Suhani Sumalatha

Standardised extract of safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) increases aphrodisiac potential besides being safe in male Wistar rats

The standardised extract of root of safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) was evaluated for its aphrodisiac potential and safety profile on reproductive system. Wistar albino rats were trained to provide sexual experience under a dim red light (10 W) in a glass tank. Male and female rats were placed periodically in the glass tank in a particular order, that is male followed by introduction of the receptive female. Dosing of extract was carried out for 54 days at 125 and 250 mg kg−1 p.o to male rats. On 14th and 28th days, the animals were observed from the cage side for sexual behaviours. Safed musli at both dose levels enhanced sexual vigour and libido which might be useful for treatment of sexual dysfunction in male till 28th day. Safety profile was assessed after 54 days of drug treatment, where both doses showed an increase in sperm count and increase in sperm motility. Thus, it can be stated that both doses possessed the spermatogenic potential, which would be highly beneficial in treating oligospermia or low sperm count. After 54 days of study, there was increase in sperm abnormality (%) at both doses, but not more than 10%, which indicated that this formulation will not induce infertility.

Evaluation of the aphrodisiac potential of a chemically characterized aqueous extract of Tamarindus indica pulp

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Tamarindus indica is an ingredient in the traditional aphrodisiac formulations in Africa and India. It is also a widely used food ingredient in other tropical countries. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study was aimed to evaluate the aphrodisiac potential and reproductive safety profile of aqueous extract of Tamarindus indica in male Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS The aqueous extract was prepared by maceration of pulp followed by reduction of volume in rotavapor under heat followed by freeze drying. The prepared extract was characterized for contents of total phenol, flavonoid, and saponin. It was also subjected to phytoconstituent analysis using GCMS. Further, the extract was evaluated for acute toxicity study. The aphrodisiac and reproductive toxicity potential were evaluated in animals after grouping them in four with six animals each namely, normal control, standard (Sildenafil citrate, 4mg/kg p.o.) and extract of Tamarindus indica treated groups at two dose levels, 125 and 250mg/kg p.o. The study was conducted for 54 days with daily once dosing of extract and standard. Equal number of females was grouped without treatment for evaluation of parameters of sexual desire (mount frequency and intromission frequency) and parameters of sexual arousal (mount latency and intromission latency). These parameters were evaluated on day 14, 28, 42 and 54. Animals were sacrificed on day 54, testes were removed and studied for histopathological changes. RESULTS The extract showed 6.6mg gallic acid equivalent/g of total phenol, 2.3mg catechin equivalent/g of flavonoid and 11.6% saponin. Forty chemical constituents were identified by GCMS analysis. In acute toxicity study, the extract was found to be safe till 2000mg/kg p.o. Efficacy study showed significant (p<0.05) improvement in parameters of sexual desire (mount frequency and intromission frequency) and parameters of sexual arousal on all observed days except mount frequency for 125mg/kg on 42nd day and intromission frequency for both doses of tamarind compared to normal control. Improvements in these parameters were comparable to the standard drug. Histopathology study and sperm count suggested an increase in sperm production without any sign of toxicity in testis. Sperm motility significantly (p<0.05) increased in the treatment groups that received extract at 250mg/kg compared to normal control. CONCLUSION Aqueous extract of Tamarindus indica possessed aphrodisiac activity together with spermatogenic potential.

Anatomical variations of the lumbar plexus in fetus

The lumbar plexus is formed within the psoas major muscle and is one of the main nervous pathways supplying the lower limb. Although we came across literature concerning the variations in lumbar plexus in adults, there is dearth of the same in foetuses. Aim of the study was to study the variations in lumbar plexus in foetus. The study was done bilaterally in 25 formalin-fixed fetuses (10 females, 15 males), age ranging from 20 to 37 weeks of gestation. The formation of lumbar plexus and their branching pattern were observed. The findings were noted and tabulated. Multiple variations were observed in the formation and branching pattern of lumbar plexus. Anatomical variations found in the present case may be injured during certain surgical procedures in infants and children, particularly in the lower abdominal region, e.g. appendectomy, inguinal hernia repair, iliac crest bone graft harvesting etc. As a consequence to such operations, several clinical conditions may be encountered such as meralgia paresthetica, groin pain and testicular pain in which the lateral femoral cutaneous, ilioinguinal and the genitofemoral nerves are mostly involved. Thus, awareness about the regional anatomy and its variations is essential for preventing intra-operative complications.

Anatomical variations of coronary venous system and its tributaries: A cadaveric study

Knowledge of the coronary venous system (CVS) anatomy is an important factor before many electrophysiological procedures, such as CRT or ablations.

Cleidohyoideus Accessorius - Boyun Bölgesinde İlave İnfrahyoid Kası

Variations of the muscles in the infrahyoid region assume clinical significance during diagnostic and surgical procedures in the region of neck. Accessory muscles are rare anatomical variants which may have clinical implications. The present case reports the existence of an accessory muscle, the cleidohyoid. The muscle was unilaterally observed arising from the upper surface of the middle of the clavicle and inserting into the hyoid bone. The occurrence of this muscle in the densely packed region as in the neck may have functional, diagnostic, surgical and pathological implications.