disease: a review of literature

OBJETIVOS: realizar um levantamento sobre o desenvolvimento de aplicativos voltados para o paciente renal crônico infantil no Brasil e propiciar uma reflexão sobre sua contribuição no âmbito do autocuidado. MÉTODO: Utilizou se revisão da literatura, com consulta às bases de dados LILACS, MEDLINE e SCIELO entre janeiro e abril de 2016.Foram identificados 73 artigos e selecionados 14 para o estudo. RESULTADOS: Não foram encontradas publicações abordando dispositivos voltados para pacientes renais, porém os estudos escolhidos discutem o potencial dos aplicativos para promoção da saúde através do repasse de informações, melhoria na comunicação, estímulo à autonomia e inclusão social. CONCLUSÃO: A utilização dessa tecnologia na saúde surge como estratégia de ensino-aprendizado, sendo factível como ferramenta para a criança portadora de doença renal. Dessa forma, propõe-se validar o BIM, aplicativo com vistas à educação para percepção de saúde, autocuidado e melhoria na qualidade de vida dessa população.

OBJECTIVES: to conduct a survey on the development of applications facing child chronic renal patients in Brazil and provide a reflection on their contribution in the self-care. METHOD: We used literature review, in consultation with the databases LILACS, MEDLINE and SCIELO between January and April 2016. We identified 73 articles and 14 selected for the study. RESULTS: Publications addressing facing devices for renal patients were not found, but studies chosen discuss the potential of health promotion for applications through the transfer of information, improved communication, stimulating autonomy and social inclusion. CONCLUSION: The use of this technology in health emerges as a teaching and learning strategy is feasible as a tool for child with kidney disease. Thus, it is It proposes to validate BIM app with a view to education for perceived health, self-care and improve the quality of life of this population.

Impairment of male reproductive function after sleep deprivation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of sleep loss on sexual behavior, hormone levels, sperm parameters, and testis-specific gene expression in male rats. DESIGN: Experimental research. SETTING: Animal laboratory. ANIMAL(S): Male adult Wistar-Hannover rats. INTERVENTION(S): Sexually experienced rats were subjected to paradoxic sleep deprivation (PSD) for 96 hours or sleep restriction (SR) for 21 days or kept in their home cage as control (CTRL). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Sexual behavior, hormone levels, sperm parameters and expression of stress and nitric oxide-related genes were evaluated. RESULT(S): PSD significantly decreased sexual behavior compared with the CTRL group, whereas SR had no effect. The PSD group had significantly lower testosterone levels than the CTRL group. Both PSD and SR groups had lower sperm viabilities than the CTRL group. The decrease in the number of live sperm compared with the CTRL group was larger in the PSD group than in the SR group. Regarding testicular gene expression, both PSD and SR led to an increase of iNOS and hydroxysteroid 11ß-dehydrogenase 1 expressions compared with the CTRL group. These changes were more pronounced in the PSD group. A significant increase in endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression was observed in the PSD groups compared with the CTRL group. No changes were observed in dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 and casein kinase 2ß-polypeptide expressions. CONCLUSION(S): Sleep loss can promote marked changes in the male reproductive system of rats, particularly affecting spermatic function in part by interfering in the testicular nitric oxide pathway.

Effects of sleep deprivation during pregnancy on the reproductive capability of the offspring.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of sleep deprivation during pregnancy on the reproductive capability of the offspring. DESIGN: Using a sleep loss model or control home-cage group (male and females rats) to evaluate sexual behavior and hormonal profile in males and females F1 offspring. SETTING: Laboratory. ANIMALS(S): First experiment: Pregnant females were exposed to sleep restriction (SR) protocol and the F1 generation was evaluated. Second experiment: male rats were submitted to SR or paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD) protocol and the F1 generation was evaluated. INTERVENTION(S): Male and female rats were subjected to sleep restriction (SR) for 21 days or paradoxal sleep-deprived (PSD) for 96 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Sexual behavior and hormonal levels during the adult phase were analyzed in F1 offspring of female and male rats submitted to sleep loss. RESULT(S): F1 male offspring of SR females had lower motivation for sex and reduced progesterone concentrations. In contrast, F1 female offspring displayed significantly enhanced proceptivity compared with control offspring. F1 female offspring also demonstrated hypersexuality by mounting the males in the absence of any significant hormonal alterations. F1 male offspring of SR or paradoxically sleep-deprived (PSD) males presented a decline in the sexual response, accompanied by a reduction in testosterone concentrations. Proceptivity was significantly increased among F1 female offspring of PSD and SR males compared with control offspring. CONCLUSION(S): SR in progenitors may alter sexual behavior of the F1 offspring in adulthood. These findings reveal far-reaching consequences of sleep deprivation, and suggest that parental sleep influences the reproductive capability of subsequent generations.

Inhibition of self-grooming induced by sleep restriction in dam rats.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Sleep restriction is a common feature of modern lifestyle and its effects can be extended to pregnancy. Several neurobehavioural consequences of sleep restriction during pregnancy have been reported, among which stand out perinatal depression and maternal fatigue, however, its effects over mother-infant relationship warrant further investigation. Thus, this study was aimed to evaluate the effects of sleep restriction during pregnancy over maternal behaviour and maternal aggression through animal models. METHODS: Eighteen 90-day-old female Wistar rats were distributed in two groups: (i) Control - not submitted to any manipulation during pregnancy, and (ii) Sleep restriction - submitted to sleep restriction during the entire pregnancy (21 days) through the multiple platforms technique. In the postpartum day 5, resident-intruder paradigm and the latencies test were performed to assess both maternal behaviour and maternal aggression. RESULTS: The sleep-restricted females displayed grooming in less frequency and duration, and with higher latency when compared to normal animals, while maternal aggression and maternal behaviour parameters remained equivalent between groups. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Considering the maintenance of maternal behavioural parameters, the inhibition of grooming seems to exert an adaptive mechanism, enabling sleep-restricted rats to display maternal behaviour properly.

The association of testosterone, sleep, and sexual function in men and women.

Testosterone has been the focus of several investigations and review studies in males, but few have addressed its effects on sleep and sexual function, despite evidence of its androgenic effects on circadian activity in both sexes. Studies have been conducted to understand how sleeping increases (and how waking decreases) testosterone levels and how this rhythm can be related to sexual function. This review addresses the inter-relationships among testosterone, sexual function and sleep, including sleep-disordered breathing in both sexes, specifically its effects related to sleep deprivation. In addition, hormonal changes in testosterone that occur in the gonadal and adrenal axis with obstructive sleep apnea and other conditions of chronic sleep deprivation, and which consequently affect sexual life, have also been explored. Nevertheless, hormone-associated sleep disruptions occur across a lifetime, particularly in women. The association between endogenous testosterone and sex, sleep and sleep disturbances is discussed, including the results of clinical trials as well as animal model studies. Evidence of possible pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this relationship is also described. Unraveling the associations of sex steroid hormone concentrations with sleep and sexual function may have clinical implications, as sleep loss reduces testosterone levels in males, and low sex steroid hormone concentrations have been associated with sexual dysfunction.

Association of methamidophos and sleep loss on reproductive toxicity of male mice.

This study investigated the effects of organophosphate exposure on the male reproductive system of mice submitted to chronic sleep loss condition. Adult Swiss mice were distributed into 4 groups: control; methamidophos (MTP); sleep restriction (SR); and MTP+SR. The dose of methamidophos was 0.002 mgkg(-1)day(-1) (half of the Acceptable Daily Intake). Sleep restriction condition was 21 h day(-1) during 15 days. In relation to control group, MTP treatment induced a significant reduction of 12% on morphologically normal spermatozoa in both MTP and MTP+SR groups. In addition, the absolute and relative weights of the seminal vesicles were decreased (MTP, -34%; MTP+SR, -45%). Epididymal fat was reduced in SR groups (SR, -64%; MTP+SR, -58%). Plasma testosterone levels were significantly decreased in MTP and SR groups, and progesterone levels were increased 8 times in MTP+SR in comparison with the control group. The corticosterone levels were unaffected by MTP or SR conditions. Thus, low dose MTP exposure resulted in deleterious effects on the male reproductive system. Sleep loss associated with MTP potentiated the effect on steroidogenesis, mainly in terms of progesterone levels.

Medicinal plants as alternative treatments for female sexual dysfunction: utopian vision or possible treatment in climacteric women?

INTRODUCTION: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a complex and multifactorial condition. An increased incidence of FSD is especially associated with the decline of estrogen. Thus, menopause is a critical phase for FSD complaints. In this context, medicinal plants may be a therapeutic option. AIM: To identify and describe the popular and clinical uses of medicinal plants for FSD treatment in climacteric women. We highlighted the majority of the plants commonly involved with the female reproductive system including: Angelica sinensis, Cimicifuga racemosa, Ferula hermonis, Ginkgo biloba, Humulus lupulus, Lepidium meyenii, Tribulus terrestris, Trifolium pratense, and Vitex agnus-castus. METHODS: This study is a narrative review of studies of plants that are possible alternative treatments for FSD. The species described have clinical and popular uses in different cultures as well as medical indications for female reproductive disturbances, mainly in climacteric women. We have also analyzed the evidence level of clinical studies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome assessed is the efficacy of plants in improving the symptoms of FSD. RESULTS: There is little evidence from the literature to recommend the use of medicinal plants when treating FSD. The majority of studies with a strong level of evidence are associated with the treatment of the vasomotor symptoms of menopause. Ferula hermonis, Angelica sinensis, and Gingko biloba may be suggested for arousal disorder studies. Cimicifuga racemosa, Trifolium pratense, and Vitex agnus-castus may be recommended for several FSD. Humulus lupulus and Tribulus terrestris may help with desire disorder studies. Lepidium meyenii should be studied further. CONCLUSIONS: Studies of these plants indicate that they may be useful as a possible alternative and/or complementary approach for studies aimed at the treatment of FSD. At this time, however, this review cannot recommend a plant that has a strong enough level of evidence for treatment of FSD. Thus, there is a need for clinical (double-blinded and randomized) studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of several plants that can exert a positive effect on the management of FSD.