Scientific and Clinical Research
All of our health and nutrition products at Sacred Leaves Botanicals, Inc. are produced after rigorous study and investigation of herbal traditions such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine. We also intensively reference all of the available modern scientific and clinical research in order to corroborate what tradition informs us. Modern science has in fact been able to independently verify what much of the ancient traditional herbal text and practices has taught through the ages. This independent modern scientific can not only help us bring the divide between natural and orthodox medicine, but it can lend itself to cultural understanding.
Below we have compiled a list of scientific references for our products. Please feel free to investigate further the scientific and clinical basis for our products and herbal supplements in general. If you have any questions please drop us an email at info@sacredleavesbotanicals.com.
Tongkat Ali SuperTest™
Nature’s Testosterone Booster
THE ERGOGENIC EFFECTS OF EURYCOMA LONGIFOLIA JACK: A PILOT STUDY
Br J Sports Med.2003; 37: 464-470
S. Hamzah, A. Yusof.
Department of Exercise Physiology, Sports Centre, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Eurycoma longifolia Jack (ELJ), which contains quassinoids such as eurycomalacton, eurycomanon, and eurycomanol, has been reported to have aphrodisiac properties and to increase testosterone levels in men.1 Previous studies have established that the testosterone supplementation increases fat free mass, muscle strength, and muscle mass, which are important for physical function and athletic performance.2,3 Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the increase in testosterone levels, obtained by administration of ELJ, on body composition and muscle strength and size in man. Fourteen healthy men performed an intense strength training programme with initial load of 60% RM (2 sets of 10 repetitions with 1 minute rest between, for 10 stations) on alternate days for five weeks. Simultaneously, seven men were randomly selected to consume 100 mg/day ELJ water soluble extract, and seven men received placebo. The intensity of the exercise was increased by 10% RM/week. Body composition, arm circumference, one repetition maximum (1 RM), and surface electromyography (sEMG) activity were measured and recorded one day before and after the five weeks of supplementation and intervention. The lean body mass of the treatment group showed a significant increment, from 52.26 (7.18) kg to 54.39 (7.43) kg (p = 0.012), but no significant changes in fat free mass were observed in the placebo group. Percentage body fat was significantly decreased in the treatment and placebo group, from 31.30 (5.48)% to 28.44 (6.43)% (p = 0.01) and from 22.83 (2.43)% to 21.33 (2.35)% (p = 0.001) respectively. The 1RM test showed a significant increase from 73.71 (16.63) to 78.71 (17.0) kg (p = 0.006) in the treatment group and from 77.29 (8.9) to 79.43 (8.8) kg (p = 0.011) in the placebo group. The increase in strength in the treatment group was larger than in the placebo group (6.78% and 2.77% respectively). The mean frequency of sEMG on the biceps in the treatment and placebo groups decreased significantly, from 121.77 (40.0) to 90.47 (64.6) μV (p = 0.012) and from 127.95 (30.9) to 98.8 (50.1) μV (p = 0.036) respectively. The treatment produced 2.92% greater reduction in electrical activity of the muscle measured at the end of the experiment compared with placebo. The mean arm circumference of the treatment group increased significantly by 1.8 cm after the supplementation, from 30.87 (1.88) to 32.67 (1.96) cm (p = 0.011), but there was no significant increase in the placebo group. The results suggest that water soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia Jack increased fat free mass, reduced body fat, and increased muscle strength and size, and thus may have an ergogenic effect. Further investigations are warranted.
Asian Journal of Andrology 2010 May;12(3):376-80. Epub 2010 Mar 29.
Eurycoma longifolia Jack in managing idiopathic male infertility.
Tambi MI, Imran MK.Wellmen Clinic, Damai Service Hospital, Kuala Lumpur 52100, Malaysia.
dr_tambi@yahoo.com
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of treatment with the proprietary standardized, water-soluble extract of the root of the Malaysian plant, Eurycoma longifolia Jack, which is thought to enhance male fertility with regard to higher semen volumes, sperm concentrations, the percentage of normal sperm morphology and sperm motility in male partners of sub-fertile couples with idiopathic infertility. A total of 350 patients were given 200 mg of the extract daily and follow-up semen analyses were performed every 3 months for 9 months. Of these 350 patients, 75 patients completed one full cycle of 3 months. Follow-up semen analyses in these patients showed significant improvement in all semen parameters. The proprietary extract of Eurycoma longifolia Jack significantly improved the sperm quality in these patients, allowing for 11 (14.7%) spontaneous pregnancies.
Sexual arousal in sexually sluggish old male rats after oral administration of Eurycoma longifolia Jack - tongkat ali.
J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2004;15(3-4):303-9. Ang HH, Lee KL, Kiyoshi M.
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University Science Malaysia , Minden , Penang , Malaysia .
Eurycoma longifolia Jack commonly known as Tongkat Ali in Malaysia, has been used in Malaysia to increase male virility and sexual prowess. The objective of this study is to evaluate sexual arousal in sexually sluggish old male rats, 24 months old and retired breeders, receiving 200, 400, or 800 mg/kg of various fractions of tongkat ali, twice daily, for 10 days. Control rats received 3 ml/kg of normal saline. The aphrodisiac effect was monitored by the act of yawning and stretching because yawning, either alone or associated with stretching, is considered an ancestral vestige surviving throughout evolution that promotes sexual arousal. The results showed that 800 mg/kg of tongkat ali increased yawning by 50% and stretching by 16% in sexually sluggish old male rats, by 676-719% and 31-336%, respectively, in sexually active male rats, and by 22-44% and 75-100%, respectively, in middle aged, 9 months old and retired breeders. We conclude that the results of this study support the folk use of this plant as an aphrodisiac.
Eurycoma longifolia Jack enhances sexual motivation in middle-aged male mice.
J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2003;14(3):301-8.
Tongkat Ali was investigated for sexual motivation activity in adult, middle-aged male mice and in retired breeders. Each mouse received 500 mg/kg of one of 4 fractions of tongkat ali : chloroform, methanol, butanol, and water, whereas the mice in the control and yohimbine groups received 3 ml/kg of normal saline and 30 mg/kg of yohimbine daily respectively for 10 d. The results show a transient increase in the percentage of male mice responding to the right choice after chronic consumption of the fractions with 50 percent of the adult middle-aged male mice treated with tongkat ali and yohimbine scoring the right choice after 8 and 5 days post-treatment respectively. In conclusion, this study has shown that tongkat Ali continues to enhance sexual motivation in adult, middle-aged male mice and in retired breeders.
Prost-Aide™
All Natural Prostate Herbal
Comparison of once and twice daily dosage forms of pygeum extract in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a randomized, double-blind study, with long-term open label extension.
Chatelain C, Autet W, Brackman F.
Department of Urology, Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital, Paris, France.
Urology. 1999 Sep;54(3):473-8.
To compare the efficacy and safety of Pygeum africanum extract, 50 mg twice daily and 100 mg once daily. METHODS: Patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) entered a 2-month randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, comparative phase (group A, 50 mg twice daily; group B, 100 mg once daily), followed by a 10-month, open phase (100 mg once daily). Main efficacy assessment parameters included International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL), and maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax). Two hundred nine patients completed the comparative phase in compliance with the protocol; 174 were included in the open phase. Both treatments had similar efficacy. IPSS (baseline 17 in both groups) improved by 38% in group A and 35% in group B. QOL improved by 28% in both groups. Qmax increased by 1.63 mL/s (16%) in group A and 2.02 mL/s (19%) in group B. After 12 months, the IPSS fell from 16 (baseline) to 9 (-46%). Half of the patients had an IPSS below 8. Mean Qmax increased by 1.65 mUs (15%). The safety profile was similar between groups and study phases. Pygeum africanum extract at 50 mg twice daily and 100 mg once daily proved equally effective and safe at 2 months. Further improvements in efficacy with a satisfactory safety profile were documented after 12 months.
Pygeum africanum for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Wilt T, Ishani A, Mac Donald R, Rutks I, Stark G.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2002;(1):CD001044. General Internal Medicine (111-0), Minneapolis VA/VISN 13 Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, One Veterans Drive,
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55417, USA.
A standardized preparation of Pygeum africanum may be a useful treatment option for men with lower urinary symptoms consistent with benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, the reviewed studies were small in size, were of short duration, used varied doses and preparations and rarely reported outcomes using standardized validated measures of efficacy. Additional placebo-controlled trials are needed as well as studies that compare Pygeum africanum to active controls that have been convincingly demonstrated to have beneficial effects on lower urinary tract symptoms related to BPH. These trials should be of sufficient size and duration to detect important differences in clinically relevant endpoints and use standardized urologic symptom scale scores.
Lack of effects of a liposterolic extract of Serenoa repens on plasma levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone
Twenty men, aged 50 to 75 years (mean, 67 years), suffering from benign prostatic hypertrophy received 160 mg of a liposterolic extract of Serenoa repens, twice daily for 30 days. Before and at the end of treatment, plasma levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone were determined. No changes in plasma hormone levels occurred as a result of treatment. It is concluded that Serenoa extract, which is useful in the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy, does not act via systemic changes of hormone levels.
Casarosa C, Cosci di Coscio M, Fratta M. Clin Ther 10:585; 1988
Urol Int 2006;77:269-274
Pumpkin Seed Oil and Phytosterol-F Can Block Testosterone/Prazosin-Induced Prostate Growth in Rats
Yuh-Shyan Tsaia, b, Yat-Ching Tongb, Juei-Tang Chengc, Chung-Ho Leed, Fu-Shan Yangd, Hua-Yang LeedaInstitute of Clinical Medicine and Departments of bUrology and cPharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, and dCentral R & D Institute, Uni-President Enterprises Corp., Tainan, Taiwan
Introduction: This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of pumpkin seed oil alone or combined with Phytosterol-F on testosterone/prazosin-induced (T-P) prostate growth in rats. Materials and Methods: Forty adult Wistar rats were divided into five groups, including: one control group, rats treated with vehicle only, one group treated with T-P, and two groups of T-P-treated rats, one receiving orally pumpkin seed oil alone and one group receiving orally pumpkin seed oil combined with Phytosterol-F. Two weeks later, the prostatic weight-to-body weight ratio was determined after sacrifice. The total protein concentration was measured by using a protein assay. Some ventral prostatic tissues were histologically examined after hematoxylin-eosin staining. Results: Histological sections of the ventral prostate showed that the architecture of the prostate glands became hyperplastic in the T-P rats, but not in the control or vehicle-treated animals. As compared with the control or vehicle group, T-P rats had a significantly higher prostatic weight-to-body weight ratio for the ventral prostate (p = 0.05 and p = 0.007, respectively), but not for the dorsolateral prostate (p = 0.53 and p = 0.73, respectively). The T-P rats had significantly higher protein levels within both lobes (ventral lobe, p = 0.02 and p < 0.0001, respectively; dorsolateral lobe, p = 0.06 and p = 0.005, respectively). As compared with the T-P-alone rats, the TP rats treated with pumpkin seed oil alone or pumpkin seed oil combined with Phytosterol-F had a significantly lower weight ratio for the ventral prostate (p = 0.01 and p = 0.004, respectively) and significantly lower protein levels within both lobes (p = 0.03 and p = 0.003, respectively; p = 0.007 and p = 0.002, respectively). In addition, Phytosterol-F had some additive effect on the total protein synthesis within the ventral prostate (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Pumpkin seed oil alone or combined with Phytosterol-F can block the T-P-induced increases in prostatic weight-to-body weight ratio and protein synthesis.
Saw Palmetto Extracts for Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Systematic Review Timothy J. Wilt, MD, MPH; Areef Ishani, MD; Gerold Stark, MD; Roderick MacDonald, MS; Joseph Lau,
MD; Cynthia Mulrow, MD, MS
JAMA. 1998;280:1604-1609.
Objective.— To conduct a systematic review and, where possible, quantitative meta-analysis of the existing evidence regarding the therapeutic efficacy and safety of the saw palmetto plant extract,
Serenoa repens , in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Data Sources— Studies were identified through the search of MEDLINE (1966-1997), EMBASE, Phytodok, the Cochrane Library, bibliographies of identified trials and review articles, and contact with relevant authors and drug companies.
Study Selection— Randomized trials were included if participants had symptomatic BPH, the intervention was a preparation of S repens alone or in combination with other phytotherapeutic agents, a control group received placebo or other pharmacological therapies for BPH, and the treatment duration was at least 30 days.
Data Synthesis— A total of 18 randomized controlled trials involving 2939 men met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Many studies did not report results in a method that permitted meta-analysis. Treatment allocation concealment was adequate in 9 studies; 16 were double-blinded. The mean study duration was 9 weeks (range, 4-48 weeks). As compared with men receiving placebo, men treated with S repens had decreased urinary tract symptom scores (weighted mean difference [WMD], -1.41 points [scale range, 0-19] [95% confidence interval (CI), -2.52 to -0.30] [n=1 study]), nocturia (WMD, -0.76 times per evening [95% CI, -1.22 to -0.32] [n=10 studies]), and improvement in self-rating of urinary tract symptoms; risk ratio for improvement (1.72 [95% CI, 1.21-2.44] [n=6 studies]), and peak urine flow (WMD, 1.93 mL/s [95% CI, 0.72-3.14] [n=8 studies]). Compared with men receiving finasteride, men treated with S repens had similar improvements in urinary tract symptom scores (WMD, 0.37 International Prostate Symptom Score points [scale range, 0-35] [95% CI, -0.45 to 1.19] [n=2 studies]) and peak urine flow (WMD, -0.74 mL/s [95% CI, -1.66 to 0.18] [n=2 studies]). Adverse effects due to S repens were mild and infrequent; erectile dysfunction was more frequent with finasteride (4.9%) than with S repens (1.1%; P <.001). Withdrawal rates in men assigned to placebo, S repens, or finasteride were 7%, 9%, and 11%, respectively.
Conclusions.— The existing literature on S repens for treatment of BPH is limited in terms of the short duration of studies and variability in study design, use of phytotherapeutic preparations, and reports of outcomes. However, the evidence suggests that S repens improves urologic symptoms and flow measures. Compared with finasteride, S repens produces similar improvement in urinary tract symptoms and urinary flow and was associated with fewer adverse treatment events. Further research is needed using standardized preparations of S repens to determine its long-term effectiveness and ability to prevent BPH complications.
PowerUp™:
Nature’s Performance Enhancer
Eur J Clin Nutr. 2010 Apr;64(4):436-8. Epub 2010 Jan 20.
Reduction in postprandial glucose excursion and prolongation of satiety: possible explanation of the long-term effects of whole grain Salba (Salvia Hispanica L.).
Vuksan V, Jenkins AL, Dias AG, Lee AS, Jovanovski E, Rogovik AL, Hanna A.Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. v.vuksan@utoronto.ca
Abstract
Despite strong correlations linking whole-grain consumption to reductions in heart disease, the physiological mechanisms involved remain ambiguous. We assessed whether Salba (Salvia Hispanica L.) whole grain reduces postprandial glycemia in healthy subjects, as a possible explanation for its cardioprotective effects observed in individuals with diabetes. The study used acute, randomized, double-blind, controlled design in which 11 healthy individuals (6 males and 5 females; body mass index 22.3+/-2.8 kg/m(2)) received 0, 7, 15 or 24 g of Salba baked into white bread. Capillary samples and appetite ratings were collected over 2 h after consumption. A dose-response reduction in postprandial glycemia (P=0.002, r(2)=0.203) was observed with all three doses of Salba, significantly decreasing incremental areas under the curve (iAUCs) and time point-specific blood glucose (P<0.05). Appetite ratings were decreased at 60 min after high, 90 min after high and intermediate and at 120 min after all treatments (P<0.05). Decrease in postprandial glycemia provides a potential explanation for improvements in blood pressure, coagulation and inflammatory markers previously observed after 12-week Salba supplementation in type II diabetes.
Curr.Clin. Pharmacol. 2009 Sep;4(3):198-219. Epub 2009 Sep 1.
Evidence-based efficacy of adaptogens in fatigue, and molecular mechanisms related to their stress-protective activity.
Panossian A, Wikman G.
Swedish Herbal Institute Research and Development, Spårvägen 2, SE-43296 Askloster, Sweden.
alexander.panossian@shi.se
Abstract
The aim of this review article is to assess the level of scientific evidence presented by clinical trials of adaptogens in fatigue, and to provide a rationale at the molecular level for verified effects. Strong scientific evidence is available for Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract, which improved attention, cognitive function and mental performance in fatigue and in chronic fatigue syndrome. Good scientific evidence has been documented in trails in which Schisandra chinensis and Eleutherococcus senticosus increased endurance and mental performance in patients with mild fatigue and weakness. Based on their efficacy in clinical studies, adaptogens can be defined as a pharmacological group of herbal preparations that increase tolerance to mental exhaustion and enhance attention and mental endurance in situations of decreased performance. The beneficial stress-protective effect of adaptogens is related to regulation of homeostasis via several mechanisms of action associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the control of key mediators of stress response such as molecular chaperons (e.g. Hsp70), stress-activated c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK1), Forkhead Box O transcription factor DAF-16, cortisol and nitric oxide (NO). The key point of action of phytoadaptogens appears to be their up-regulating and stress-mimetic effects on the "stress-sensor" protein Hsp70, which plays an important role in cell survival and apoptosis. Hsp70 inhibits the expression of NO synthase II gene and interacts with glucocorticoid receptors directly and via the JNK pathway, thus affecting the levels of circulating cortisol and NO. Prevention of stress-induced increase in NO, and the associated decrease in ATP production, results in increased performance and endurance. Adaptogen-induced up-regulation of Hsp70 triggers stress-induced JNK-1 and DAF-16-mediated pathways regulating the resistance to stress and resulting in enhanced mental and physical performance and, possibly, increased longevity.
J. Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Dec;95(2-3):447-53.
Effects of various Eleutherococcus senticosus cortex on swimming time, natural killer activity and corticosterone level in forced swimming stressed mice.
Kimura Y, Sumiyoshi M.
Second Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ehime University. Shigenobu-cho, Onsen-gun, Ehime 719-0295, Japan. yokim@m.ehine.u.ac.jp
Abstract
The cortex of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim. has been used extensively in Russia, China, Korea and Japan as an adaptogen whose properties are the ability to increase as non-specific body resistance to stress and fatigue. Although it has been reported that Eleutherococcus senticosus has anti-fatigue and anti-stress actions, their actions are still unclear on the relationship between immune system, especially natural killer (NK) activity and endocrine system (corticosterone level). We compared the effects of the water extracts (A, B, C, D and E) of five Eleutherococcus senticosus cortex on the swimming time, NK activity and blood corticosterone level using forced swimming stressed mice. Among five kinds, C, D and E extracts significantly prolonged the swimming time. C and D extracts inhibited the reduction of NK activity and the corticosterone elevation induced by forced swimming. The contents of eleutheroside E, isoflaxidin and eleutherosides B plus E were in the order C > D > E > B > A and C > E > D > A > B extracts, respectively. Therefore, it is suggested that eleutheroside E may be contributed to the anti-fatigue action, the recovery of the reduction of NK activity and the inhibition of corticosterone elevation induced by swimming stress.
Complement Ther Med. 2009 Jun;17(3):141-6. Epub 2009 Jan 23.
Myelophil, an extract mix of Astragali Radix and Salviae Radix, ameliorates chronic fatigue: a randomised, double-blind, controlled pilot study.
Cho JH, Cho CK, Shin JW, Son JY, Kang W, Son CG.East-West Cancer Center, Dunsan Oriental Hospital of Oriental Medical College of Daejeon University, Seo-gu, Daejeon, South Korea.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the anti-fatigue effects of Myelophil, an extract of a mix of Astragali Radix and Salviae Radix, which has been used to treat patients with chronic fatigue. SUBJECTS AND DESIGN: A randomised, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was performed with 36 adults who complained of chronic fatigue. The subjects were divided among a control group and low- and high-dose groups (3 or 6g of oral Myelophil per day, respectively) and were monitored for 4 weeks. Fatigue severity was subjectively characterised, and the expression of 42 cytokines was evaluated using an antibody array. RESULTS: Myelophil administration (3g per day) significantly decreased the fatigue severity score compared with the control (p<0.05). No changes were noted in cytokine expression.
CONCLUSIONS: Myelophil appears to have a pharmacological effect against fatigue, suggesting the clinical relevance of the traditional medicinal plants, Astragalus membranaceus and Salvia miltiorrhiza.
J Ethnopharmacol.2007 Aug 15;113(1):132-41. Epub 2007 May 31.
In vitro and in vivo immunomodulating and immunorestorative effects of Astragalus membranaceus.
Cho WC, Leung KN.
Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, SAR, China. chocs@ha.org.hk
Abstract
Astragalus membranaceus is a common traditional Chinese medicinal plant widely used as a tonic to enhance the body's natural defense mechanisms. In this study, bioactive fractions were isolated from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus. One of these fractions, designated as AI, was found to be the most potent with respect to its mitogenicity on murine splenocytes. Effects of AI on both specific and nonspecific immunity in mouse models were examined. Results showed that AI could exhibit mitogenic and co-mitogenic activities on mouse splenocytes, both in vitro and in vivo. Experiments in human cell culture demonstrated that AI was also active on human lymphocytes. It was found that AI was mitogenic to T cell depleted population but virtually inactive on B cell depleted population. Intraperitoneal injection of AI into mice markedly augmented the antibody response to sheep red blood cells. Besides, both the influx of macrophages into the peritoneal cavity and the phagocytic activity of macrophages were found to be enhanced by AI in vivo. On the other hand, AI could significantly increase the interleukin-2 receptor expression on mouse splenocytes in vitro. In terms of immunorestorative activity, it was found that AI could restore the lymphocyte blastogenic response of the older mice to values that are normally found in the younger mice. Moreover, dministration of AI in vivo could partially restore the depressed immune functions in tumour-bearing mice and cyclophosphamide-treated mice. Collectively, the results clearly showed that AI could exhibit immunomodulating and immunorestorative effects, both in vitro and in vivo.
Nature Rising™:
Male Sexual Vitality Tonic
Erectogenic and Neurotrophic Effects of Icariin, a Purified Extract of Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium spp.) In Vitro and In Vivo.
Shindel AW, Xin ZC, Lin G, Fandel TM, Huang YC, Banie L, Breyer BN, Garcia MM, Lin CS, Lue TF.
University of California Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory-Department of Urology, School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA.
J Sex Med. 2010 Feb 5.
ABSTRACT
Introduction. Epimedium species (aka horny goat weed) have been utilized for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in Traditional Chinese Medicine for many years. Icariin (ICA) is the active moiety of Epimedium species. Aim. To evaluate the penile hemodynamic and tissue effects of ICA in cavernous nerve injured rats.
We also studied the in vitro effects of ICA on cultured pelvic ganglia. Methods-Rats were subjected to cavernous nerve injury and subsequently treated for 4 weeks with daily gavage feedings of a placebo solution of normal saline and Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) vs. ICA dissolved in DMSO at doses of 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg. A separate group underwent a single dose of ICA 10 mg/kg 2 hours prior to functional testing. Functional testing with cavernous nerve stimulation and real-time assessment of intracavernous pressure (ICP) was performed at 4 weeks. After functional testing, penile tissue was procured for immunohistochemistry and molecular studies. In separate experiments, pelvic ganglia were excised from healthy rats and cultured in the presence of ICA, sildenafil, or placebo culture media. Main Outcome Measure. Ratio of ICP and area under the curve (AUC) to mean arterial pressure (MAP) during cavernous nerve stimulation of subject rodents. We also assayed tissue expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), eNOS: endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), calponin, and apoptosis via immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Differential length of neurite outgrowth was assessed in cultured pelvic ganglia. Results. Rats treated with low-dose ICA demonstrated significantly higher ICP/MAP and AUC/MAP ratios compared with control and single-dose ICA animals. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were revealing of significantly greater positivity for nNOS and calponin in penile tissues of all rats treated with ICA. ICA led to significantly greater neurite length in cultured specimens of pelvic ganglia. Conclusion. ICA may have neurotrophic effects in addition to known phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibiting effects. Shindel AW, Xin Z-C, Lin G, Fandel TM, Huang YC, Banie L, Breyer BN, Garcia MM, Lin C-S, and Lue TF. Erectogenic and neurotrophic effects of icariin, a purified extract of horny goat weed (Epimedium spp.) in vitro and in vivo.
Antifatigue activity of phenylethanoid-rich extract from Cistanche deserticola.
Cai RL, Yang MH, Shi Y, Chen J, Li YC, Qi Y.
Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China.
Phytotherapy Research. 2010 Feb;24(2):313-5.
Abstract
A phenylethanoid-rich extract (ECD) of Cistanche deserticola Y.C. Ma, a holoparasitic plant and a valuable traditional Chinese medicine, was evaluated for antifatigue activity in ICR mice. ECD (0.25, 0.50, 1.00 g/kg) was administered orally to mice for 3 weeks. The swimming time to exhaustion was longer in the treatment groups (0.50, 1.00 g/kg) than in the control group (p < 0.01). The serum creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and lactic acid levels were decreased significantly in the treatment groups compared with the control group, while the contents of hemoglobin and glucose were increased significantly. In conclusion, ECD appeared to enhance the swimming capacity of mice by decreasing muscle damage, delaying the accumulation of lactic acid and by improving the energy storage. These results provide scientific evidence for the traditional Chinese medical practice of C. deserticola.
Enhancement of ATP generation capacity, antioxidant activity and immunomodulatory activities by Chinese Yang and Yin tonifying herbs.
Ko KM, Leung HY.
Department of Biochemistry, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China. bcrko@ust.hk
Chinese Medicine. 2007 Mar 27;2:3.
Abstract
Chinese tonifying herbs such as herba cistanche, ganoderma and cordyceps, which possess antioxidant and/or immunomodulatory activities, can be useful in the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases. Pharmacological studies on Yang and Yin tonifying herbs suggest that Yang tonifying herbs stimulate mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation, presumably through the intermediacy of reactive oxidant species, leading to the enhancement of cellular/mitochondrial antioxidant status. Yin tonifying herbs, however, apart from possessing antioxidant properties, exert mainly immunomodulatory functions that may boost a weak immune system and may also suppress overreactive immune responses. The abilities of Yang and Yin Chinese tonifying herbs to enhance ATP generation and to exhibit antioxidant and/or immunomodulatory actions are the pharmacological basis for their beneficial effects on the retardation of aging.
A substance isolated from Cornus officinalis enhances the motility of human sperm.
Jeng H, Wu CM, Su SJ, Chang WC. Department of Anatomy, Taipei Medical College, Taiwan.
American Journal of Chinese Medicine 1997;25(3-4):301-6.
Abstract
The effects of a Chinese herb, Cornus officinalis, on the motility of human sperm was studied. An aqueous extract was prepared from the dried fruits of the herb and used in this study. The crude extract at a final concentration of 0.5 microgram/microliter in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.4) increased sperm motility from 25.8 +/- 7.7% to 42.8 +/- 10.3% (i.e. 68% increase, n = 7), as determined by the computer-aided-sperm-analysis (CASA) method. The crude extract was fractionated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) into four fractions: C1, C2, C3 and C4. Their effects on sperm motility were further studied by CASA. Only the C4 fraction showed substantial stimulatory effects on sperm motility. At a concentration of 5 ng/microliter, C4 increased the sperm motility from 15.7 +/- 3.8% to 34.5 +/- 6.4% (i.e. 120% increase, n = 6) by CASA and from 14.9 +/- 4.3 to 28.5 +/- 8.1 (i.e. 91% increase, n = 8) by transmembrane migration ratio (TMMR) method. This result suggests that C4 is the active component in Cornus officinalis that enhances sperm motility.
Lycium barbarum polysaccharides: Protective effects against heat-induced damage of rat testes and H2O2-induced DNA damage in mouse testicular cells and beneficial effect on sexual behavior and reproductive function of hemicastrated rats.
Luo Q, Li Z, Huang X, Yan J, Zhang S, Cai YZ.
College of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China.
Life Sci. 2006 Jul 10;79(7):613-21. Epub 2006 Mar 6.
Abstract
Lycium barbarum, a famous Chinese medicinal herb, has a long history of use as a traditional remedy for male infertility. Polysaccharides are the most important functional constituent in L. barbarum fruits. We systematically investigated the effect of L. barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on rat testis damage induced by a physical factor (43 degrees C heat exposure), on DNA damage of mouse testicular cells induced by a chemical factor (H2O2), and on sexual behavior and reproductive function of hemicastrated male rats. The results showed that LBP provided a protective effect against the testicular tissue damage induced by heat exposure. When compared with negative control, a suitable concentration of LBP significantly increased testis and epididymis weights, improved superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and raised sexual hormone levels in the damaged rat testes. LBP had a dose-dependent protective effect against DNA oxidative damage of mouse testicular cells induced by H2O2. LBP improved the copulatory performance and reproductive function of hemicastrated male rats, such as shortened penis erection latency and mount latency, regulated secretion of sexual hormones and increased hormone levels, raised accessory sexual organ weights, and improved sperm quantity and quality. The present findings support the folk reputation of L. barbarum fruits as an aphrodisiac and fertility-facilitating agent, and provide scientific evidence for a basis for the extensive use of L. barbarum fruits as a traditional remedy for male infertility in China.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2002 May;962:372-7.
Ginseng, sex behavior, and nitric oxide.
Murphy LL, Lee TJ.
Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University, School of Medicine, Carbondale, Illinois 62901, USA. lmurphy@siumed.edu
Abstract
In Asia, ginseng is commonly included in herbals used for the treatment of sexual dysfunction. Recent studies in laboratory animals have shown that both Asian and American forms of ginseng enhance libido and copulatory performance. These effects of ginseng may not be due to changes in hormone secretion, but to direct effects of ginseng, or its ginsenoside components, on the central nervous system and gonadal tissues. Indeed, there is good evidence that ginsenosides can facilitate penile erection by directly inducing the vasodilatation and relaxation of penile corpus cavernosum. Moreover, the effects of ginseng on the corpus cavernosum appear to be mediated by the release and/or modification of release of nitric oxide from endothelial cells and perivascular nerves. Treatment with American ginseng also affects the central nervous system and has been shown to significantly alter the activity of hypothalamic catecholamines involved in the facilitation of copulatory behavior and hormone secretion. Recent findings that ginseng treatment decreased prolactin secretion also suggested a direct nitric oxide-mediated effect of ginseng at the level of the anterior pituitary. Thus, animal studies lend growing support for the use of ginseng in the treatment of sexual dysfunction and provide increasing evidence for a role of nitric oxide in the mechanism of ginsenoside action. |
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