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Yang X, Wang M, Zhou Q, Bai Y, Liu J, Yang J, Li L, Li G, Luo L. Macamide B Pretreatment Attenuates Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Damage of Mice Induced Apoptosis and Regulates Autophagy via the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:2776-2798. [PMID: 35190953 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02751-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Lepidium meyenii (maca) is an annual or biennial herb from South America that is a member of the genus Lepidium L. in the family Cruciferae. This herb possesses antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities, enhances autophagy functions, prevents cell death, and protects neurons from ischemic damage. Macamide B, an effective active ingredient of maca, exerts a neuroprotective effect on neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD), but the mechanism underlying its neuroprotective effect is not yet known. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of macamide B on HIBD-induced autophagy and apoptosis and its potential neuroprotective mechanism. The modified Rice-Vannucci method was used to induce HIBD in 7-day-old (P7) macamide B- and vehicle-pretreated pups. TTC staining was performed to evaluate the cerebral infarct volume in pups, the brain water content was measured to evaluate the neurological function of pups, neurobehavioural testing was conducted to assess functional recovery after HIBD, TUNEL and FJC staining was performed to detect cellular autophagy and apoptosis, and Western blot analysis was used to detect the levels of proteins in the pro-survival phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway and autophagy and apoptosis-related proteins. Macamide B pretreatment significantly decreases brain damage and improves the recovery of neural function after HIBD. At the same time, macamide B pretreatment activates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway after HIBD, enhances autophagy, and reduces hypoxic-ischemic (HI)-induced apoptosis. In addition, 3-methyladenine (3-MA), an inhibitor of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, significantly inhibits the increase in autophagy levels, aggravates HI-induced apoptosis, and reverses the neuroprotective effect of macamide B on HIBD. Our data indicate that a macamide B pretreatment might regulate autophagy through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby reducing HIBD-induced apoptosis and exerting neuroprotective effects on neonatal HIBD. Macamide B may become a new drug for the prevention and treatment of HIBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Yang
- School of Biosciences & Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengxia Wang
- Intensive Care Unit, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhou
- School of Biosciences & Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanxian Bai
- School of Biosciences & Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Liu
- School of Biosciences & Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Junhua Yang
- School of Biosciences & Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixia Li
- School of Biosciences & Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoying Li
- School of Biosciences & Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China. .,Guangdong Medical Association, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Li Luo
- School of Biosciences & Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China. .,Guangdong Medical Association, Guangzhou, 510180, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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Auxtero MD, Chalante S, Abade MR, Jorge R, Fernandes AI. Potential Herb-Drug Interactions in the Management of Age-Related Cognitive Dysfunction. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:124. [PMID: 33478035 PMCID: PMC7835864 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13010124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Late-life mild cognitive impairment and dementia represent a significant burden on healthcare systems and a unique challenge to medicine due to the currently limited treatment options. Plant phytochemicals have been considered in alternative, or complementary, prevention and treatment strategies. Herbals are consumed as such, or as food supplements, whose consumption has recently increased. However, these products are not exempt from adverse effects and pharmacological interactions, presenting a special risk in aged, polymedicated individuals. Understanding pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions is warranted to avoid undesirable adverse drug reactions, which may result in unwanted side-effects or therapeutic failure. The present study reviews the potential interactions between selected bioactive compounds (170) used by seniors for cognitive enhancement and representative drugs of 10 pharmacotherapeutic classes commonly prescribed to the middle-aged adults, often multimorbid and polymedicated, to anticipate and prevent risks arising from their co-administration. A literature review was conducted to identify mutual targets affected (inhibition/induction/substrate), the frequency of which was taken as a measure of potential interaction. Although a limited number of drugs were studied, from this work, interaction with other drugs affecting the same targets may be anticipated and prevented, constituting a valuable tool for healthcare professionals in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria D. Auxtero
- CiiEM, Interdisciplinary Research Centre Egas Moniz, Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz, Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal; (M.D.A.); (S.C.); (M.R.A.); (R.J.)
| | - Susana Chalante
- CiiEM, Interdisciplinary Research Centre Egas Moniz, Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz, Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal; (M.D.A.); (S.C.); (M.R.A.); (R.J.)
| | - Mário R. Abade
- CiiEM, Interdisciplinary Research Centre Egas Moniz, Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz, Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal; (M.D.A.); (S.C.); (M.R.A.); (R.J.)
| | - Rui Jorge
- CiiEM, Interdisciplinary Research Centre Egas Moniz, Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz, Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal; (M.D.A.); (S.C.); (M.R.A.); (R.J.)
- Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, School of Agriculture, Quinta do Galinheiro, 2001-904 Santarém, Portugal
- CIEQV, Life Quality Research Centre, IPSantarém/IPLeiria, Avenida Dr. Mário Soares, 110, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal
| | - Ana I. Fernandes
- CiiEM, Interdisciplinary Research Centre Egas Moniz, Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz, Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, 2829-511 Caparica, Portugal; (M.D.A.); (S.C.); (M.R.A.); (R.J.)
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Beharry S, Heinrich M. Is the hype around the reproductive health claims of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) justified? JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 211:126-170. [PMID: 28811221 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Maca - Lepidium meyenii Walp. has been cultivated and used by Andean people for over 1300-2000 years in Peru as food and medicine. Starting in the late 1990's it has developed into an important herbal medicine in China and is now cultivated there widely, too AIM OF STUDY: This study aims to provide an insight into the emergence of maca on the global market as an alternative remedy to treat reproductive health related problems in both men and women and to critically assess these health claims. METHODOLOGY A search of electronic databases such as EMBASE and a hand-search was done to acquire peer-reviewed articles and reports about maca. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Lepidium meyenii is used traditionally as a tonic, fertility enhancer for both humans and cattle, and to treat a variety of ailments such as rheumatism, respiratory disorders and anaemia among others. Maca root is cooked, baked, fermented as a drink and made into porridge. In the last twenty years, maca was introduced onto the global market and demand has dramatically grown over this time with its promotion on the internet, as the 'Peruvian Ginseng' for libido and fertility enhancement. It has also been said to treat menopausal symptoms, erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia. The sky-rocketing demand for the plant has seen a shift from traditional cultivation methods to mass production practices with the use of fertilisers and also pesticides; as maca is now grown in areas other than the Andes such as in the Yunnan province in China. This can potentially affect the phytochemistry and composition of the plant and thus, the quality, safety and efficacy of maca products. Meanwhile, research into maca's medicinal properties has followed the spike in popularity of maca and has been focused mainly on maca's aphrodisiac and fertility enhancing properties. So far, the in vivo studies and clinical trials conducted have yielded inconclusive results. Some of the key limitations reside in methodology and sample size. Chemical profiling, led to the discovery of new compounds unique to maca, such as, 'macamides' and also other active metabolites like the glucosinolates; to which the medicinal effects of maca have been ascribed but cannot be confirmed due to lack of data. CONCLUSIONS To date, the health claims of maca cannot be fully supported from a scientific standpoint and more research is needed. It appears that the indigenous local knowledge about the health benefits of maca has been dragged out of context to fit the demands of a growing market for herbal remedies. This globalisation (or hype esp. in China) also has had serious consequences for the local producers in Peru. The lack of protocols to regulate the production and marketing of maca during this rapid expansion, poses a threat to both the safety of consumers and the sustainability of supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Beharry
- Research Cluster Biodiversity and Medicines/Research Group Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Sq., London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Heinrich
- Research Cluster Biodiversity and Medicines/Research Group Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Sq., London WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom.
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N-Butanol and Aqueous Fractions of Red Maca Methanolic Extract Exerts Opposite Effects on Androgen and Oestrogens Receptors (Alpha and Beta) in Rats with Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 2017:9124240. [PMID: 29375645 PMCID: PMC5742461 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9124240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) affects, worldwide, 50% of 60-year-old men. The Peruvian plant red maca (Lepidium meyenii) inhibits BPH in rodents. This study aimed to determine the effects of methanolic red maca extract and its n-butanol and aqueous fractions on expression of androgen and oestrogen receptors in rats with testosterone enanthate-induced BPH. Thirty-six rats in six groups were studied. Control group received 2 mL of vehicle orally and 0.1 mL of propylene glycol intramuscularly. The second group received vehicle orally and testosterone enanthate (TE) (25 mg/0.1 mL) intramuscularly in days 1 and 7. The other four groups were BPH-induced with TE and received, during 21 days, 3.78 mg/mL of finasteride, 18.3 mg/mL methanol extract of red maca, 2 mg/mL of n-butanol fraction, or 16.3 mg/mL of aqueous fraction from red maca. Treatments with red maca extract and its n-butanol but not aqueous fraction reduced prostate weight similar to finasteride. All maca treated groups restored the expression of ERβ, but only the aqueous fraction increased androgen receptors and ERα. In conclusion, butanol fraction of red maca reduced prostate size in BPH by restoring expression of ERβ without affecting androgen receptors and ERα. This effect was not observed with aqueous fraction of methanolic extract of red maca.
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Nuñez D, Olavegoya P, Gonzales GF, Gonzales-Castañeda C. Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii), a Plant from the Peruvian Highlands, Promotes Skin Wound Healing at Sea Level and at High Altitude in Adult Male Mice. High Alt Med Biol 2017; 18:372-383. [PMID: 28846044 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2017.0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuñez, Denisse, Paola Olavegoya, Gustavo F. Gonzales, and Cynthia Gonzales-Castañeda. Red maca (Lepidium meyenii), a plant from the Peruvian highlands, promotes skin wound healing at sea level and at high altitude in adult male mice. High Alt Med Biol 18:373-383, 2017.-Wound healing consists of three simultaneous phases: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Previous studies suggest that there is a delay in the healing process in high altitude, mainly due to alterations in the inflammatory phase. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a Peruvian plant with diverse biological properties, such as the ability to protect the skin from inflammatory lesions caused by ultraviolet radiation, as well as its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of high altitude on tissue repair and the effect of the topical administration of the spray-dried extract of red maca (RM) in tissue repair. Studies were conducted in male Balb/c mice at sea level and high altitude. Lesions were inflicted through a 10 mm-diameter excisional wound in the skin dorsal surface. Treatments consisted of either (1) spray-dried RM extract or (2) vehicle (VH). Animals wounded at high altitude had a delayed healing rate and an increased wound width compared with those at sea level. Moreover, wounding at high altitude was associated with an increase in inflammatory cells. Treatment with RM accelerated wound closure, decreased the level of epidermal hyperplasia, and decreased the number of inflammatory cells at the wound site. In conclusion, RM at high altitude generate a positive effect on wound healing, decreasing the number of neutrophils and increasing the number of macrophages in the wound healing at day 7 postwounding. This phenomenon is not observed at sea level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denisse Nuñez
- 1 Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia , Lima, Peru .,2 Research Circle on Plants with Effects on Health , Lima, Peru
| | - Paola Olavegoya
- 1 Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia , Lima, Peru .,2 Research Circle on Plants with Effects on Health , Lima, Peru
| | - Gustavo F Gonzales
- 1 Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia , Lima, Peru .,2 Research Circle on Plants with Effects on Health , Lima, Peru .,3 Laboratory of Endocrinology and Reproduction, Instituto de Investigaciones de la Altura , Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Cynthia Gonzales-Castañeda
- 1 Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia , Lima, Peru .,2 Research Circle on Plants with Effects on Health , Lima, Peru
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Zhou Y, Li P, Brantner A, Wang H, Shu X, Yang J, Si N, Han L, Zhao H, Bian B. Chemical profiling analysis of Maca using UHPLC-ESI-Orbitrap MS coupled with UHPLC-ESI-QqQ MS and the neuroprotective study on its active ingredients. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44660. [PMID: 28304399 PMCID: PMC5356334 DOI: 10.1038/srep44660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lepidium meyenii (Maca), originated from Peru, has been cultivated widely in China as a popular health care food. However, the chemical and effective studies of Maca were less in-depth, which restricted its application seriously. To ensure the quality of Maca, a feasible and accurate strategy was established. One hundred and sixty compounds including 30 reference standards were identified in 6 fractions of methanol extract of Maca by UHPLC-ESI-Orbitrap MS. Among them, 15 representative active compounds were simultaneously determined in 17 samples by UHPLC-ESI-QqQ MS. The results suggested that Maca from Yunnan province was the potential substitute for the one from Peru. Meanwhile, the neuroprotective effects of Maca were investigated. Three fractions and two pure compounds showed strong activities in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced zebrafish model. Among them, 80% methanol elution fraction (Fr5) showed significant neuroprotective activity, followed by 100% part (Fr6). The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) was a possible mechanism of its neuroprotective effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Zhou
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Li
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Adelheid Brantner
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Pharmacognosy, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Hongjie Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinbin Shu
- Shandong Rosemed Biopharm LTC, Yanzhou, Shandong province, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Si
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lingyu Han
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyu Zhao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Baolin Bian
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Inoue N, Farfan C, Gonzales GF. Effect of butanolic fraction of yellow and black maca (Lepidium meyenii
) on the sperm count of adult mice. Andrologia 2016; 48:915-21. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- N. Inoue
- Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences; Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy; Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Lima Peru
- Research Circle on Plants with effects on Health; Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Lima Peru
| | - C. Farfan
- Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences; Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy; Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Lima Peru
- Research Circle on Plants with effects on Health; Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Lima Peru
| | - G. F. Gonzales
- Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences; Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy; Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Lima Peru
- Research Circle on Plants with effects on Health; Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Lima Peru
- Instituto de Investigaciones de la Altura; Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Lima Peru
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Yi F, Tan XL, Yan X, Liu HB. In silico profiling for secondary metabolites from Lepidium meyenii (maca) by the pharmacophore and ligand-shape-based joint approach. Chin Med 2016; 11:42. [PMID: 27708692 PMCID: PMC5037646 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-016-0112-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lepidium meyenii Walpers (maca) is an herb known as a traditional nutritional supplement and widely used in Peru, North America, and Europe to enhance human fertility and treat osteoporosis. The secondary metabolites of maca, namely, maca alkaloids, macaenes, and macamides, are bioactive compounds, but their targets are undefined. METHODS The pharmacophore-based PharmaDB targets database screening joint the ligand shape similarity-based WEGA validation approach is proposed to predict the targets of these unique constituents and was performed using Discovery Studio 4.5 and PharmaDB. A compounds-targets-diseases network was established using Cytoscape 3.2. These suitable targets and their genes were calculated and analyzed using ingenuity pathway analysis and GeneMANIA. RESULTS Certain targets were identified in osteoporosis (8 targets), prostate cancer (9 targets), and kidney diseases (11 targets). This was the first study to identify the targets of these bioactive compounds in maca for cardiovascular diseases (29 targets). The compound with the most targets (46) was an amide alkaloid (MA-24). CONCLUSION In silico target fishing identified maca's traditional effects on treatment and prevention of osteoporosis, prostate cancer, and kidney diseases, and its potential function of treating cardiovascular diseases, as the most important of this herb's possible activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yi
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, 151 Malianwa N, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193 China ; Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Xiao-Lei Tan
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, 151 Malianwa N, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193 China ; Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Xin Yan
- Research Center for Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 East Circle at University City, Guangzhou, 510006 China
| | - Hai-Bo Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, 151 Malianwa N, Haidian District, Beijing, 100193 China ; Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100193 China
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Corazza O, Martinotti G, Santacroce R, Chillemi E, Di Giannantonio M, Schifano F, Cellek S. Sexual enhancement products for sale online: raising awareness of the psychoactive effects of yohimbine, maca, horny goat weed, and Ginkgo biloba. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:841798. [PMID: 25025070 PMCID: PMC4082836 DOI: 10.1155/2014/841798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The use of unlicensed food and herbal supplements to enhance sexual functions is drastically increasing. This phenomenon, combined with the availability of these products over the Internet, represents a challenge from a clinical and a public health perspective. METHODS A comprehensive multilingual assessment of websites, drug fora, and other online resources was carried out between February and July 2013 with exploratory qualitative searches including 203 websites. Additional searches were conducted using the Global Public Health Intelligence Network (GPHIN). Once the active constitutes of the products were identified, a comprehensive literature search was carried out using PsycInfo and PubMed. RESULTS The most common sexual enhancement products available on the Internet were identified. Their active ingredients included yohimbine, maca, horny goat weed and Ginkgo biloba. These four substances were reported with the occurrence of adverse events and the induction of psychological symptoms, such as mood changes, anxiety, and hallucinations as well as addictive behaviours. CONCLUSIONS Uncontrolled availability of sexual enhancement products that contain potentially harmful substances is a major public health concern. The possible impact on population health, particularly among subjects with psychiatric disorders, usually at risk for sexual dysfunction, may be significant. This new trend needs to be extensively studied and monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Corazza
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, University “G. d'Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Rita Santacroce
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
- Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, University “G. d'Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Eleonora Chillemi
- Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, University “G. d'Annunzio”, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Schifano
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK
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Ethnobiology and Ethnopharmacology of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a Plant from the Peruvian Highlands. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2011; 2012:193496. [PMID: 21977053 PMCID: PMC3184420 DOI: 10.1155/2012/193496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Revised: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 07/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lepidium meyenii (maca) is a Peruvian plant of the Brassicaceae family cultivated for more than 2000 years, which grows exclusively in the central Andes between 4000 and 4500 m altitude. Maca is used as a food supplement and also for its medicinal properties described traditionally. Since the 90s of the XX century, an increasing interest in products from maca has been observed in many parts of the world. In the last decade, exportation of maca from Peru has increased from 1,415,000 USD in 2001 to USD 6,170,000 USD in 2010. Experimental scientific evidence showed that maca has nutritional, energizer, and fertility-enhancer properties, and it acts on sexual dysfunctions, osteoporosis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, memory and learning, and protects skin against ultraviolet radiation. Clinical trials showed efficacy of maca on sexual dysfunctions as well as increasing sperm count and motility. Maca is a plant with great potential as an adaptogen and appears to be promising as a nutraceutical in the prevention of several diseases.
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Pino-Figueroa A, Nguyen D, Maher TJ. Neuroprotective effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca). Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1199:77-85. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.05174.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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