Aman Upaganlawar

Abstract

Agents that control fertility are termed as antifertility agents or oral contraceptives. Many plant-based products have the antifertility potential which need to be explored.The present study therefore was undertaken to evaluate possible antifertility effects of hydroalcoholic extract of fruits of (HAEMD) and aqueous extract of leaves of (AELS) in experimental rats. Experiments were carried using wistar rats of either sex. Animals were administered with different doses of HAEMD and AELS (250, and 350 mg/kg, p. o) for 30 days. The body weight and reproductive organs weights for male (Testis) and for female (Uterus) were analyzed. Sperm count and Sperm motility was determined in male rats by manually. Testosterone in male and progesterone levels in female rats were checked. Effect of both extracts on Estrous cycle in female rats were checked. Section of testis were taken for histopathological study. The effect of the extract on male rats showed decreased testis weight, reduced sperm count and motility as compared to control animals. The blood testosterone level in male rats was reduced in treatment groups. The testicular histology was altered as compared to control male rats. In female animals, extracts showed antiovulatory activity, alteration in estrous cycle, decreased uterus weight and serum progesterone levels. It is concluded that HAEMD and AELS are effective as antifertility plants for both male and female rats.   Keywords: Antifertility, Antiovulatory, Momordica dioica, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Sperm count, Estrous cycle

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Abstract

Background: Nephropathy is one of the important microvascular complications of diabetes. In the present study, Oroxylum indicum fruit extract was screened for its probable nephroprotective effects in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Male albino rats of Wistar strain (200-250gm) were used in the study. Rats were divided into various groups each containing six rats. Nephropathy was induced by the injection of freshly prepared streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, i.p.). After confirmation of diabetic nephropathy, rats were treated with Oroxylum indicum fruit extract at three different doses i.e. 100, 200, 400 mg/kg/orally for four weeks. Nephropathy was assessed by evaluating biochemical parameters such as blood glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, uric acid, creatinine, and total bilirubin from serum and urine. The markers of oxidative stress such as lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, and tissue nitrite level were estimated from kidney homogenates. Histopathology of the kidney sample was also carried out. Result and Conclusion: Nephropathy-induced rats showed a significant alteration in biochemical and markers of oxidative stress. Treatment with Oroxylum indicum fruit extract significantly attenuated the altered parameters towards normal. The fruit extract showed dose-dependent effects, where 400 mg/kg showed good nephroprotective effects compared to 100 and 200 mg/kg. This dose-dependent activity of the fruit might be due to the presence of polar flavonoid and tannin which has been reported as strong free radical scavengers. Key Messages: Oroxylum indicum fruit has nutritional value and it is used for various medicinal purposes. This study gives an idea about the use of Oroxylum indicum fruit in diabetic nephropathy. Keywords: Oroxylum indicum, Diabetic nephropathy, Streptozotocin, Hyperglycemia, Oxidative stress.

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