Mikania laevigata syrup does not induce side effects on reproductive system of male Wistar rats

J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Apr 20;111(1):29-32. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2006.10.039. Epub 2006 Nov 12.

Abstract

Mikania laevigata (Asteraceae) is a native plant from South America and popularly used as antispasmodic and to treat respiratory diseases. Coumarin is the major chemical substance found in this plant, which have been shown to have antifertility activity in female rats. This study evaluates the toxicity of the exposure to the Mikania laevigata syrup using coumarin as chemical marker on reproductive endpoints in male Wistar rats. Endpoints including reproductive organs weight, sperm and spermatids numbers and sperm morphology were evaluated. Animals were treated daily with Mikania laevigata syrup (3.5; 7.0 and 14.0mg/kg of coumarin) during 90 days by oral gavage. No alterations were observed in body and organ weights, sperm and spermatids numbers as well as sperm morphology of the male rats after the exposure to the Mikania laevigata syrup. Results therefore suggest absence of male reproductive toxicity of the Mikania laevigata syrup at tested doses.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Brazil
  • Coumarins / analysis
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Epididymis / drug effects
  • Fertility / drug effects*
  • Genitalia, Male / drug effects*
  • Intubation, Gastrointestinal
  • Male
  • Mikania*
  • Parasympatholytics / administration & dosage
  • Parasympatholytics / chemistry
  • Parasympatholytics / pharmacology*
  • Parasympatholytics / toxicity
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Prostate / drug effects
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Respiratory System Agents / administration & dosage
  • Respiratory System Agents / chemistry
  • Respiratory System Agents / pharmacology*
  • Respiratory System Agents / toxicity
  • Seminal Vesicles / drug effects
  • Sperm Count
  • Spermatogenesis / drug effects
  • Spermatozoa / drug effects*
  • Testis / drug effects
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Coumarins
  • Parasympatholytics
  • Plant Extracts
  • Respiratory System Agents
  • coumarin