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Mekkawy MH, Abdou FY, Ali MM, Abd-ElRaouf A. A novel approach of using Maca root as a radioprotector in a rat testicular damage model focusing on GRP78/CHOP/Caspase-3 pathway. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 755:109963. [PMID: 38518815 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the effectiveness of ionizing radiation in treating cancer, it can damage healthy tissues in the vicinity. Due to the high radio-sensitivity of testicular tissues, radiation therapy may affect spermatogenesis, which may result in infertility. Hence, in this study testicular damage model is constructed to investigate the mitigation effect of Maca root powder and its potential radioprotective activity through both oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stresses, besides the apoptotic pathway. METHODS Male albino rats were exposed to 6Gy of whole-body gamma radiation single dose. Maca root powder (1 g/kg b.wt./day, by oral gavage) was administered for a week before irradiation, then d-galactose (300 mg/kg, by oral gavage) and Maca daily for another week. RESULTS Gamma radiation and d-galactose revealed a significant decrease in serum testosterone, sperm count, and motility and higher percentage of the sperm head abnormality, while Maca root treatment maintained all sperm morphology parameters. Maca root treatment demonstrated a notable defense against radiation-induced oxidative stress and ameliorated malonaldehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) levels, reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and the ratio of GSH/GSSG in testis tissues. Exposure to gamma rays and d-galactose displayed a significant elevation in GRP78, CHOP, total caspase-3 as well as active (cleaved) caspase-3 levels, whereas treatment with Maca significantly reduced the ER and apoptotic markers levels. Also, Maca improved the histological changes of the disorganized seminiferous tubules induced by irradiation. CONCLUSION Our findings show for the first time that Maca has a protective effect on male reproductive damage induced by radiotherapy. Maca root reveals anti-apoptotic effect and protection against testicular damage via GRP78/CHOP/caspase-3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai H Mekkawy
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Fatma Y Abdou
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Maha M Ali
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Amira Abd-ElRaouf
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt.
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Minich DM, Ross K, Frame J, Fahoum M, Warner W, Meissner HO. Not All Maca Is Created Equal: A Review of Colors, Nutrition, Phytochemicals, and Clinical Uses. Nutrients 2024; 16:530. [PMID: 38398854 PMCID: PMC10892513 DOI: 10.3390/nu16040530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Maca (Lepidium meyenii, Lepidium peruvianum) is part of the Brassicaceae family and grows at high altitudes in the Peruvian Andes mountain range (3500-5000 m). Historically, it has been used as a nutrient-dense food and for its medicinal properties, primarily in enhancing energy and fertility. Scientific research has validated these traditional uses and other clinical applications by elucidating maca's mechanisms of action, nutrition, and phytochemical content. However, research over the last twenty years has identified up to seventeen different colors (phenotypes) of maca. The color, hypocotyl size, growing location, cultivation, and post-harvest processing methods can have a significant effect on the nutrition content, phytochemical profile, and clinical application. Yet, research differentiating the colors of maca and clinical applications remains limited. In this review, research on the nutrition, phytochemicals, and various colors of maca, including black, red, yellow (predominant colors), purple, gray (lesser-known colors), and any combination of colors, including proprietary formulations, will be discussed based on available preclinical and clinical trials. The gaps, deficiencies, and conflicts in the studies will be detailed, along with quality, safety, and efficacy criteria, highlighting the need for future research to specify all these factors of the maca used in publications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna M. Minich
- Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine, Adjunct Faculty, University of Western States, Portland, OR 97213, USA
- Food & Spirit, LLC, Port Orchard, WA 98366, USA
- Symphony Natural Health, Inc., West Valley City, UT 84119, USA; (K.R.); (M.F.); (W.W.)
- Symphony Natural Health Institute, West Valley City, UT 84119, USA
| | - Kim Ross
- Symphony Natural Health, Inc., West Valley City, UT 84119, USA; (K.R.); (M.F.); (W.W.)
- Symphony Natural Health Institute, West Valley City, UT 84119, USA
- Kim Ross Consulting, LLC, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211, USA
- College of Nutrition, Sonoran University of Health Sciences, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA
| | - James Frame
- Symphony Natural Health Holdings Inc., Craigmuir Chambers, Road Town, Tortola VG1110, (BVI), UK;
- Natural Health International Pty Ltd., Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Mona Fahoum
- Symphony Natural Health, Inc., West Valley City, UT 84119, USA; (K.R.); (M.F.); (W.W.)
- Meridian Medicine, Seattle, WA 98133, USA
- Bastyr Center for Natural Health, Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA 98028, USA
| | - Wendy Warner
- Symphony Natural Health, Inc., West Valley City, UT 84119, USA; (K.R.); (M.F.); (W.W.)
- Wendy Warner, MD, PC, Yardley, PA 19067, USA
| | - Henry O. Meissner
- National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Building J, 158-160 Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Therapeutic Research, TTD International Pty Ltd., 39 Leopard Ave., Elanora-Gold Coast, QLD 4221, Australia
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Purnomo KA, Korinek M, Tsai YH, Hu HC, Wang YH, Backlund A, Hwang TL, Chen BH, Wang SW, Wu CC, Chang FR. Decoding Multiple Biofunctions of Maca on Its Anti-allergic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-thrombotic, and Pro-angiogenic Activities. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:11856-11866. [PMID: 34590863 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c03485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Four active partition layers and ten isolates, including (5R)- and (5S)-macapyrrolidone A (1a, 1b), and four new alkaloids, (5R)- and (5S)-macapyrrolidone B (2a, 2b) and macapyrrolins D, E (3, 4), were isolated from maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.), an indigenous food plant from Peru. Derived from the n-hexane layer, the macamide-rich fraction exhibited pro-angiogenic activity on EPC and HUVEC cells. Anti-thrombotic activity was displayed by the polar part of maca extracts (n-butanol and water layers). Both 75% methanol aq. (midlower polar part) and n-hexane (low polar part) layers, which showed signs of fatty acid content, markedly inhibited superoxide and elastase release in an anti-inflammatory assay. The 75% methanol aq. layer showed strong anti-allergic activity, and macapyrrolin A (5) was found active based on β-hexosaminidase release inhibition assays and a ChemGPS-NP experiment. These valuable bioactivity results suggest that maca is a food plant with good benefits for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartiko Arif Purnomo
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Michal Korinek
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, and Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 33303, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hong Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Chun Hu
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsuan Wang
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Anders Backlund
- Research Group Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 574, S-75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tsong-Long Hwang
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, and Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 33303, Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital 33305 Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Hung Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Wei Wang
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City 25245, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City 25245, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Chung Wu
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City 25245, Taiwan
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Rong Chang
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
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4
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Melnikovova I, Russo D, Fait T, Kolarova M, Tauchen J, Kushniruk N, Falabella R, Milella L, Fernández Cusimamani E. Evaluation of the effect of Lepidium meyenii Walpers in infertile patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Phytother Res 2021; 35:6359-6368. [PMID: 34585449 PMCID: PMC9293450 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility refers to the inability to conceive a natural pregnancy in a fertile female, and approximately 15% of reproductive‐aged couples worldwide face this problem. Several plants were used to treat fertility disorders and, among them, Lepidium meyenii, a folk medicament of Andean regions, is still used to enhance vitality and treat sterility in humans and domestic animals. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of L. meyenii Walpers on infertile patients by a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Fifty patients suffering from various reproductive‐related problems were enrolled for 16 weeks to evaluate the effect of yellow maca on semen quality and serum hormone levels. Treatment with maca improved the percentage of sperm concentration by 40%, whereas the placebo improved by 76% after 8 and 16 weeks of treatment, but the results were statistically non‐significant. No statistically significant change in hormone levels was reported by using maca, except a decrease in the level of free testosterone. Results are not sufficient to assess the efficacy of maca on male fertility. Further investigation and trials are required to obtain conclusive results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Melnikovova
- Department of Crop Sciences and Agroforestry, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Daniela Russo
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy.,Spinoff BioActiPlants.r.l., Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Tomas Fait
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Kolarova
- Department of Agroecology and Biometeorology, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Tauchen
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Nataliya Kushniruk
- First Medical Faculty of Charles University Prague, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Roberto Falabella
- Urology Unit, San Carlo Hospital, Via Potito Petrone, Potenza, Italy
| | - Luigi Milella
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Eloy Fernández Cusimamani
- Department of Crop Sciences and Agroforestry, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague 6, Czech Republic
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5
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Chen R, Wei J, Gao Y. A review of the study of active components and their pharmacology value in Lepidium meyenii (Maca). Phytother Res 2021; 35:6706-6719. [PMID: 34533247 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lepidium meyenii (Maca) contains several active components, including alkaloids, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, polysaccharides, polyphenols, and sterols, which make it have the traditional therapeutic uses. In this paper, we summarized the analytical progress of the active components associated with alkaloids, polysaccharides, glucosinolates, sterols, free fatty acids, flavonoids, and natural phenols in Maca by mass spectrometry (MS). Due to the effect of color and type on active components in Maca, we summarized the study of quality evaluation about Maca according to the type and the content of active components such as glucosinolates, essential oils, macamides, and macaenes by MS. Additionally, the research on the change of active components in Maca at different growth stages by MS will be beneficial to full utilization of active components in Maca and other natural resources. We reviewed the study in the visible distribution of amino acids, amide alkaloids, imidazolium alkaloids, and saccharides in Maca by imaging mass spectrometry (IMS). We also reviewed the pharmacology value associated with improvement of reproductive function, anti-stress response, anti-osteoporosis, antitumor activity, clinical research and toxicity of Maca, and so forth. Nevertheless, due to individual differences and limitations of the subjects, further high-quality studies are needed to confirm the clinical efficacy of the plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
| | - Jinchao Wei
- Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yumei Gao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
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6
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Vásquez-Velásquez C, Gasco M, Fano-Sizgorich D, Gonzales GF. Inflammatory pathway employed by Red Maca to treat induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13516. [PMID: 31989657 DOI: 10.1111/and.13516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a pathology characterised by an increase in prostate size associated with low urinary tract symptoms. Finasteride (F), a 5a-reductase inhibitor, is the standard treatment for BPH reducing prostate weight but also sexual desire. The Peruvian plant known as Red Maca (RM) (Lepidium meyenii) inhibits BPH in rats and mice. The aim of the study was to assess the inflammatory effect of RM and finasteride in rats with testosterone enanthate (TE)-induced BPH. Thirty rats were divided into 5 groups: Control, TE (50 mg/rat), TE + F (0.6 mg/kg), and two groups of TE + RM 40/80 (40 or 80 mg). After treatments, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFa), interleukin 4 (IL4) and interferon gamma (INFg) as well as testosterone and oestradiol were evaluated and inflammatory cells (neutrophils, mast cells and lymphocytes) in prostate were quantified. Red Maca and finasteride treatments decreased inflammatory cells counts in prostate, inhibiting TNFa by different pathways. Finasteride increased IL4 whereas Red Maca increased INFg. In conclusion, data suggest that finasteride acts on Th2 response by increasing IL4 in prostate, while Red Maca acts on Th1 response mediated by INFg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinthya Vásquez-Velásquez
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Reproduction, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.,Altitude Research Institute, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Manuel Gasco
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Reproduction, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.,Altitude Research Institute, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Diego Fano-Sizgorich
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Reproduction, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.,Altitude Research Institute, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Gustavo F Gonzales
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Reproduction, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.,Altitude Research Institute, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Tafuri S, Cocchia N, Vassetti A, Carotenuto D, Esposito L, Maruccio L, Avallone L, Ciani F. Lepidium meyenii (Maca) in male reproduction. Nat Prod Res 2019; 35:4550-4559. [PMID: 31805775 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2019.1698572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lepidium meyenii (Maca) is an edible root plant that grows in the Andean region of Peru. For centuries, the plant has been used as a dietary supplement for its nutritional and therapeutic properties. Maca are rich in high value nutritional elements and secondary metabolites (macaridine, macamides and glucosinolates) with high biological activity. Several studies demonstrated various biological effects of Maca mainly in the field of fertility. The aim of this review is to summarize the state of knowledge on the properties of Maca on male reproduction. Literature data was performed in PubMed with researches published from 2000 to 2019. The research showed results related to the effects of Maca on the quality and quantity of the semen, sexual behaviour and disorders of the male genital tract. Despite the numerous studies carried out on different animal species, further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms of action of Maca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Tafuri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Natascia Cocchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anastasia Vassetti
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council, Portici (Na), Italy
| | - Domenico Carotenuto
- Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, UNMSM, Universidad Nacional Mayor San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Luigi Esposito
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucianna Maruccio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Avallone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Ciani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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8
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Chemical composition and health effects of maca (Lepidium meyenii). Food Chem 2019; 288:422-443. [PMID: 30902313 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.02.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walpers) has emerged as a popular functional plant food due to various claimed health effects. This review details the major (i.e., starch, dietary fiber, and protein) and minor constituents (i.e., minerals, non-starch polysaccharides, polyphenols (flavonolignans), macaenes, macamides, glucosinolates, and alkaloids) of maca (root and aerial parts). Diverse health effects of maca are also summarized. Various bioactivities of maca include enhanced reproductive health, antifatigue, antioxidation, neuroprotection, antimicrobial activity, anticancer, hepatoprotection, immunomodulation, and improving skin health and digestive system's function. Plant genetics, botanical parts, processing, extraction, and experimental protocols represent the major factors affecting the chemical composition, physicochemical attributes, and health effects of maca-based products. However, clinical studies to support the claimed health effects of maca and related mechanisms appear to be lacking. Product innovation and diversification in food and non-food utilization of different parts of maca to maximize the value perceptions are suggested.
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Shang R, Yang P, Wang B, Zhao Z. Transcriptome analysis of maca ( Lepidium meyenii) root at different developmental stages. APPLICATIONS IN PLANT SCIENCES 2018; 6:e01206. [PMID: 30598864 PMCID: PMC6303156 DOI: 10.1002/aps3.1206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE OF THE STUDY Maca (Lepidium meyenii; Brassicaceae) has been cultivated by Andeans for thousands of years as a food source and has been used for medicinal purposes. However, little is known about the mechanism underlying material accumulation during plant growth. METHODS RNA-Seq technology was used to compare the transcriptome of black maca root at three developmental stages. Gene Ontology term enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were applied for the identification of pathways in which differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched. RESULTS Trinity was used to de novo assemble the reads, and 120,664 unigenes were assembled. Of these, 71.53% of the unigenes were annotated based on BLAST. A total of 18,321 differentially expressed genes were observed. Gene Ontology term enrichment analysis found that the most highly represented pathway among the differentially expressed genes was for genes involved in starch and sucrose metabolism. We also found that genes involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis, such as glucosinolate biosynthesis, were significantly enriched. DISCUSSION The genes that were differentially expressed between developmental time points likely reflect both developmental pathways and responses to changes in the environment. As such, the transcriptome data in this study serve as a reference for subsequent mining of genes that are involved in the synthesis of important bioactive components in maca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui‐Guang Shang
- Research Institute of Resource InsectsChinese Academy of ForestryKunming650224YunnanPeople's Republic of China
| | - Pu Yang
- Research Institute of Resource InsectsChinese Academy of ForestryKunming650224YunnanPeople's Republic of China
| | - Bing‐Yi Wang
- Research Institute of Resource InsectsChinese Academy of ForestryKunming650224YunnanPeople's Republic of China
| | - Zun‐Ling Zhao
- Research Institute of Resource InsectsChinese Academy of ForestryKunming650224YunnanPeople's Republic of China
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10
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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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11
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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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Wang YR, Xu Y, Jiang ZZ, Zhang LY, Wang T. Triptolide reduces prostate size and androgen level on testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in Sprague Dawley rats. Chin J Nat Med 2017; 15:341-346. [PMID: 28558869 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(17)30054-7] [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] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an age-related disease of unknown etiology, characterized by prostatic enlargement coincident with distinct alterations in tissue histology. In the present study, we investigated whether triptolide can prevent testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia in rats. Castration was performed via the scrotal route after urethane aesthesia. BPH was induced in experimental groups by daily subcutaneous injections of testosterone propionate (TP) for two weeks. Triptolide was administered daily by oral gavage at a dose of 100 and 50 μg·kg-1 for 2 weeks, along with the TP injections. On day 14, the animals were humanely killed by cervical dislocation after aesthesia. Prostates were excised, weighed, and used for histological studies. Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in serum and prostate were measured. The results showed that triptolide significantly reduced the prostate weight, and the testosterone and DHT levels in both the serum and prostate. Histopathological examination also showed that triptolide treatment suppressed TP-induced prostatic hyperplasia. In conclusion, triptolide effectively inhibits the development of BPH induced by testosterone in a rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Rong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuan Xu
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Zhen-Zhou Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening and Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lu-Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening and Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Tao Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening and Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Buncharoen W, Saenphet K, Saenphet S, Thitaram C. Uvaria rufa Blume attenuates benign prostatic hyperplasia via inhibiting 5α-reductase and enhancing antioxidant status. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 194:483-494. [PMID: 27732901 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Traditional medicine has used Uvaria rufa Blume as an ethnomedicinal plant for treating fever, skin allergies, intestinal ulcers and prostate disorders including BPH. However, no scientific evidence supports the traditional use. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of U. rufa on BPH using in vitro and in vivo models. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vitro studies screened the efficacy of a 5α-reductase (5αR) inhibition and antioxidant activity of petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol and aqueous extracts from the stem of U. rufa. Phytochemical screening was performed to determine the active compound using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ethyl acetate extract (UR-EtOAc) of U. rufa was used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy in vivo models. BPH was induced by subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate (3mg/kg) to male rats for 30 days. After 30 days of oral administration of UR-EtOAc at doses of 10 and 20mg/kg and finasteride at a dose of 1mg/kg, the prostate weight, prostate index (PI), testosterone and androgen receptor (AR) levels, and histopathological alteration of prostate gland were determined. Also, oxidative status and toxicity indices were assessed. RESULTS UR-EtOAc exhibited the highest potency of inhibition of 5αR and possessed potent antioxidants rich in phenolics and flavonoids contents. The active compound analyzed by HPLC was β-sitosterol. In vivo results show a significant reduction in prostate weight, PI, and AR in all treated groups when compared to the BPH model group (P<0.001). Also, the UR-EtOAc and finasteride treated groups had increased prostatic and serum testosterone levels when compared to the BPH model group. A histopathological investigation of the prostate glands supported the above results. UR-EtOAc elevated the antioxidant enzymes and reduced the malondialdehyde level in BPH-induced rats. Moreover, treatment of UR-EtOAc at all doses had no toxic effects on the vital organs and serum biochemical indices. CONCLUSIONS UR-EtOAc from the stem of Uvaria rufa Blume appears to have the potential as a phytotherapeutic agent in the management of BPH, which provides the scientific evidence for traditional use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wararut Buncharoen
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
| | - Kanokporn Saenphet
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
| | - Supap Saenphet
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
| | - Chatchote Thitaram
- Department of Companion Animal and Wildlife Clinical Small Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
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Díaz P, Cardenas H, Orihuela PA. Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii
) did not affect cell viability despite increased androgen receptor and prostate-specific antigen gene expression in the human prostate cancer cell line LNCaP. Andrologia 2016; 48:922-6. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- P. Díaz
- Laboratorio de Inmunología de la Reproducción; Facultad de Química y Biología; Universidad de Santiago de Chile; Santiago Chile
- Centro para el Desarrollo en Nanociencia y Nanotecnología-CEDENNA; Santiago Chile
| | - H. Cardenas
- Laboratorio de Inmunología de la Reproducción; Facultad de Química y Biología; Universidad de Santiago de Chile; Santiago Chile
- Centro para el Desarrollo en Nanociencia y Nanotecnología-CEDENNA; Santiago Chile
| | - P. A. Orihuela
- Laboratorio de Inmunología de la Reproducción; Facultad de Química y Biología; Universidad de Santiago de Chile; Santiago Chile
- Centro para el Desarrollo en Nanociencia y Nanotecnología-CEDENNA; Santiago Chile
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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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Acceptability, Safety, and Efficacy of Oral Administration of Extracts of Black or Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii) in Adult Human Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2016; 9:ph9030049. [PMID: 27548190 PMCID: PMC5039502 DOI: 10.3390/ph9030049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The plant maca, grown at 4000 m altitude in the Peruvian Central Andes, contains hypocotyls that have been used as food and in traditional medicine for centuries. The aim of this research was to provide results on some health effects of oral administration of spray-dried extracts of black or red maca (Lepidium meyenii) in adult human subjects living at low (LA) and high altitude (HA). A total of 175 participants were given 3 g of either placebo, black, or red maca extract daily for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes were changes in sexual desire, mood, energy, health-related quality of life score (HRQL), and chronic mountain sickness (CMS) score, or in glycaemia, blood pressure, and hemoglobin levels. Secondary outcomes were acceptability and safety, assessed using the Likert test and side effect self-recording, respectively, and the effect of altitude. At low altitude, 32, 30, and 32 participants started the study receiving placebo, red maca, or black maca, respectively. At high altitudes, 33, 35, and 31 participants started the study receiving placebo, red maca, and black maca, respectively. Consumption of spray-dried extracts of red and black maca resulted in improvement in mood, energy, and health status, and reduced CMS score. Fatty acids and macamides were higher in spray-dried extracts of black maca than in red maca. GABA predominated in spray-dried extracts of red maca. Effects on mood, energy, and CMS score were better with red maca. Black maca and, in smaller proportions, red maca reduced hemoglobin levels only in highlanders with abnormally high hemoglobin levels; neither variety of maca reduced hemoglobin levels in lowlanders. Black maca reduced blood glucose levels. Both varieties produced similar responses in mood, and HRQL score. Maca extracts consumed at LA or HA had good acceptability and did not show serious adverse effects. In conclusion, maca extract consumption relative to the placebo improved quality of life parameters. Differences in the level of improvement between red and black maca are probably due to differences in the composition of these two plant varieties. Both maca extracts were well tolerated and safe.
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Ohta Y, Yoshida K, Kamiya S, Kawate N, Takahashi M, Inaba T, Hatoya S, Morii H, Takahashi K, Ito M, Ogawa H, Tamada H. Feeding hydroalcoholic extract powder ofLepidium meyenii(maca) increases serum testosterone concentration and enhances steroidogenic ability of Leydig cells in male rats. Andrologia 2015; 48:347-54. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Y. Ohta
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
| | - K. Yoshida
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
| | - S. Kamiya
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
| | - N. Kawate
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
| | - M. Takahashi
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine; Faculty of Agriculture; Iwate University; Morioka Japan
| | - T. Inaba
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
| | - S. Hatoya
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
| | - H. Morii
- Towa Corporation; Shinjuku-ku Tokyo Japan
| | | | - M. Ito
- Towa Corporation; Shinjuku-ku Tokyo Japan
| | - H. Ogawa
- Faculty of Human Sciences; Tezukayama Gakuin University; Harumidai; Sakai City Osaka Japan
| | - H. Tamada
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
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Montico F, Kido LA, Hetzl AC, Cagnon VHA. Prostatic angiogenic responses in late life: antiangiogenic therapy influences and relation with the glandular microenvironment in the transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) model. Prostate 2015; 75:484-99. [PMID: 25521760 DOI: 10.1002/pros.22934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging is considered one of the main predisposing factors for the development of prostate malignancies. Angiogenesis is fundamental for tumor growth and its inhibition represents a promising therapeutic approach in cancer treatment. Thus, we sought to determine angiogenic responses and the effects of antiangiogenic therapy in the mouse prostate during late life, comparing these findings with the prostatic microenvironment in the Transgenic Adenocarcinoma of Mouse Prostate (TRAMP) model. METHODS Male mice (52 week-old FVB) were submitted to treatments with SU5416 (6 mg/kg; i.p.) and/or TNP-470 (15 mg/kg; s.c.). Finasteride was administered (20 mg/kg; s.c.), alone or in association to both inhibitors. The dorsolateral prostate was collected for VEGF, HIF-1α, FGF-2 and endostatin immunohistochemical and Western Blotting analyses and for microvessel density (MVD) count. RESULTS Senescence led to increased MVD and VEGF, HIF-1α and FGF-2 protein levels in the prostatic microenvironment, similarly to what was observed in TRAMP mice prostate. The angiogenic process was impaired in all the treated groups, demonstrating significantly decreased MVD. Antiangiogenic and/or finasteride treatments resulted in decreased VEGF and HIF-1α levels, especially following TNP-470 administration, either alone or associated to SU5416. The combination of these agents resulted in increased endostatin levels, regardless of the presence of finasteride. CONCLUSIONS Prostatic angiogenesis stimulation during senescence favored the development of neoplastic lesions, considering the pro-angiogenic microenvironment as a common aspect also observed during cancer progression in TRAMP mice. The combined antiangiogenic therapy was more efficient, leading to enhanced imbalance towards angiogenic inhibition in the organ. Finally, finasteride administration might secondarily upregulate the expression of pro-angiogenic factors, pointing to the harmful effects of this therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Montico
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil
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19
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Antiangiogenic and finasteride therapies: Responses of the prostate microenvironment in elderly mice. Life Sci 2014; 106:58-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2014.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Revised: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Antiangiogenic therapy effects on age-associated matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and insulin-like growth factor receptor-1 (IGFR-1) responses: a comparative study of prostate disorders in aged and TRAMP mice. Histochem Cell Biol 2014; 142:269-84. [PMID: 24562790 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-014-1193-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Senescence is associated with hormonal imbalance and prostatic disorders. Angiogenesis is fundamental for the progression of malignant lesions and is a promising target for prostate cancer treatment. The aim was to characterize matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and insulin-like growth factor receptor-1 (IGFR-1) responses in the prostate during senescence and following antiangiogenic and/or androgen ablation therapies, comparing them to cancer progression features in TRAMP mice. Aged male mice (52-week-old FVB) were submitted to antiangiogenic treatments with SU5416 (6 mg/kg; i.p.) and/or TNP-470 (15 mg/kg; s.c). Finasteride (20 mg/kg; s.c.) was administered alone or associated to both inhibitors. Dorsolateral prostate was collected for light microscopy, and immunohistochemistry and Western blotting collected for MMP-9 and IGFR-1. Senescence led to inflammation and different proliferative lesions in the prostate, as well as to increased MMP-9 and IGFR-1, resembling TRAMP mice prostatic microenvironment. Antiangiogenic therapies promoted recovery and/or interruption of age-associated alterations, presenting differential effects on the molecules studied. SU5416 acted mainly on MMP-9, whereas TNP-470 showed its best influence on IGFR-1 levels. Finasteride administration, alone or in combination with antiangiogenic agents, also resulted in regression of inflammation and neoplastic lesions, besides having a negative modulatory effect on both MMP-9 and IGFR-1. We concluded that stimulated tissue remodeling and proliferative processes during senescence predisposed the prostate to malignant disorders. The combination of different agents was more effective to minimize prostatic imbalance during this period, probably due to the differential action of each drug on factors involved in cell proliferation and extracellular matrix remodeling, resulting in a broader spectrum of effects following the combined treatment.
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Ali MI, Kondreddi HDP, Veeresh B. Protective effect of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic acid on testosterone induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in Wister rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 698:397-403. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2012.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Revised: 10/13/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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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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Gonzales C, Leiva-Revilla J, Rubio J, Gasco M, Gonzales GF. Effect of red maca (Lepidium meyenii) on prostate zinc levels in rats with testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia. Andrologia 2011; 44 Suppl 1:362-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01190.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Hasan NA, Mummenhoff K, Quiros CF, Tay CD, Bailey CD. Polymorphic chloroplast microsatellite markers in the octoploid Lepidium meyenii (Brassicaceae) and cross-species amplification in Lepidium. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2010; 97:e85-e88. [PMID: 21616787 PMCID: PMC3613980 DOI: 10.3732/ajb.1000225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE OF THE STUDY As a crop and medicinal plant, the octoploid Andean endemic Lepidium meyenii suffers from taxonomic uncertainty. Few molecular markers are available to genotype individuals or track gene flow in wild and cultivated material. • METHODS AND RESULTS Using available sequence data, eight cpSSR primer pairs were developed for L. meyenii. Levels of polymorphism checked in 56 individual L. meyenii, including cultivated and wild material, revealed that the number of alleles per locus ranged from three to five, and intrapopulation allele frequencies ranged from 0.071 to 1.0. Polymerase-chain-reaction screens using our cpSSR primers in 27 other Lepidium species and three Coronopus species suggested a high degree of interspecific amplification. • CONCLUSIONS These polymorphic cpSSR markers should prove useful in characterizing genetic variation among cultivated and wild L. meyenii. Additionally, interspecific amplifications suggest that these markers will be useful for the study of related taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabeeh A. Hasan
- Department of Biology, MSC 3AF, New Mexico State University, PO Box 30001, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003, USA
| | - Klaus Mummenhoff
- Department of Biology/Botany, University of Osnabrueck, Osnabrueck, Germany
| | - Carlos F. Quiros
- Department of Plant Sciences, 116 Asmundson Hall, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - C. David Tay
- Genetic Resources Conservation and Characterization Division, International Potato Center, Apartado 1558, Lima 12, Peru
| | - C. Donovan Bailey
- Department of Biology, MSC 3AF, New Mexico State University, PO Box 30001, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003, USA
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Zenico T, Cicero AFG, Valmorri L, Mercuriali M, Bercovich E. Subjective effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) extract on well-being and sexual performances in patients with mild erectile dysfunction: a randomised, double-blind clinical trial. Andrologia 2009; 41:95-9. [PMID: 19260845 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2008.00892.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Lepidium meyenii (Maca) is a cultivated root belonging to the brassica family used in the Andean region for its supposed aphrodisiac properties. We carried out a double-blind clinical trial on 50 Caucasian men affected by mild erectile dysfunction (ED), randomised to treatment with Maca dry extract, 2400 mg, or placebo. The treatment effect on ED and subjective well-being was tested administrating before and after 12 weeks the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and the Satisfaction Profile (SAT-P). After 12 weeks of treatment, both Maca- and placebo-treated patients experienced a significant increase in IIEF-5 score (P < 0.05 for both). However, patients taking Maca experienced a more significant increase than those taking placebo (1.6 +/- 1.1 versus 0.5 +/- 0.6, P < 0.001). Both Maca- and placebo-treated subjects experienced a significant improvement in psychological performance-related SAT-P score, but the Maca group higher than that of placebo group (+9 +/- 6 versus +6 +/- 5, P < 0.05). However, only Maca-treated patients experienced a significant improvement in physical and social performance-related SAT-P score compared with the baseline (+7 +/- 6 and +7 +/- 6, both P < 0.05). In conclusion, our data support a small but significant effect of Maca supplementation on subjective perception of general and sexual well-being in adult patients with mild ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Zenico
- Department of Urology, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, Forlì, Italy.
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