Spermicidal activity of an antifungal saponin obtained from the tropical herb Mollugo pentaphylla

A Brief History and Advancement of Contraceptive Multipurpose Prevention Technology (cMPT) Products

The high incidence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and an unmet need for modern contraception resulting in a high unintended pregnancy rate, are major problems in reproductive health. The concept of multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) was introduced following the failure of several leading microbicide candidates to prevent human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transmission in large clinical trials in the early 2000s. MPTs are defined as products designed to simultaneously prevent at least two of the following conditions: unintended pregnancy, HIV-1, or other major STIs. The goal of contraceptive MPT products (cMPTs) is to provide contraception and protection against one or more major STI pathogen (eg, HIV-1, herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2, Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea), Treponema pallidum (syphilis), Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis (Chlamydia). This new field has great potential and will benefit from lessons learned from the early microbicide trials. The cMPT field includes candidates representing various categories with different mechanisms of action including pH modifiers, polyions, microbicidal peptides, monoclonal antibodies, and other peptides that target specific reproductive and infectious processes. More preclinical research is being conducted to ensure minimal side effects and maximum efficacy in vivo. Effective proven and novel candidates are being combined to maximize efficacy, minimize side effects, and avoid drug resistance. More attention is being paid to acceptability and new delivery systems. cMPTs have a very promising future if adequate resources can be mobilized to sustain the effort from preclinical research to clinical trials to bring effective, acceptable, and affordable products to market.

Evaluation of spermicidal activity of saponosides from Saponaria officinalis/Caryophyllaceae, Glycyrrhizia glabra/Fabaceae and Herniaria glabra/Caryophyllaceae

Background and objective

Chemical spermicides currently marketed and widely used are known to have many side effects. Thereby, and in order to look for more tolerated natural spermicidal agents, the aim of this work was to evaluate the spermicidal potential of saponin extracts from the roots of Saponaria officinalis/Caryophyllaceae, Glycyrrhizia glabra/Fabaceae, and Herniaria glabra/Caryophyllaceae by studying their in vitro effects on sperm mobility and vitality.

Methods

Methanolic saponin extracts from the plants roots were performed. Sperm suspensions were prepared by centrifugation on a PureSperm® density gradient (70 and 45%) and incubated with various concentrations of saponin extracts (50, 250, 500 and 750 μg/mL) at 37°C. The spermicidal activity was evaluated by studying the mobility and vitality of spermatozoa at different time intervals ranging from 10 to 240 minutes.

Results

A dose and time dependent effect on sperm mobility and vitality was observed for our extracts.

Extracts from Saponaria officinalis roots induced an irreversible immobilization and a total non-viability of sperm within 10 minutes at a concentration of 750 μg/mL. A similar effect was observed within 30 minutes at 750 μg/mL for Herniaria glabra extract and within 90 minutes at 500 μg/ml for Glycyrrhizia glabra extract.

Conclusion

The results of our study showed that the saponin extracts of our plants roots possess potent in vitro dose and time dependant spermicidal effect. These natural products could therefore represent a safer and better tolerated alternative to chemical spermicides.

Rising trends towards the development of oral herbal male contraceptive: an insight review

Background

Acknowledging population control to be an essential step for global health promotes wide research study in the area of male contraception. Although there are a great number of synthetic contraceptives available in the market, they have plenty of adverse effects. Different potential strategies for male contraception were investigated over a long period time consisting of hormonal, chemical, and immunological interventions, although these methods showed good antifertility results with low failure rates relative to condoms.

Main text

This review is based upon the concept of herbal contraceptives which are an effective method for controlling the fertility of animals and humans. This review has highlighted herbal medicinal plants and plant extracts which have been reported to possess significant antifertility action in males. The review considers those plants which are used traditionally for their spermicidal and antispermatogenic activities and imbalance essential hormones for fertility purposes and plants with reported animal studies as well as some with human studies for antifertility effect along with their doses, chemical constituents, and mechanism of action of the antifertility effect of the plants. This review also explains the phases of sperm formation, hormone production, and the mechanism of male contraceptives.

Conclusion

As far as the relevance of the current review is discussed, it might be quite useful in generating monographs on plants and recommendations on their use. A lot of the plant species listed here might appear promising as effective alternative oral fertility-regulating agents in males. Therefore, significant research into the chemical and biological properties of such less-explored plants is still needed to determine their contraceptive efficacy and also to possibly define their toxic effects so that these ingredients can be utilized with confidence to regulate male fertility. The new inventions in this field are necessary to concentrate on modern, more potent drugs with less harmful content and that are self-administrable, less costly, and entirely reversible.

Anti-invasive effect of Cyclamen pseudibericum extract on A549 non-small cell lung carcinoma cells via inhibition of ZEB1 mediated by miR-200c

Scientists are increasingly focusing attention on natural products of plant origin for use as agents in cancer protection and treatment. Cyclamen L. tuber extracts contain saponin glycosides that have been shown to have anti-cancer and other biological activities. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is thought to enhance malignant tumour progress. The transcriptional repressor zinc-finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is an important inducer of EMT in different human tumours and has recently been shown to boost invasion by tumour cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of endemic Cyclamen pseudibericum (CP) saponin-rich tuber extract on the capacity of non-small cell lung cancer line A549 cells to proliferate, invade and migrate and also examined the expression levels of several invasion-migration-related microRNAs (miRNAs) to identify those which directly targeted ZEB1. The cytotoxicity effect of the CP extract on the A549 cancer cells was determined by the luminometric method. The half-minimal (50%) inhibitory concentration dose in the A549 cells was determined to be 41.64 ± 2.35 µg/mL. Using the Matrigel invasion chamber system and the wound healing assay we observed that the CP extract suppressed the invasion and migration capacity of A549 cells, respectively. The expression of miRNAs in A549 cells was evaluated by real-time PCR. Our data showed that overexpression of miRNA miR-200c hindered the EMT by increasing the expression of E-cadherin and decreasing the expression of both N-cadherin and vimentin through the direct targeting of ZEB1. These findings suggest that the saponin-rich tuber extract of CP may have considerable anti-cancer properties in lung cancer. Further studies are required to examine in detail the molecular-based mechanism involved in the EMT process of the extract along with isolation and identification of active saponin components.

Effects of Mollugo pentaphylla extract on monosodium urate crystal-induced gouty arthritis in mice

Background

Gout is an inflammatory condition induced by the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in joints and soft tissues, and it can lead to acute or chronic arthritis. MSU are pro-inflammatory stimuli that can initiate, amplify and sustain an intense inflammatory response. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of an extract of Mollugo pentaphylla (MPE) on MSU-induced gouty arthritis in a mouse model.

Method

An MSU crystal suspension (4 mg/50 μL) was injected intradermally into the right paw. The mice were orally administered MPE (150 mg/kg or 300 mg/kg) or the positive control drug colchicine (1 mg/kg) 1 h before the MSU crystals were injected and then once daily for 3 days. The effects of MPE included inflammatory paw edema and pain upon weight-bearing activity, and we evaluated the inflammatory cytokine expression and paw tissue inflammation-related gene expression.

Results

MPE suppressed inflammatory paw edema and pain in the MSU-induced mice. MPE showed anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the production of TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB.

Conclusion

These results suggest that MPE has potent anti-inflammatory activities and may be useful as a therapeutic agent against gouty arthritis.

Synthesis, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities, and structure-activity relationships of gypsogenin derivatives against human cancer cells

A series of gypsogenin (1) derivatives (1a-i) was synthesized in good yields, and the derivatives' structures were established using UV, IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, and LCMS spectroscopic data. Among the tested compounds, 1a, 1b, 1d, 1e, and gypsogenin (1) showed antimicrobial activities against Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus thrungiensis, with inhibition zones of 10-14 mm. In addition, compounds 1b, 1d, and 1e showed antimicrobial activities against Bacillus cereus, with inhibition zones of 9-14 mm. Using six human cancer cell lines in vitro, the cytotoxic activities of all tested compounds were determined by calculating the IC50 values. Doxorubicin and paclitaxel were used as controls. Among the tested compounds, 1a, 1c, and 1d had inhibitory effects with IC50 values of 3.9 μM (HL-60 cells), 5.15 μM (MCF-7 cells), and 5.978 μM (HL-60), respectively. To determine the type of cell death, Hoechst 33258 (HO) and propidium iodide (PI) double staining was used. Especially, gypsogenin (1) and compound 1a triggered the apoptotic mechanism at a concentration of 20 μM. Thus, gypsogenin (1) and compounds 1a, 1c, and 1d possess varying degrees of biological activities and can be considered as potential antitumor agents.

La contraception masculine « verte »: mythe ou réalité ?

Le refus des solutions « chimiques », souvent jugées suspectes, mène un nombre croissant de contemporains à rechercher une alternative naturelle chaque fois qu’elle existe. Le domaine médical — et en particulier celui qui concerne la reproduction — échappe d’autant moins à cette aspiration qu’il s’y trouve des bases historiques multimillénaires. Il a également des justifications économiques dans tous les pays où l’accès aux médicaments est problématique, sinon illusoire. La contraception masculine n’est pas oubliée dans ce contexte; en particulier dans les pays émergents où la natalité élevée pose un problème de société. Des principes actifs extraits de plantes ont fait — et font encore-l’objet de recherches très circonstanciées. Il existe de bonnes raisons de penser que des solutions existent dans ce registre. Des tests menés in vivo chez l’animal (surtout), mais aussi in vitro sur des spermatozoïdes isolés concluent à l’existence d’effets centraux, périphériques ou spermicides significatifs. Les vertus thérapeutiques souvent multiples des plantes concernées mènent toutefois à rester vigilants pour ne pas associer, en cas d’utilisation systémique, un effet secondaire indésirable à l’effet contraceptif recherché.

In vitro determination of the contraceptive spermicidal activity of essential oil of Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague ex Turrill fruits

This study was conducted to determine the spermicidal and contraceptive efficacy of essential oil of Trachyspermum ammi on human sperm in vitro. Chemical compositions of the oil were analyzed by GC-MS. Nearly 30 compounds representing 91.39% of the total oil were identified. The minimum effective dose (MED) of essential oil of T. ammi that induced instant immobilization of human spermatozoa in vitro was 125 μg/mL. The motility was also irreversible. All of the human sperms were found to be non viable within 10 min at this concentration. The activity of acrosomal enzyme was reduced and a significant releases of 5'-nucleotidase into the surrounding medium was noted after treatment with MED concentration of essential oil, indicating the plasma membrane degradation of the sperm. The maximum number of human sperm failed to decondense when treated with MED concentration of essential oil. The morphological deformities of sperm plasma membrane were evidenced by SEM, which showed vaculation, detachment of heads and tail coiling. The present research indicates that essential oil of T. ammi possesses appreciable spermicidal potential, which may be explored as an effective constituent of vaginal contraceptive.

[Sperm immobilizing effect of leaves extracts of Cestrum parqui]

OBJECTIVE

The leaves extracts of Cestrum parqui were reported to have spermicidal activity. The current investigation identified the spermicidal component of the extracts and evaluated its spermicidal potential in vitro, particularly the effects on sperm motility and vitality.

METHODS

Sperms were prepared by discontinuous buoyant density gradient centrifugation and incubated with varying concentrations of extract from C. parqui (40-250 μg/ml) at 37°C and 5% CO(2). The mode of spermicidal action was evaluated by sperm motility and vitality at different intervals ranging from 5 to 240 minutes. Morphological changes in human spermatozoa after exposure to the extract were evaluated under transmission electron microscope.

RESULTS

A dose- and time-dependent effect of this extract on sperm motility and viability was observed. The mean effective concentration of extracts that induced irreversible immobilization was 250 μg/ml. Transmission electron microscope revealed a significant damage to sperm membrane in head and acrosomal membranes, notable swelling and disruption.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that this natural extract has potential spermicidal effect in vitro. It can adequately replace nonoxynol-9 in vaginal contraceptives to make them more vaginally safe and ecofriendly.

Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of Jeju medicinal plants against acne-inducing bacteria

Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis are pus-forming bacteria that trigger inflammation in acne. The present study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of Jeju medicinal plants against these etiologic agents of acne vulgaris. Ethanol extracts of Jeju plants were tested for antimicrobial activities by disc diffusion and broth dilution methods. The results from the disc diffusion assays revealed that four medicinal plants, Mollugo pentaphylla, Angelica anomala, Matteuccia orientalis, and Orixa japonica inhibited the growth of both pathogens. Among these, A. anomala had strong inhibitory effects. Its MIC values were 15.6 microg/ml and 125 microg/ml against P. acnes and S. epidermidis, respectively. The cytotoxic effects of the four extracts were determined by colorimetric MTT assays using two animal cell lines: human dermal fibroblasts and HaCaT cells. Although the M. orientalis root extract had moderate cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells at 200 microg/ml, most extracts exhibited low cytotoxicity at 200 microg/ml in both cell lines. In addition, the extracts reduced the P. acnes-induced secretion of interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in THP-1 cells, an indication of their anti-inflammatory effects. Based on these results, we suggest that M. pentaphylla, A. anomala, M. orientalis, and O. japonica are attractive acne-mitigating candidates for topical application.

Spermicidal activity of extract from Cestrum parqui

OBJECTIVE

The leaf extract of Cestrum parqui was examined for its effects on sperm motility in vitro.

METHODS

Washed sperm were prepared by discontinuous buoyant density gradient centrifugation and incubated with varying concentrations of extract from C. parqui (40-250 microg/mL) at 37 degrees C and 5% CO(2). Sperm motility and viability were assessed at different intervals ranging from 5 to 240 min. Morphological changes in human ejaculated spermatozoa after exposure to the extract were evaluated under transmission electron microscope.

RESULTS

A dose- and time-dependent effect of this extract on sperm motility and viability was observed. The maximal spermicidal effect was observed with a 250-microg/mL dose of the extract. Transmission electron microscope revealed a significant damage to sperm membrane in both head and acrosomal membranes, notable swelling and disruption.

CONCLUSION

The present study indicates that this natural extract has potential spermicidal effect in vitro.

Chenopodium album seed extract: a potent sperm-immobilizing agent both in vitro and in vivo

PURPOSE

Aqueous decoction of Chenopodium album seeds (CAD) was assessed for its sperm-immobilizing and contraceptive efficacy in laboratory mammals.

METHOD

Spermicidal efficacy was evaluated in vitro by a modified Sander-Cramer test. The mode of spermicidal action was assessed by (a) supravital and double fluoroprobe staining of sperm, (b) hypoosmotic swelling tests and (c) transmission electron microscopy. Contraceptive efficacy was evaluated by intrauterine and vaginal application of CAD in rats and rabbits, respectively, followed by their mating and evaluation of pregnancy outcomes.

RESULTS

The minimum effective concentration of CAD that induced instantaneous immobilization of rat spermatozoa in vitro was 2 mg/mL. The mechanism of CAD action involved disintegration of sperm plasma membrane and dissolution of acrosomal cap causing sperm death. Fertilization of oocytes and establishment of implantation were prevented in the uterine horn that was administered with CAD, while these events occurred unhindered in the untreated contralateral side. In rabbit, intravaginal application of CAD significantly blocked the establishment of pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

CAD possesses appreciable spermicidal potential, which may be explored as an effector constituent of vaginal contraceptive.

Curcumin: a potential vaginal contraceptive

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the sperm-immobilizing effects of curcumin, a plant-derived diferuloylmethane compound. Washed human healthy sperm were suspended in Ham's F10 and exposed to varying concentrations of curcumin. Sperm motility was evaluated and changes in sperm mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP) was quantified by flow cytometry. Incubation of normal human sperm with curcumin resulted in a dose- and time-dependent loss of sperm motility. At lower concentrations (30 g/mL), curcumin produced a significant (20%) decrease in sperm motility within 30 min without significant effects on sperm viability. An instantaneous (>50%) loss of sperm motility was observed with higher concentrations (300 g/mL) of curcumin and a total loss of sperm motility was achieved within 60 min. A significant reduction in sperm MTP was found with all doses of curcumin tested. Our results indicate that curcumin has a selective sperm-immobilizing effect, in addition to a previously studied anti-HIV property. This compound may have potential clinical applications as a novel intravaginal spermicidal agent for contraception and HIV prevention.

Immunomodulatory activity of Mollugo verticillata L

This article describes the evaluation of immunomodulatory activity of Mollugo verticillata L. (Molluginaceae), a weed plant common in warm and/or wet regions of the American continent. Nitric oxide (NO) release was evaluated in mice peritoneal cell cultures treated in vivo using the ethanolic extract of M. verticillata with and without BCG. The plant extract showed immunostimulatory activity when peritoneal cells were stimulated in vitro with BCG antigen only. However, mice peritoneal cells treated with M. verticillata plus BCG showed a drastic reduction in NO production when they received the additional stimulus in vitro with BCG. Ethanolic extracts of M. verticillata could directly increase NO release by peritoneal cells, but suppress the immune response of these cells when treated with BCG antigen and Mycobacterium tuberculosis whole antigen (TB). Preliminary phytochemical tests allowed the detection of quercetin and triterpenoid glycosides in the ethanolic extract of M. verticillata, and those compounds are probably responsible for the effect of this plant material on the immune system.

Spermicidal activity of seed oil of Pongamia glabra

The medicinal properties of seed oil of Pongamia glabra are well known in traditional Indian medicine. It has antimicrobial activity against several organisms. It is used in the treatment of herpes and scabies and, systemically, it is also used in the treatment of dyspepsia with sluggish liver. The present study demonstrates that in vitro, Pongamia oil has strong spermicidal activity.

Spermicidal activity of Magainins: in vitro and in vivo studies

Spermicidal efficacy of two synthetic antimicrobial peptides, viz. Magainin-A (Mag-A) and Magainin-G (Mag-G), have been studied under in vitro condition using rat and human spermatozoa. The data showed that sperm motility was inhibited with various concentrations of Magainins at different intervals ranging from 20 to 480 seconds as compared to controls. The minimum concentration of Mag-A required to immobilize spermatozoa (40-60 x 10(6)/ml of saline) within 20 seconds was found to be 100 micrograms in rat and 200 micrograms in human. The action of Mags on sperm motility was observed to be dose-dependent. The activity of Mag-A was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than Mag-G (P < 0.05). The in vivo studies in rats indicated that Mag-A when applied intravaginally, on the day of estrus, at the dose level of 200 micrograms, for five consecutive estrous cycles, induced no abnormalities either in the length of estrous cycle or in morphology of vaginal epithelial cells. When Mag-A was applied intravaginally before mating on the proestrusestrus day, complete arrest of sperm motility with 200 micrograms concentration was observed and none of these treated females conceived after the mating. In view of these facts, it is suggested that Mag-A, having anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and spermicidal activities, could be a potent vaginal contraceptive.