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.

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.

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.