Title
A mixture of extracts from Peruvian plants (black maca and yacon) improves sperm count and reduced glycemia in mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes
Date Issued
2013
Access level
restricted access
Resource Type
journal article
Abstract
We investigated the effect of two extracts from Peruvian plants given alone or in a mixture on sperm count and glycemia in streptozotocin-diabetic mice. Normal or diabetic mice were divided in groups receiving vehicle, black maca (Lepidium meyenii), yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) or three mixtures of extracts black maca/yacon (90/10, 50/50 and 10/90%). Normal or diabetic mice were treated for 7d with each extract, mixture or vehicle. Glycemia, daily sperm production (DSP), epididymal and vas deferens sperm counts in mice and polyphenol content, and antioxidant activity in each extract were assessed. Black maca (BM), yacon and the mixture of extracts reduced glucose levels in diabetic mice. Non-diabetic mice treated with BM and yacon showed higher DSP than those treated with vehicle (p<0.05). Diabetic mice treated with BM, yacon and the mixture maca/yacon increased DSP, and sperm count in vas deferens and epididymis with respect to non-diabetic and diabetic mice treated with vehicle (p<0.05). Yacon has 3.05 times higher polyphenol content than in maca, and this was associated with higher antioxidant activity. The combination of two extracts improved glycemic levels and male reproductive function in diabetic mice. Streptozotocin increased 1.43 times the liver weight that was reversed with the assessed plants extracts. In summary, streptozotocin-induced diabetes resulted in reduction in sperm counts and liver damage. These effects could be reduced with BM, yacon and the BM+yacon mixture. © 2013 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.
Start page
509
End page
518
Volume
23
Issue
7
Number
27
Language
English
Subjects
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-84883434116
PubMed ID
Source
Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods
ISSN of the container
1537-6516
Sponsor(s)
Dr Gustavo F. Gonzales is in charge of CAYENATUR EIRL. No other authors have conflict of interest. This study was supported by PROCOM 2007 granted to Dr Gustavo F. Gonzales, by CONCYTEC (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia, TecnologÃa e Innovación), Lima-Peru.
Sources of information:
Directorio de Producción CientÃfica