Vijaykumar B. Malashetty

Effect of Ethanol Extract of Whole Plant of Trichosanthes cucumerina var. cucumerina L. on Gonadotropins, Ovarian Follicular Kinetics and Estrous Cycle for Screening of Antifertility Activity in Albino Rats

Ethanol extract of whole plant of Trichosanthes cucumerina L. var. cucumerina was evaluated for antiovulatory activity in adult rats. The ethanol extract at the doses 200 and 400mg/kg body weight (orally) affected the normal estrous cycle showing a significant increase in estrus and metestrus phases and decrease in diestrus and proestrus phases. The extract also significantly reduced the number of healthy follicles (Class I-Class VI) and corpora lutea and increased the number of regressing follicles (Stage IA, Stage IB, Stage IIA, and Stage IIB). The protein and glycogen content in the ovaries were significantly reduced in treated rats. The cholesterol level was significantly increased, whereas, the enzyme activities like 3b-HSD and 17b-HSD were significantly inhibited in the ovary of treated rats. Serum FSH and LH levels were significantly reduced in the treated groups were measured by RIA. In acute toxicity test, neither mortality nor change in the behavior or any other physiological activities in mice were observed in the treated groups. In chronic toxicity studies, no mortality was recorded and there were no significant differences in the body and organ weights were observed between controls and treated rats. Hematological analysis showed no significant differences in any of the parameters examined (RBC, WBC count and Hemoglobin estimation). These observations showed the antiovulatory activity of ethanol extract of whole plant of Trichosanthes cucumerina L. var. cucumerina in female albino rats.

Spermatogenic index and hormonal profile in the rats received chromatographic fractions of ethanol extract of Crotalaria juncea L. seeds

The ethanol extract of the Crotalaria juncea seeds, which showed promising antispermatogenic and antiandrogenic activities in albino mice, was taken up further for the isolation of the active fractions present in it. Two fractions that were obtained from thin layer chromatography were subjected for testing to know their antispermatogenic and antiandrogenic activities. After preliminary trials the fraction I showed maximum antifertility activity at the dose level of 200 mg/kg body weight when administered orally to the rats for 50 days. The fraction I was found to affect spermatogenesis as well as the endocrine functions of the testis as indicated by gravimetric, histopathological and biochemical changes. Further this fraction has caused degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells of the testis. The accessory reproductive organs like epididymis, seminal vesicles, vas deferens, prostrate, Cowpers gland and Levator Ani muscle showed significant malfunction. Cauda epididymal sperm count and sperm motility were reduced significantly. The treatment has also resulted in increase in the cholesterol level and alkaline phosphatase activity, and decrease in protein, glycogen, sialic acid contents and acid phosphatase activity in testis. It is noteworthy that RIA studies have shown significant reduction in serum FSH, LH and testosterone. Scanning electron microscopic observations revealed abnormalities in sperm structure.

Bio-functionalized gold nanoparticles: Benign effect in Sprague-Dawley rats by intravenous administration

Gold nanoparticles offer a great promise in clinical research. Despite various applications of the metal nanoparticles it is challenging to implement in vivo in clinical applications. This aspect is deprived of understanding the biological mechanisms that occurs in the cells. In this report we have evaluated application of AuNP on the safety profile at different doses (100, 200, and 500 μg/kg Bwt/day) on intravenous administration in rats regularly for 28 days. The study was performed based on the OECD test guideline 407. No clinical signs and mortalities were observed in any groups of rat treated with AuNP. No evidence of toxicity was observed in any of the diverse studies performed which is noteworthy. The study includes survival, behavior, animal weight, organ morphology, blood biochemistry and tissue histology. The results indicate that tissue accumulation pattern of gold nanoparticles depends on the surface, size and doses of the nanoparticle. The accumulation of the particles does not produce subacute physiological damage.

Post-coital antiimplantation and pregnancy interruption potency of the seeds of Crotalaria juncea Linn

Petroleum ether, benzene and alcohol extracts of the seeds of C. juncea were tested for antiimplantation and pregnancy interruption activities in female albino rats. Of these three extracts, the alcohol extract was found to be the most effective in causing antiimplantation and pregnancy interruption activities. These adverse effects on fertility are reversible upon withdrawal of the extract treatments. The alcohol extract was found to possess estrogenic activity. After subjecting to preliminary phytochemical screening, the alcohol extract showed positive tests for alkaloids, steroids, glycosides, saponins, flavonoides, fixed oils, phenols and tannins.

Antispermatogenic and antiandrogenic activities of various extracts of Melia azedarach Linn. seeds in albino rats

Petroleum ether, chloroform and ethanol extracts of the seeds of Melia azedarach Linn. administered orally to male rats at the dose level of 25 mg/100 g body weight for 48 days showed antispermatogenic activity, as the number of spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa was decreased. The total cholesterol content was increased while protein and glycogen contents were decreased. The acid phosphatase content was also decreased while that of alkaline phosphatase increased. At the same time the weight of caput and cauda epididymis, prostate gland, seminal vesicle and Levator Ani muscle was decreased indicating its antiandrogenic property. Of the three extracts, the petroleum ether extract was more potent in its antispermatogenic and antiandrogenic activities and did not produce any sings of toxicity upto a dose of 25 mg/100 g body weight oral administration. After subjecting it to preliminary phytochemical screening the petroleum ether extract showed positive tests for steroids and saponins.