Safety aspects of andrographis paniculata an investigation into possible male reproductive toxicity
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Date
2004
Authors
Dr. Renu, Agarwal
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Journal ISSN
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Abstract
Andrographis paniculata (AP) is one popular form of alternative
therapy for diabetes mellitus in Malaysia. It is chosen by Ministry of Science and
Technology, Malaysia to develop its standardized 95% ethanol extract (APE) as an
effective and safe treatment of diabetes mellitus. Since previous studies have shown
conflicting results regarding effects of AP on male reproductive system, this study was
undertaken to investigate possible male reproductive toxicity of APE.
OBJECTIVES: To study effects of 95% ethanol extract of Andrographis paniculata
(APE) on male reproductive health in Sprague Dawley rats.
MATERIALS AND METHOD: Fifty adult healthy male rats were randomly divided
into 5 groups of 10 animals each. Group 1, 2 and 3 received three different doses of
APE (10, 100 & 1000 mg/kg), group 4 received glibenclamide (5mg/kg) while group 5
received 2% CMC (vehicle). Treatment was administered once daily for 4 weeks
premating and a maximum of 2 weeks mating period. Body weight was recorded
weekly. Four weeks premating treatment was followed by mating of each male with 3
female animals until all females were sperm positive or a maximum of 2 weeks. Male
animals were then sacrificed. Reproductive organs were removed and weighed. Left
testis was used for spermatid count, left cauda for sperm count and morphology while
right testis was used for histopathological examination.
RESULTS: Testicular histology showed severe interstitial edema of testis with intact
spermatogenesis in group 1; progressively severe disorganized arrangement of germ
cells, sloughing of immature cells and significantly smaller tubular diameter in groups 2
and 3. However, Leydig cells showed mild hyperplasia in APE treated groups.
Reproductive organ weight was high in group 1 and low in groups 2 and 3 when compared to control. Sperm count, spermatid count and daily sperm production were
significantly low (p<0.01) in group 2 and were further reduced in group 3. Abnormal
sperms were seen in groups 2 and 3. None of the above mentioned parameters showed
significant differences between groups 4 & 5.
DISCUSSION: APE adversely affects spermatogenesis by at least two different
mechanisms: 1) Increase in capillary permeability 2) Damage to Sertoli cell
functions. Increased capillary permeability has resulted into increased reproductive
organ weight in group 1, while extensive damage to spermatogenesis in groups
2 and 3, caused primarily by damage to Sertoli cells has resulted into low organ
weight and poor semen quality.
CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the results suggest that APE treatment adversely affects
male reproductive functions in a dose-dependent manner in Sprague Dawley rats.
Description
Master
Keywords
Pharmaceutical science , Andrographis paniculata