Protective effects of Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens seeds on sexual behaviors and essential reproductive markers in chronic unpredictable mild stress mice

Pannawat Choowong-In; Jintana Sattayasai; Preecha Boonchoong; Chanasorn Poodendaen; Alexander Th Wu; Nareelak Tangsrisakda; Tarinee Sawatpanich; Supatcharee Arun; Nongnut Uabundit; Sitthichai Iamsaard

doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2021.12.001

Protective effects of Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens seeds on sexual behaviors and essential reproductive markers in chronic unpredictable mild stress mice

J Tradit Complement Med. 2021 Dec 15;12(4):402-413. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2021.12.001. eCollection 2022 Jul.

Authors

Pannawat Choowong-In^{1

2}, Jintana Sattayasai³, Preecha Boonchoong⁴, Chanasorn Poodendaen⁵, Alexander Th Wu^{6

7}, Nareelak Tangsrisakda^{1

2}, Tarinee Sawatpanich¹, Supatcharee Arun^{1

2}, Nongnut Uabundit¹, Sitthichai Iamsaard^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.
² Research Institute for Human High Performance and Health Promotion (HHP & HP), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.
³ Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.
⁴ Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ubon Ratchathani University, Warinchamrab, Ubon Ratchathani, 34190, Thailand.
⁵ Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand.
⁶ International Ph.D. Program for Translational Science, College of Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
⁷ Clinical Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.

Abstract

Background and aims: Chronic stress is a major common cause of male infertility. Many species of velvet beans are shown to be rich in l-DOPA. In Thai folklore medicine, seeds of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens (Thai Mhamui or T-MP) have been used for treating erectile dysfunction. This study aimed to determine l-DOPA levels in T-MP seed extract and investigate its preventive on sexual behaviors and reproductive parameter damages including essential proteins in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice.

Experimental procedure: Mice were divided into 4 groups: (I) control, (II) CUMS, (III) T-MP300 + CUMS, and (IV) T-MP600 + CUMS. Groups I and II received DW while groups III and IV were pretreated with the seed extracts (300 and 600 mg/kg BW) for 14 consecutive days before co-treatment with a randomly different CUMS/day (from 12 mild stressors) for 43 days.

Results and conclusion: T-MP seed extract contained l-DOPA approximately 10% of total dried weight. A dose of 600 mg/kg improved sexual performances and degenerative seminiferous epithelium in CUMS mice. Sperm qualities and testosterone level were elevated while corticosterone was decreased in co-treatment groups. T-MP-CUMS cotreated groups also improved expressions of AKAP4, AR, and TyrPho proteins in testis, epididymis, and sperm. T-MP increased StAR and CYP11A1 expressions in testis. It also suppressed testicular apoptosis via decreased expressions of Hsp70, caspases 3, and 9. T-MP seeds containing l-DOPA could improve sexual behaviors and essential reproductive proteins caused by CUMS.

Section: Natural Products.

Taxonomy classification by evise: Traditional Herbal Medicine; Animal Model; Histopathology.

Keywords: AKAP4; CUMS; T-MP; TyrPho; l-DOPA.