Shishir Kumar Patel1, Shilpi Singh1, Hemant Kumar Singh2, Shio Kumar Singh3. 1. Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India. 2. Lumen Research Foundation, Chennai 600083, India. 3. Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India. Electronic address: shioks@rediffmail.com.
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Bacopa monnieri (BM) has been used in India since the time of Rig-Veda for augmentation of learning, memory, brain health etc. AIM OF THE STUDY: The memory augmenting effect of BM is well documented. CDRI-08 is a standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri, but its effect on the male reproductive health has not been investigated. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the effect of CDRI-08 administration on the male reproductive organs with special emphasis on testis in adult mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CDRI-08, containing at least 55% bacosides (the major constituent of BM), was investigated for its effect on testicular functions in adult Parkes (P) mice. A suspension of CDRI-08 was orally administered in doses of 40 and 80mgkg-1 body weight day-1 for 28 days and various male reproductive end points were evaluated. RESULTS: Compared to control, CDRI-08 treatment caused a significant increase (p<0.05) in spermatogenic cell density (germinal epithelial height: control, 55.03±4.22 vs 40mg, 67.15±2.65 and 80mg, 69.93±3.76; and tubular diameter: control, 206.55±2.62 vs 80mg, 253.23±12.19), PCNA index (control, 59.85±2.09 vs 40mg, 82.17±1.56 and 80mg, 84.05±3.51) and in steroidogenic indices in the testis, and in sperm viability (control, 0.67±0.010 vs 80mg, 0.80±0.04) in cauda epididymidis of the treated mice. On the other hand, however, the same treatment caused a significant decrease (p<0.05) in abnormal sperm morphology (control, 21.72±1.06 vs 40mg, 10.63±1.50 and 80mg, 15.86±0.87) in cauda epididymidis, and in lipid peroxidation level in testis of the treated mice compared to controls. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that treatment with CDRI-08 extract improves sperm quality, and spermatogenic cell density and steroidogenic indices in the testis of P mice.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Bacopa monnieri (BM) has been used in India since the time of Rig-Veda for augmentation of learning, memory, brain health etc. AIM OF THE STUDY: The memory augmenting effect of BM is well documented. CDRI-08 is a standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri, but its effect on the male reproductive health has not been investigated. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the effect of CDRI-08 administration on the male reproductive organs with special emphasis on testis in adult mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CDRI-08, containing at least 55% bacosides (the major constituent of BM), was investigated for its effect on testicular functions in adult Parkes (P) mice. A suspension of CDRI-08 was orally administered in doses of 40 and 80mgkg-1 body weight day-1 for 28 days and various male reproductive end points were evaluated. RESULTS: Compared to control, CDRI-08 treatment caused a significant increase (p<0.05) in spermatogenic cell density (germinal epithelial height: control, 55.03±4.22 vs 40mg, 67.15±2.65 and 80mg, 69.93±3.76; and tubular diameter: control, 206.55±2.62 vs 80mg, 253.23±12.19), PCNA index (control, 59.85±2.09 vs 40mg, 82.17±1.56 and 80mg, 84.05±3.51) and in steroidogenic indices in the testis, and in sperm viability (control, 0.67±0.010 vs 80mg, 0.80±0.04) in cauda epididymidis of the treated mice. On the other hand, however, the same treatment caused a significant decrease (p<0.05) in abnormal sperm morphology (control, 21.72±1.06 vs 40mg, 10.63±1.50 and 80mg, 15.86±0.87) in cauda epididymidis, and in lipid peroxidation level in testis of the treated mice compared to controls. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that treatment with CDRI-08 extract improves sperm quality, and spermatogenic cell density and steroidogenic indices in the testis of P mice.