Emerging Role of Eruca sativa Mill. in Male Reproductive Health.

A growing interest has been drawn to the use of traditional medicinal plants for the treatment of human diseases and, in particular, infertility and reproductive toxicity associated with environmental factors. The Mediterranean basin area is a recognized source of plant species with therapeutic interest. In this frame, Eruca sativa (ES) is an annual edible plant and a member of the Brassicaceae family. A relatively large number of studies, focusing on the biological effects of the extract from the leaves of ES on in vitro and in vivo models of disease, have been published in recent years. The present narrative review aims to analyze the phytochemical constituents, traditional uses, possible pharmacological activities, and recognized effects of ES on male reproductive outcomes. Available investigations have revealed the presence of a number of compounds with antioxidant properties, such as polyphenols, glucosinolates, flavonoids, and carotenoids in extracts from ES. Based on the chemical and pharmacological characteristics of the aforementioned compounds, we show that ES has possible preventive properties and therapeutic uses, especially in the functional derangements of the male reproductive system.

Salvia officinalis flowers extract ameliorates liver and kidney injuries induced by simultaneous intoxication with ethanol/castor oil.

The current study investigated the possible mechanisms of aqueous extract Salvia officinalis flowers (SF-AE) and its protective effects against hepatorenal toxicities produced by simultaneous acute administration of ethanol (EtOH)/castor oil (CO). Healthy male rats (N = 50) were separated into five equal groups: control, Ethanol (EtOH) + Castor oil (CO), doses of increasing orders of SF-AE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) during 15 days. Liver and kidney injuries were induced by EtOH (4 g/kg, b.w., p.o.) combined with CO (5 mL/kg, b.w., p.o.). Compared to the control group, SF-AE pretreatment protected against simultaneous administration of EtOH and CO-caused serious histological alterations in liver and kidney tissues. SF-AE also reversed liver and kidney biochemical parameters and lipid profile alterations. More importantly, SF-AE significantly reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and counteracted the depletion of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. SF-AE also prevents against inflammation induced by EtOH combined with CO, expressed by the rise of inflammation biomarkers (C-reactive protein: CRP and alkaline phosphatase: ALP). Additionally, combined EtOH intoxication and CO poisoning exerted an increase in H2 O2 , free iron and calcium levels. Impressively, SF-AE treatment regulated levels of these studied intracellular mediators in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, SF-AE can potentially improve liver and kidney injuries associated with biochemical parameter deregulations, possibly by controlling oxidative stress and inflammation.

Anti-Obesity Actions of Two Separated Aqueous Extracts From Arbutus (Arbutus unedo) and Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) Fruits Against High-Fat Diet in Rats via Potent Antioxidant Target.

Arbutus unedo and Crataegus monogyna are widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean basin and commonly used in folk medicine against a wide range of diseases. Therefore, the present study has been designed to evaluate the anti-obesity potential of two aqueous extracts of the fruits of A. unedo (AUAE) and C. monogyna (CMAE). Male Wistar rats were supplied with a standard diet (SD), high-fat diet (HFD), HFD with the two separated extracts at the same dose (300 mg/kg, BW, p. o.), or HFD with atorvastatin-(ATOR) (2.1 mg/kg, BW, p. o.) for 12 weeks. Lipid profile and the liver and kidney linked-markers were assessed. Besides, obesity-related disorders' biomarkers were measured. AUAE, CMAE, and ATOR were observed to reduce significantly total body and organ weights following HFD-induced obese rat models. Likewise, epididymal and abdominal adipose tissue weights were noticeably decreased in HFD rats treated with both extracts and ATOR. Added to that, biochemical and metabolic changes were normalized by significant attenuation of lipid peroxidation accompanied with an increase of thiol-group concentrations and antioxidant status. More importantly, a modulation in trace element levels was revealed when compared with HFD group. Altogether, current study concluded that AUAE and CMAE could be potential candidates for the prevention and treatment of obesity and related disturbs induced by HFD.

Hepato-Nephroprotective Actions of Salvia officinalis Decoction Extract Against Extraintestinal Alterations Induced with Acetic Acid-Colitis Model in Rats.

Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with multiple extraintestinal disorders, including hepato-nephrological disruptions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepato-nephroprotective effect of Salvia officinalis leaf decoction extract (SLDE) on acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis accompanied with liver and kidney injuries. Wistar albinos rats were pretreated with SLDE (50, 100, and 200 mg kg-1, b.w., p.o.) during 10 days and intoxicated for 24 h by acute rectal administration of AA (3%, v/v, 5 mL kg-1, b.w.). Our results showed that S. officinalis treatment protected against AA-induced liver and kidney injuries by plasma transaminase activities and preservation of the hepatic and renal tissue structures. The level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol was also reverted back to near normalcy by treatment. Lipid peroxidation was decreased significantly by officinal sage supplementation. Treatment with SLDE increased enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) and nonenzymatic (-SH groups and reduced glutathione) antioxidants in liver and kidney tissues. Also, SLDE treatment significantly protected against inflammation markers and reversed all intracellular mediator perturbations. This study suggests that the S. officinalis has a beneficial effect in controlling kidney and liver injuries by reducing lipid peroxidation and increasing antioxidant enzyme activities and nonenzymatic contents, which reduce the risk of developing extraintestinal complications.

Gastroprotective and Antioxidant Properties of Trigonella foenum graecum Seeds Aqueous Extract (Fenugreek) and Omeprazole Against Ethanol-Induced Peptic Ulcer.

Trigonella foenum graecum (Fenugreek) is used in traditional phytomedicine for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antidiabetic, and several other therapeutic virtues. The current study was intended to investigate the protecting effects of fenugreek seeds' aqueous extract (FSAE) using experimentally ethanol (EtOH)-induced gastric peptic ulcer in rats, as immense alcohol consumption can lead to gastric ulcer. Sixty adult male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups of 10 each: control, EtOH (4 g/kg body weight [b.w.]), EtOH + several doses of FSAE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg b.w.), and EtOH + Omeprazole (OM, 20 mg/kg orally [p.o.]). Animals were p.o. pretreated with FSAE for 21 days and exposed to a single oral administration of EtOH (4 g/kg b.w.) for 2 h. Gastric ulcer in rats was induced with a single dose of EtOH. Ulcer index, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and thiol groups (-SH) content in stomach, and antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured. Our recorded results showed that EtOH induced gastric damage, evidenced by the level of oxidative stress markers such as MDA and H2O2 in rats exposed to EtOH. However, significant increases in the activities of antioxidant enzymes were recorded, such as SOD, CAT, and GPx, and a decrease in nonenzymatic antioxidants, such as (-SH). Moreover, histopathological examinations showed the presence of lesions associated with severe tissue damage in the untreated rats. Interestingly, FSAE meaningfully protects against all gastric damages caused by EtOH. We propose that FSAE exhibits protective effects in EtOH-induced peptic ulcer in rats. This protection might be related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as its opposite effects on some studied intracellular mediators.

Prophylactic Protective Action of Aqueous Extract of Green Oak Acorns on Ethanol-Induced Acute Injury to Rat Gastroduodenal Mucosa.

Quercus ilex fruit is widely used in the treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders, including diarrhea, for its bioactive compounds and astringent property. The current study focuses on the phytochemical characterization of the Q. ilex-aqueous extract (QIAE) and its protective effect against gastroduodenal (GD) ulcer (GDU) produced by absolute ethanol (EtOH) intoxication in adult male Wistar rats. Experimental rats were divided into six groups (n = 6): control, EtOH [95%, 4 g/kg body weight (b.w.)], EtOH + different doses of QIAE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, b.w.), and EtOH + Famotidine (FAM, 10 mg/kg, b.w.). Animals were orally pretreated (p.o.) with QIAE for 15 days and intoxicated with a single oral administration of EtOH for 2 h. The findings showed that the QIAE is rich in phenolic-astringent compounds and fibers, and it exhibited a significant scavenging activity on DPPH/ABTS free-radicals with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 177.00 ± 5.11 and 203.9 ± 2.23 µg/mL, respectively. In vivo part, QIAE significantly reduced the GD mucosal injury revealed by edema and leukocyte infiltration of the submucosal layer. GD mucosal homogenates revealed a remarkable increase in endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) and a decrease in the lipid peroxidation levels (malondialdehyde) in animals pretreated with QIAE compared with the ulcer control group. QIAE exerted significant and dose-dependent anti-GDU protection in the rat model with a more effective action than FAM. The GD protective effect of the QIAE might be related to a direct radical scavenging activity, increased antioxidant enzymes, and depression of lipid peroxidation.

Chamomile decoction mitigates high fat diet-induced anxiety-like behavior, neuroinflammation and cerebral ROS overload.

An abundant literature suggests that obesity-associated with taking a high fat diet is related to an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. However, metabolic disorders may be involved in the induction of the anxiogenic-like symptoms. The current study was designed to elucidate the mechanisms by which a high fat diet (HFD) can cause several complications in the WISTAR rats (Rattus norvegicus) brain. Oxidative stress and inflammation as well as the putative protection afforded by chamomile decoction extract (CDE) were also studied.The results demonstrated that the increased body and brain weight, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities as well as hypercholezterolaemia in response to HFD taking were correlated with anxiogenic-like symptoms. Moreover, HFD feed caused a brain oxidative stress characterized by increased lipoperoxidation, inhibition of antioxidant enzyme activities such as SOD, CAT and GPx, depletion of a non-enzymatic antioxidant such as sulfhydryl groups and GSH. Importantly, the results also show that HFD also provoked a cerebral overload in reactive oxygen species such as OH•, H2O2 and O2∙- as well as brain inflammation assessed by the overproduction of cytokines such as IL-1ß and IL-6.Interestingly, all neurobehavioral changes and all the biochemical and molecular disturbances were abolished in HFD-fed rats treated with CDE.Our results provide clear evidence that obesity and depression as well as anxiety are finely correlated and that M. recutita's decoction may prove to be a potential therapeutic agent to mitigate the behavioral disorders, the biochemical alterations and the neuroinflammation associated to the obesity.

Antidiarrheal, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Properties of the Aqueous Extract of Tunisian Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) Fruits.

Medicinal plants were used to prevent and treat numerous gastrointestinal disorders owing, in part, to their antioxidant capacity. The protective effects of Diospyros kaki fruit aqueous extract (DKFAE) against castor oil (CO)-induced diarrhea was studied. The in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial properties were investigated using colorimetric and biochemical analyses. In vivo, 60 male rats were divided into 6 groups of 10 animals each (n = 10): control (C), CO, CO+various doses of DKFAE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.), and CO+loperamide (LOP, 10 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.).The DKFAE was rich in tannins and showed interesting antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) analysis resulted in the identification of 16 phenolic compounds, among which quinic acid was the main one. The in vivo study showed that diarrhea was accompanied by an oxidative stress status as measured by an increase of lipid peroxidation, a decrease of glutathione and thiol group levels, as well as antioxidant enzyme activity depletion, such as glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. The DKFAE administration significantly decreased the gastrointestinal transit in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, DKFAE protected against CO-induced diarrhea and intestinal fluid accumulation. Interestingly, DKFAE pretreatment counteracted all the oxidative stress status deregulation induced by CO intoxication. D. kaki fruit could be suggested for its strong protective effect against CO-induced acute diarrhea, which could be explained, in part, to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

Dietary Supplementation of Carob and Whey Modulates Gut Morphology, Hemato-Biochemical Indices, and Antioxidant Biomarkers in Rabbits.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the carob powder (CP) and sweet whey powder (WhP) inclusion into weaning feed on the gut morphology, hemato-biochemical parameters, and antioxidant biomarkers. The addition of 10 g/kg (basal diet +10 g/kg of CP, of WhP) or the mixture (5 g/kg of CP and 5 g/kg of WhP) in the rabbit's standard diet was assessed. A total of 40 weaned New Zealand White rabbits (4 weeks old) was distributed according to body weight (BW) into four treatments (n = 10) and the feed additives were provided for 7 weeks. Tissue samples and blood were obtained after slaughter. Final BW, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, intestinal morphology, and carcass dressing were positively affected by CP-WhP treatments compared with the control diet. Also, CP-WhP treatments significantly increased total proteins, calcium and iron levels, fecal cholesterol excretion, total antioxidants capacity, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in different tissues and significantly decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose in blood serum. These changes were associated with a diminution of blood tumor necrosis factor alpha, lipid peroxidation, and carbonyl proteins in rabbit tissues. Both the additives separately and especially in the mix may enhance productive performance, protein profile, gut function, immunity, and antioxidant activity, with reducing lipid peroxidation, essential inflammatory mediator, and protein-carbonyl residues of growing rabbits. These findings suggest that CP-WhP dietary supplementation provides novel insights into a variety of bioactive compound mixtures with different beneficial modes of actions.

Protective effects of Crataegus azarolus L. berries aqueous extract against castor oil-induced diarrhea, oxidative stress, and inflammation in rat.

BACKGROUND: Diarrhea is a multifactorial gastrointestinal disorder responsible for about 5 million deaths annually. The chemical composition, the antioxidant activity of Crataegus azarolus berries aqueous extract (CABAE) as well as its protective effects against castor oil-induced diarrhea, oxidative stress, and inflammation in rat were studied. METHODS: Sixty male rats were used and divided into six groups of ten animals in each: Control (C), castor oil (CO), CO+various doses of CABAE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.w., p.o.), and CO+loperamide (LOP, 10 mg/kg b.w., p.o.). KEY RESULTS: The CABAE showed relatively high levels of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. The LC-HRESIMS technique allowed the identification of 5 phenolic compounds and the major component is quinic acid. In vivo studies showed that CABAE protected against castor oil-induced diarrhea and intestinal fluid accumulation. The CABAE counteracted castor oil-induced lipoperoxidation, preserved GSH and thiol groups levels, and prevented the depletion of antioxidant enzyme activities, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The CABAE administration also protected against castor oil-induced inflammatory markers (ALP and CRP) increase. More importantly, castor oil induced an increase of intracellular mediators, such as hydrogen peroxide, free iron, and calcium, while CABAE pretreatment significantly reversed them to near control levels. CONCLUSION: The Crataegus azarolus berries aqueous extract significantly protected against diarrhea due in part to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Role of Anti-Inflammatory, Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging Activity and Nematicidal Properties of Myrtle Berry Seeds on Helminthiasis Treatment.

This study was undertaken to investigate the involvement of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and proinflammatory cytokine production in the pathogenicity of gastrointestinal nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus in mice and also the protective effect of myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) berry seeds aqueous extract (MBSAE). With this aim, Swiss Albino mice were divided into four groups of 10 animals each: control, helminthiasis, helminthiasis + MBSAE, and helminthiasis + Albendazole. The animals were infected with infective third larval stage (L3) of H. polygyrus by oral administration. Mice were treated with bidistilled water, MBSAE (100 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) or Albendazole (100 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.). We have demonstrated that MBSAE (100 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) significantly reduced the total mean adult worms compared with the infected and nontreated group. Moreover, hematological parameters, intestinal ROS such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroxyl radical (OH•), and superoxide anion (O2•-), as well as serum cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-6 were analyzed. We have shown that H. polygyrus infection has disrupted all these biochemical parameters and that MBSAE treatment has significantly corrected these disturbances. The effect of plant extract was comparable to the standard drug albendazole. Therefore, MBSAE appeared to be a promising agent for the control of intestinal helminthiasis.

Bisphenols and Male Reproductive Health: From Toxicological Models to Therapeutic Hypotheses.

Bisphenols, and in particular bisphenol A (BPA), have been widely used for the production of plastic manufacts in the last 50 years. Currently, BPA is present in a variety of daily use polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, and dietary ingestion is considered the main route of human exposure. Accordingly, BPA is the chemical pollutant with the widest exposure in humans, involving nearly 90% of general population, according to recent studies. Concerns about BPA effects on human health date back to 1930s, when severe impact on male sexual development was suggested. Now, the acknowledged biological effects of BPA are various. In regard to human fertility, BPA has been shown to disrupt hormone signaling even at low concentrations. Results from human epidemiological studies have reported BPA interference with follicle stimulating hormone, inhibin B, estradiol, testosterone levels, and sexual function in male subjects. Moreover, recent studies have reported an association between BPA levels and reduced sperm concentration, motility, normal morphology, sperm DNA damage, and altered epigenetic pattern, resulting in trans-generational legacy of BPA effects. In this review, the recognized effects of BPA on male reproductive health are described, from the most recent issues on experimental models to epidemiological data. In addition, the very recent interest about the use of nutraceutical remedies to counteract BPA effects are discussed.

Chemical Characterization of Bioactive Components of Rosa canina Extract and Its Protective Effect on Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Intestinal Bowel Disease in a Mouse Model.

Rosa canina is a well-known medicinal plant used in folk remedy that alleviates various disorders, including inflammation, gastritis, and diarrhea. The objective of this investigation was to identify and quantify the phenolic components of R. canina methanolic extract (RCME) and to determine its protective action with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-generated mice colitis model. RCME chemical analysis was done using Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Tandem Mass Spectrometry, and experimental animals received RCME at different doses before colitis induction by oral DSS administration during 7 days. Another group received sulfasalazine as a positive control. Colitis damages and RCME benefits were assessed using histopathological and biochemical changes and improvements. Many phenolic compounds have been identified. In addition, the DSS intoxication induced an alteration of colonic epithelium associated with an oxidative stress state. DSS administration led to an increase or decrease of intracellular mediators such as free iron and ionizable calcium. RCME consumption effectively protected against colonic histological/biochemical alterations induced by DSS intoxication providing support for the traditional use of this plant.

Purgative/laxative actions of Globularia alypum aqueous extract on gastrointestinal-physiological function and against loperamide-induced constipation coupled to oxidative stress and inflammation in rats.

BACKGROUND: Chronic constipation is a gastrointestinal functional disorder which affects patient quality of life. Therefore, many studies were oriented to search herbal laxative agents. In this study, we investigated the effect of Globularia alypum L. leaves aqueous extract (GAAE) against loperamide (LOP)-produced constipation. METHODS: Animals were given LOP (3 mg/kg, b.w., i.p.) and GAAE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) or yohimbine (2 mg/kg, b.w., i.p.), simultaneously, for 1 week. Gastric-emptying test and intestinal transit were determined. Colon histology was examined, and oxidative status was evaluated using biochemical-colorimetric methods. KEY RESULTS: GAAE ameliorates significantly gastric emptying (64% to 76.5%) and intestinal transit (66.65% to 84.73%). LOP negatively influenced defecation parameters and generated a stress situation. GAAE administration in contrast ameliorated those parameters and re-established oxidative balance. CONCLUSION: GAAE showed a modest action against oxidative stress and decreased LOP effect and thereby can be considered a pharmacological agent in constipation.

The Effects of Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) on Emotional Behavior Impairment and Metabolic Disorders Induced by Estrogen Deficiency in Rats.

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) contains a wide variety of polyphenols with high antioxidant properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of aqueous extract of carob pods (AECP) on emotional behavior impairments and metabolic disorders in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Female Wistar rats were assigned to three groups: group 1, control non-OVX rats; group 2, OVX rats; and group 3, OVX rats orally treated with AECP (500 mg/kg) for15 days after ovariectomy. Elevated plus-maze and open-field tests were performed on the 26th and 27th post-ovariectomy days, respectively. Afterwards, the rats were anesthetized and their serums were collected for biochemical analysis. We found that AECP improved emotional behavior impairments revealed by elevated plus-maze and open-field tests in OVX rats. Moreover, ovariectomy significantly increased triglyceride, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels in the serum. AECP administration significantly reversed ovariectomy-induced biochemical alterations. Thus, we suggest that the AECP may have an anxiolytic-like effect and prevent biochemical disorders associated with menopause or ovariectomy.

Comparative Studies of Phytochemical Screening, HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS-LC/HR-ESI-MS Analysis, Antioxidant Capacity and in Vitro Fermentation of Officinal Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) Cultivated in Different Biotopes of Northwestern Tunisia.

We aimed in the present study to investigate the chemical composition, the antioxidant capacities as well as the in vitro fermentation properties of Salvia officinalis leaves aqueous extract (SOLAE) grown in four regions of northwestern Tunisia. Our data firstly indicated a spatial variation (P<0.05) in condensed tannins, total lipids, polyphenols and flavonoids contents. The HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS-LC/HR-ESI-MS technique allowed to the identification of 13 phenolic compounds and showed that protocatechuic acid is the major constituent of the plant leaves grown in Tabarka, Ain Draham and Testour. The SOLAE of the plant grown in Tabarka presents the most potent scavenging activity against DPPH radical and had the highest percentage of inhibition. More importantly, we found in the present study that the digestibility of dry matter and in vitro fermentation showed a significant variation between the regions and the animal species. Also, we showed a very positive correlation between antioxidant properties and phenolic compounds contents. In conclusion, we suggest that SOLAE had potential beneficial effects owing in part to its antioxidant and ROS scavenging activities. Therefore, S. officinalis can be proposed as an additive food for animals' nutrition and health.

Protective Action of Eruca sativa Leaves Aqueous Extracts Against Bisphenol A-Caused In Vivo Testicular Damages.

Eruca sativa action on the male reproductive system and fertility has not been precisely defined. In this study, the aim was to investigate the ameliorative activity of E. sativa aqueous extracts (ESAE) on reproductive toxicity associated with oxidative stress induced by bisphenol A (BPA). Wistar rats were used and divided into six groups of animals each; control (0.4 mL of corn oil/rat), ESAE at the higher dose (200 mg/kg), BPA [100 mg/kg, body weight (b.w.), perorally (p.o.)] alone, or in combination with varied doses of ESAE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, b.w, p.o.). The diverse doses were administrated orally for 30 consecutive days. The results showed that BPA-treatment produced a diminution of density, motility, and viability of sperm with disruption of spermatozoa morphology and fertilizing potential as well as testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone levels. These results were accompanied by testis and epididymis histological damages, which were shown by an induction of testicular dysfunction as seen with a lower number of Leydig-cells and spermatocytes as well as a reproductive stress which was modeled. The oxidative stress was measured by malondialdehyde production, thiol group (-SH) decline and antioxidant enzyme activities disturbance, in particular superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in reproductive tissues. ESAE coadministration at the two lower doses improved all histological and biochemical parameter injuries. These finding suggested the ESAE ability to prevent the testicular damages in rats, which might be linked to functional-bioactive substances such as phenolic compounds with higher antioxidant capacity.

Phytochemical/Antioxidant Properties and Individual/Synergistic Actions of Salvia officinalis L. Aqueous Extract and Loperamide on Gastrointestinal Altering Motor Function.

Medicinal plants are known by pharmacological relevance and were used for long time to prevent/treat numerous gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. The current study focuses on the phytochemical/antioxidant characteristics of sage aqueous extract (SAE), as well as its pharmacological actions on altering motor function in the intestine and related disruptions. In vitro phytochemical/antioxidant properties were investigated by colorimetric/biochemical methods. Male rats were divided into seven groups of six animals in each: control (C), castor oil (CO), CO + loperamide (LOP, 10 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.), CO + various doses of SAE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.), and the mixture (MIX: SAE, 50 mg/kg, b.w., p.o. + LOP, 5 mg/kg, b.w., i.p.) group. In vivo GI/physiological/pharmacological actions of SAE were explored based on the watery/frequent stools, enteropooling, and GI transit time, as well as their associated disturbances. The aqueous extract of S. officinalis contains high tannins/flavonols/anthocyanin contents and a strong, free radical scavenging activity (EC50 = 48.56 ± 0.34 µg/mL). SAE/MIX significantly reduced CO-induced diarrhea in a dose-dependent manner. SAE/MIX decreased also the gastric and intestinal mucosal malondialdehyde/hydrogen peroxide levels and preserved the normal activities/levels of enzymatic/nonenzymatic antioxidants. Added to that, we showed that SAE/MIX pretreatment provided stability of lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides), hepatic transaminases, renal injury indicators, and C-reactive protein/alkaline phosphatase levels changed by CO intoxication. These findings suggested that SAE/MIX exerted benefic individual/synergistic effects confirming their use as a strategy in the treatment of GI physiological disorders.

The potential of Thymus vulgaris aqueous extract to protect against delayed gastric emptying and colonic constipation in rats.

Thyme is a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals and it is frequently used in folk-medicine to treat gastroenteritis irritations. The current study was performed to examine the potential of Thymus vulgaris aqueous extract (TV-AE) to protect against delayed gastric emptying (DGE) and colonic constipation in rats. Stomach ulcer was caused by a single oral dose administration of indomethacin (INDO) (30 mg kg-1 of body weight). Constipation was induced following intravenous intoxication of rats with vinblastine (VINB) (2 mg kg-1 of body weight) for one week. The effect of TV-AE at two graduated doses (100 and 200 mg kg-1) on DGE, gastrointestinal transit (GIT) and constipated rats and biochemical parameters was estimated using phenol red, charcoal meal test and colorimetric methods, respectively. The phytochemical-profile of TV-AE was explored using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS). INDO and VINB caused a significant reduction in (P < 0.05) DGE and GIT and colonic motility dysfunction. TV-AE consumption remarkably (P < 0.05) attenuated the DGE (from 58.56% to 69.871%) and difficulty in evacuating stools (from 48.5 to 55.5 fecal pellets per rat) and balanced the GIT (65% to 71%). These GI-ameliorative effects were accompanied by reversed INDO/VINB-related oxidative changes, lipid-metabolism alteration and intracellular pathway moderation. HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS-analysis identified several chemical constituents including rosmarinic acid, quinic acid, luteolin-7-o-glucoside, protocatechuic acid and trans-cinnamic acid. Thus, TV-AE bioactive components may be used as medicinal substances to regulate/attenuate gastrointestinal-physiological activities and disturbances, which support its pharmacological use.

Aqueous extract of Eruca Sativa protects human spermatozoa from mitochondrial failure due to bisphenol A exposure.

Medicinal plants are suggested to counteract health disorders from chemical pollutants. Here we explored the possible ameliorative effect of Eruca sativa aqueous extract (ESAE) on in vitro acute functional disturbance induced by Bisphenol A (BPA), a disruptor model in human spermatozoa. Phytochemical screening, high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) analysis and 2,2'-azino-bis [3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid]/α,α-diphenyl-ß-picrylhydrazyl (ABTS/DPPH) tests disclosed antioxidant properties of ESAE, ascribed to polyphenols and flavonoids. The toxicological impact of BPA on sperm viability and motility was detected for concentration greater than 10 µM but co-incubation with ESAE recovered sperm function at low concentration (15.62 µg/ml). BPA reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), with no impact on plasma membrane potential (ΔΨp). At low doses, ESAE recovered ΔΨm but higher doses were associated with impairment of both ΔΨm and ΔΨp. ESAE protects towards in vitro BPA-mediated toxicity and its possible use as complementary treatment for male reproductive disorders is critically discussed.