Background: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with placental oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to poor pregnancy outcomes. Phyllanthus muellerianus is a medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds with reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated the effects of Phyllanthus muellerianus extracts in a rat model of chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced IUGR. Methods: Thirty-five pregnant rats were exposed to CRS (6h/day) and treated from pregnancy days 7 to 18 with distilled water (10 ml/kg), aqueous, or methanolic extract (372 mg/kg). Maternal (resorption, post-implantation loss) and fetal outcomes (fetal weight, placenta efficiency), lipid profile (HDL, LDL, triglycerides), reproductive hormones (estradiol, progesterone), placental oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione), and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) were assessed. Results: CRS induced significant alterations, including decreased maternal body weight (30%), mean live fetuses (40%), progesterone (p< 0.05), HDL (56%), fetal growth indices (p< 0.05) and superoxide dismutase activity (41%), alongside increased LDL (47%), malondialdehyde (p< 0.01) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (p< 0.01-0.001). Treatment with P. muellerianus significantly reversed these changes, demonstrating materno-protective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and progesterone-enhancing effects. No adverse effects were observed in unstressed subjects. Conclusion: Phyllanthus muellerianus improves maternal and fetal outcomes in CRS-induced IUGR, likely through modulation of oxidative stress, inflammatory pathways, and endocrine function. These findings support its potential as a therapeutic candidate for managing IUGR.

Background:Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is a significant factor involved in the onset of sexual dysfunctions (SDs). However, studies demonstrating the correlation between these 2 conditions are rare. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated to SDs in patients suffering from NSLBP in Cameroon. Method:A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients suffering from NSLBP in the 3 main town (Yaoundé, Douala and Bafoussam) of Cameroon. Clinical characteristics and sexual activity of these patients were evaluated using validated questionnaires such as the Oswestry Disability Index, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the Male sexual Health-Questionnaire, and the Female Sexual Function Index. Results:Data from 409 patients (233 men and 176 women) were collected and included in this study. The overall prevalence of SDs related to NSLBP was 43%. The most affected sexual activity domains were desire (2.7 ± 1.4) and excitement (3.2 ± 1.4) in women. In men, desire (15.2 ± 5.7) and sexual satisfaction (15 ± 6.8) were most affected. Several associations were found between SD in NSLBP patients and some variables such as: overweight (odds ratio [OR] = 1.882, P = .005), female (OR = 1.518, P = .03), pain intensity (OR = 1.365, P = .0001), pain catastrophizing (OR = 1.076, P = .0003), hypoflexibility (OR = 1.029, P = .0009), reduced erector spinae (OR = 0.984, P = .0009), abdominal muscle strength (OR = 0.983, P = .016), depression (OR = 1.177, P < .0001), anxiety (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.168, P < .0001), and disability (OR = 1.165, P < .0001). Conclusion:The relatively high prevalence of SDs related to NSLBP highlights the close relationship between these 2 conditions and their associated factors in Cameroon. These results highlight many factors that must be taken into account in the management of SDs related to NSLBP.

Arterial hypertension is a worldwide challenging medical condition that continues to raise havoc despite existing treatments, prompting the need to develop new medicine. In a pilot study, we demonstrated that Tricalysia okelensis exhibits a vasorelaxant effect. This study evaluates the antihypertensive effect of the leaf aqueous (AETO) and ethanolic (EETO) extracts of T. okelensis against L-NAME-induced-hypertension, cardiac, and vascular remodeling. AETO and EETO underwent LC-MS/MS to identify potential metabolites responsible for the activity. Adult male Wistar rats were orally administered L-NAME (30 mg/kg/day) for 3 consecutive weeks. L-NAME administration was continued either alone or with captopril (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.), AETO, or EETO at doses of 85 and 170 mg/kg/day for another 3 consecutive weeks, while the naive group received the vehicle for 6 weeks. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate were recorded before and weekly after the beginning of each treatment. Plasma angiotensin II (Ang II), serum nitric oxide (NO), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cardiac myeloperoxidase (MPO), and NO were assessed at the end of the experiment. Sections from the heart and aorta were analyzed for histological changes and immunohistochemical expression of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), endothelial (eNOS), and inducible (iNOS) nitric oxide synthases. AETO and EETO are rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds. LC-MS/MS-based molecular networking enabled the putative annotation of several polyphenolic metabolites, including chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, rutin, quercetin derivatives, kaempferol derivatives, isorhamnetin, avicularin, and guaijaverin. L-NAME significantly increased BP and heart rate, Ang II, LDH, cardiac MPO, and heart weight (p < 0.05 - 0.001) while decreasing NO (p > 0.05). AETO and EETO reversed these alterations and also inhibited L-NAME-induced immune cell infiltration, fibrosis, cardiac and vascular eNOS downregulation, and iNOS overexpression, as well as ANP upregulation in heart tissue. AETO and EETO exhibit antihypertensive and anti-remodeling effects probably by modulating the renin-angiotensin system, improving endothelial function, and reducing inflammation and fibrosis.

Stress is an inevitable situation shown to impair reproductive health through inhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Chronic stress in female rats is well known to disrupt estrus cyclicity, estrogen levels and sexual behavior. However, the extent to which restraint stress model disturbs estrus cyclicity remains inconsistent. Phyllanthus muellerianus is a plant used in traditional medicine to boost libido. This study investigated the impact of chronic stress on estrus cyclicity and related estrogen state, to evaluate the pro-sexual effects of Phyllanthus muellerianus. For this purpose, adult female rats were subjected to chronic restraint stress (CRS) for either 3h or 6h during 14, 21 or 28 days. Vaginal smear was checked daily to record the estrus stage. At the end of each CRS, elevated plus maze test, body weight growth, reproductive organ weights, plasma hormones and ovarian/uterine histology were examined. Further, aqueous and methanolic extracts of P. muellerianus at doses of 60 or 372 mg/kg were co-administered to female rats under 6h CRS during 21 days. Sexual proceptivity/receptivity, plasma hormones and reproductive organ weights were measured. Chronic stress during 21 days completely disrupted the estrus cyclicity by increasing irregular cycles. We observed an elevated corticosterone level and a drop in estradiol content. CRS led to oxidative stress in the ovaries coupled to a reduction of uterine epithelium height. P. muellerianus significantly prevented CRS-induced low sexual desire by increasing sexual proceptive and receptive behaviors while inhibiting aggressiveness. In addition, P. muellerianus improved plasma estradiol without any change in corticosterone levels. This study demonstrates that a daily 6h CRS during 21 days disturbs female reproductive system through complete blockage of estrus cyclicity and drop of estradiol content. Low sexual desire arising from hormonal imbalance can be reversed by P. muellerianus treatment.

Arterial hypertension is an important risk factor for chronic kidney disease. Tricalysia okelensis is traditionally used for the management of arterial hypertension. The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of the leaf aqueous (AETO) and ethanolic (EETO) extracts of T. okelensis against Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertension and renal dysfunction. Male Wistar rats aged 3 to 4 months were assigned to 9 groups and treated with distilled water or L-NAME (30 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 3 consecutive weeks. For another 3 weeks, L-NAME administration was continued either alone or with captopril (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.), AETO, or EETO at doses of 85, 170, and 340 mg/kg/day. Mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and heart rate were recorded at baseline and weekly during the treatment. At the end of the experiment, a 12-hour urine sample was taken to measure nitric oxide (NO), albumin, and creatinine, while blood was used to test for creatinine, and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and NO was assessed in kidney homogenates. Histological analysis were performed in kidney sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin or Masson’s trichrome as well as immunohistochemical analysis of renal endothelial (eNOS) and inducible (iNOS) nitric oxide synthases expression. Total phenols and flavonoids were determined in plant extracts. L-NAME alone significantly increased MABP (p < 0.001), heart rate (p < 0.001), urinary albumin (p < 0.05), albumin to creatinine ratio (p < 0.01), MPO, and iNOS (p < 0.05) expression while decreasing GFR and eNOS expression (p < 0.05). These alterations were significantly (p < 0.05; p < 0.01; p < 0.001) reversed by AETO and EETO except for urinary albumin. Moreover, AETO and EETO inhibited L-NAME-induced leucocyte infiltration. Total phenols and flavonoids were more abundant in AETO compared to EETO. eNOS upregulation coupled to iNOS down-regulation mediates the antihypertensive and renoprotective effects of T. okelensis.

Background:Hypogonadism refers to a condition where the body does not produce enough testosterone. It is an important cause of male sexual dysfunctions and infertility. Corynanthe pachyceras is a medicinal plant with a claimed powerful aphrodisiac potential. Aim:This study investigated the capacities of C. pachyceras in boosting the sexual performance of age-related hypogonadic rat. Methods:Thirty-six aged (17-19-months-old) male Wistar rats (n = 6/group) were randomly distributed into six groups and orally treated with either distilled water (10 mg/kg), Viagra (5 mg/kg), aqueous or ethanolic extracts of C. pachyceras (8 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg) within two weeks. The copulatory activity was tested on days 0, 7, and 14 using receptive females. Body and sex organ weights, sperm parameters, sex hormones, oxidative stress markers, and penile nitric oxide (NO) were measured. Outcomes:The main outcome of this work is the confirmed efficacy of C. pachyceras in improving the reproductive performance of age-related hypogonadic rats. Results:The copulatory activity of the untreated hypogonadic aged rats (distilled water group) was low and marked by a significant increase in the sexual motivation (latencies and post-ejaculatory interval) and a decrease in the sexual performance (frequencies). Malondialdehyde level was increased, whereas the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione were decreased. Treatment of aged rats with the aqueous or ethanolic extracts of C. pachyceras brought important changes, shown by the significant decrease in the motivation parameters and the increase in the ejaculation frequency. Sperm count and motility (P < .01-.001), LH (P < .01), FSH (P < .01-.001), testosterone (P < .01), and NO (P < .05) levels that were altered in the untreated aged rats were increased in those receiving C. pachyceras extracts. The plant extracts also significantly (P < .05-.01) improved the antioxidant status by reducing the level of MDA and increasing that of SOD (P < .05-.01) and glutathione. Clinical Translation:C. pachyceras may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for improving the sexual health of androgen-deficient subjects such as aged men. Strengths and Limitations:C. pachyceras has androgenic, aphrodisiac, and antioxidant properties. However, its molecular mechanism is not yet determined. A well-structured clinical study needs also to be carried to confirm the effects of C. pachyceras on humans. Conclusion:Present findings showed that C. pachyceras can boost the reproductive conditions of age-induced hypogonadism rats through its androgenic, aphrodisiac, and antioxidant potentials. However, further studies are still needed to gain more medical insight into this plant.

Aim: Sexual dysfunction is an important consequence of diabetes. Recently, several studies have demonstrated that Dracaena arborea (D. arborea) extracts had alleviating effects against two and four weeks diabetes-induced sexual complications in rats, but no data has confirmed these effects in long-term diabetic rats. This study was therefore undertaken to assess the androgenic effects of D. arborea extracts in rats, after ten weeks of diabetes. Methodology: Diabetes was induced in rats using streptozotocine (50 mg/kg, i.p). Besides 6 normal rats treated with distilled water (10 mL/kg, control group), 30 diabetic rats divided into five groups of six rats each were administered by gavage for 4 weeks with 10 ml/kg of distilled water (10 ml/kg, diabetic control/STZ group), 1.44 mg/kg of Sildenafil citrate, 20 mg/kg of Trimethylamine-N- oxide (TMAO), 500 mg/kg of aqueous and 100 mg/kg of ethanol extracts of D. arborea respectively. In this study, blood glucose level, body mass, relative sexual organs masses, sexual behavior and fertility parameters, total proteins levels, SOD and CAT activities, serum and testicular testosterone concentration as well as testes and epididymis histology were determined. Results: Compared to the control rats, persistent hyperglycemia, sexual parameters and sexual organs impairments were recorded in rats after ten weeks of diabetes. In comparison to the diabetic control rats, D. arborea extracts, with no anti-hyperglycemic effects has induced significant improvements in copulatory and fertility parameters, total proteins and testosterone levels in the serum, epididymis and testes, and on testes and epididymis structures. Conclusion: These results could be accredited to the androgenic assets of chemical constituents present in D. arborea extracts. These outcomes could be advantageous for the management of patients under long-term diabetes-induced sexual complications.

Objectif Développer et valider une échelle d’évaluation fonctionnelle spécifiquement adaptée aux personnes âgées en milieu rural africain, afin de combler les lacunes des outils occidentaux inadéquats dans ce contexte culturel et environnemental. Méthodes Étude prospective mixte menée en quatre phases méthodologiques entre juillet 2023 et mai 2024. Phase 1 : observation ethnographique de 45 personnes âgées dans quatre zones rurales de l’Ouest-Cameroun. Phase 2 : consultation participative auprès de 30 acteurs locaux (soignants et aidants familiaux). Phase 3 : conception multidisciplinaire collaborative des items et du système pictographique. Phase 4 : validation préliminaire auprès de 30 patients âgés (65–88 ans) à l’Hôpital Régional de Bafoussam et dispensaires ruraux affiliés. Résultats L’Échelle Fonctionnelle d’Évaluation des Personnes Âgées en Milieu Rural Africain (EFAMRA) comprend 20 items organisés en quatre domaines : mobilité contextuelle (7 items), activités domestiques adaptées (5 items), activités productives (4 items) et participation sociale (4 items). Elle évalue des tâches culturellement significatives : port de charges sur la tête, puisage d’eau, participation aux cérémonies communautaires. La validation préliminaire a démontré une excellente acceptabilité (96 %), un temps d’administration court (18minutes en moyenne), et une fiabilité inter-évaluateurs élevée (kappa=0,82). Les innovations majeures incluent un système pictographique accessible aux non-alphabétisés et une représentation en diagramme étoilé facilitant la communication thérapeutique. Conclusion L’EFAMRA constitue une avancée pour l’évaluation gériatrique contextualisée, offrant un outil culturellement pertinent, biomécaniquement valide et applicable sans équipement spécialisé. Elle a montré une bonne sensibilité pour détecter les limitations fonctionnelles pertinentes et orienter des interventions de réadaptation adaptées aux réalités rurales africaines.

Abstract Introduction Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is an androgen-dependent and age-related disease which significantly affects the patient’s life. BPH can lead to a number of symptoms for patients commonly referred to as lower urinary tract symptoms including obstructive and irritative disorders as well as complications such as renal failure and sexual disorders. In addition, medical health care remains problematic due to therapeutic limits such as the cost, the accessibility and the side effects. Objective The aim of the present study was to assess the preventive effects of the aqueous (62 mg/kg) and methanolic (10 mg/kg) extracts from Pterorhachis zenkeri (P. zenkeri) on testosterone propionate-induced benign prostatic hypertrophy in rats. Methods Adult Wistar rats were randomly partitioned into groups of 5 rats each and treated with one of the following: distilled water (10 ml/kg)/soja oil (1 ml/kg), testosterone (10 mg/kg), aqueous extract (62 mg/kg), methanolic extract (10 mg/kg), testosterone plus bicalutamide (5 mg/kg) plus aqueous extract (62 mg/kg), testosterone plus bicalutamide plus methanol extract (10 mg/kg) during 2 or 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment periods, body and prostate related weights, biochemical, histological, histo-morphometrical and oxidative stress parameters were comparatively measured. Results Testosterone propionate induced a significant (p < 0.001) increase in the size and relative weight of ventral prostate, plasmatic level of prostate specific antigen (PSA), length of prostate epithelial cells and prostate structural damages. Additionally, the levels of prostatic dihydrotestosterone and, plasmatic nitrogen monoxide and malondialdehyde were increased whereas the activity of superoxide dismutase was decreased. Administration or co-administrations of P. zenkeri extracts with bicalutamide time-dependently prevented the above-mentioned damages through its anti-androgenic and anti-oxidant properties. Conclusions The bioactive compounds present in P. zenkeri extracts could justify the reported findings. Present results therefore suggest that P. zenkeri could be a good candidate in the management of BPH. Disclosure No.

Objective: This study investigated the acute and sub-chronic toxicities of the aqueous (AE) and ethanolic extract (EE) from Corynanthe pachyceras. Methods: Acute and sub-chronic toxicity tests were carried out following the 425 and 407 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines respectively. For the acute toxicity study, mice were randomly divided into groups treated with a single dose of distilled water (10 ml/kg) or the single reference dose (2000 mg/kg) of aqueous or ethanolic extract of C. pachyceras. Lethal dose 50 (LD50) was determined after 24h. Mice were individually checked for any toxicity sign and mortality over a 14-day period. For the sub-chronic toxicity study, young rats orally received repeated doses of each extract (50, 150 or 450 mg/kg) during 28 days. Body weight was taken every 2 days. After sacrifice, organ weights, hematological, biochemical and histopathological markers were measured. Results: The LD50 of C. pachyceras extracts was found to be greater than 2000 mg/kg in the acute toxicity study. In the sub-chronic toxicity test, males receiving the high dose (450 mg/kg) of both extracts significantly showed an increase (P<0.05-0.001) in immune cells. In rats treated with the low (50 mg/kg) and medium (150mg/kg) doses of the ethanolic extract of C. pachyceras, activity of ALAT and, concentrations of direct bilirubin, creatinine and total cholesterol were significantly increased (P<0.05-0.0001) when compared with control rats. C. pachyceras extracts did not alter the histology of the vital organs studied. Conclusion: C. pachyceras can be considered as non-toxic, but low doses are recommended to avoid possible chronic side effects.

Aim: The harmful effects of pesticides have been largely documented in recent times. But effective therapeutic solutions to pesticide related male infertility are yet to be established. This study investigated the curative effects of Lannea acida on imidacloprid (IMI)-induced hypofertility in male Wistar rats. Methods: Rats of 150 – 200 g were administered IMI (22.5 mg/kg) for two weeks and partitioned into control (distilled water, vitamin E, clomiphene citrate) or test (aqueous (340 mg/kg), methanol (170 mg/kg) extract) groups for eight weeks treatment. Animals were sacrificed at the end of the treatment and samples were collected for sperm, antioxidant and hormonal analysis. Fertility tests were performed from treatment day 47 for fertility indices estimation. Results were expressed as mean ± SEM and one way ANOVA was applied using STATISTICA Software. Results: Exposition to IMI resulted in a significant decrease in sperm count, motility, viability and normality, testosterone and LH, coupled to an increase in oxidative stress markers. Moreover, IMI impaired male fertility evidenced by a significant drop in fertility index and litter size. Similar to clomiphene citrate and vitamin E, plant extracts significantly improved the sperm parameters, sexual hormones and decreased the oxidative stress markers. More importantly, the fertility index and litter size were restored, especially with the aqueous extract. Conclusion: Present results indicate that L. acida possesses curative potentials against IMI-induced hypofertility through its androgenic and antioxidant properties. However, the effects the extract on spermatozoa DNA structure and the fertility of offsprings from exposed parents are yet to be studied to conclude on total recovery from IMI toxicity.

Mondia whitei is an aromatic plant native to sub-Saharan Africa. This spice is commonly used in the treatment of various diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. This review was undertaken to provide updated information on the botanical, phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological knowledge of this plant of high relevance to African populations. Moreover, its mechanism of action was described based on previous experimental studies. Data were compiled from various online databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, Springer link, Taylor and Francis, and SciFinder. Additionally, books, book chapters and proceedings were used as secondary sources. The chemical structures of phytocompounds were drawn using PubChem Sketcher program. M. whitei contains various phytocompounds, including reducing sugars, triterpenes, steroids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenolics, hydrogen cyanide, carotenoid, oxalate and phytate. Moreover, para-pentylphenyl-benzoate, (-)-Loliolide, 5-chloropropacin, propacin, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde, isovanillin, 9-hexacosene, 2-hexen-1-ol, and heptacosane were isolated from this spice. M. whitei has several pharmacological benefits, including aphrodisiac, pro-fertile, pro-erectile, androgenic, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antimalarial, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidepressant, antidiarrheal, hepatoprotective, antisickling, and anticancer activities. Toxicological studies showed an LD 50 of above 5000 mg/Kg and no signs of toxicity after one week of oral treatment. The aphrodisiac effect of this spice is one of its main activities, supported by numerous experimental studies. Because M. whitei delays contractions of the bulbospongiosus muscles, its aphrodisiac effect could be mediated through the modulation of the spinal generator of ejaculation. This can justify its folkloric use in the treatment of premature ejaculation.

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of Vepris afzelii roots on a rat model of hypogonadism. Phytochemical screening and acute toxicity of the extract were performed using different procedures. Hypogonadism was induced orally in adult Wistar rats using cyproterone acetate (30 mg/kg) for ten days. Besides six normal rats (10 ml/kg of distilled water, normal control), 30 hypogonadal rats were subdivided into five groups of six animals each, receiving for 14 days: distilled water (10 ml/kg, hypogonadal control), testosterone (4 mg/kg/3days) and the extract of V. afzelii (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg). Sexual behavior, sperm parameters, testes function and structure were assessed. Compared to the normal controls, significant (p = 0.0000) increases in mount (24 +/- 0.94 seconds vs. 1200 +/- 00 seconds) and intromission (49.16 +/- 10.85 seconds vs. 1200 +/- 00 seconds) latencies, and post-ejaculatory interval (381.72 +/- 37.55 seconds vs. 1200 +/- 00 seconds) were observed in all groups receiving cyproterone acetate on day 0. Total inhibitions of mounts (63.50 +/- 8.91 vs. 00 +/- 00), intromissions (36.66 +/- 3.51 vs. 00 +/- 00) (p = 0.0000), ejaculations (2.83 +/- 00 vs. 00 +/- 00, p = 0.0002) frequencies and mean copulatory interval (627.30 +/- 81.80 vs. 00 +/- 00, p = 0.0000) were also observed in these groups. Moreover, decreases in daily sperm production (2.65 +/- 0.19 vs. 1.17 +/- 0.08, p = 0.0498), percentage of sperm mobility (78.64 +/- 8.41 vs. 10.12 +/- 2.32), serum testosterone level (8.39 +/- 0.63 ng/dl vs. 1.68 +/- 0.19 ng/dl), diameter of seminiferous tubules (111.97 +/- 0.51 mu m vs. 94.51 +/- 0.57 mu m) and height of germinal epithelium (46.58 +/- 0.34 mu m vs. 33.74 +/- 0.66 mu m) (p = 0.0000) associated with increases in sperm transit (3.13 +/- 0.45 vs. 11.07 +/- 1.45, p = 0.0000) were also observed in these groups. Interestingly, compared to hypogonadal control and day 0, the administration of V. afzelii extract induced significant (p = 0.0000) improvements in all these altered parameters with 400 mg/kg being the most active dose. These results, attributed to saponins, flavonoids, polyphenols and triterpenes detected in this plant's extract confirm its traditional usage and could be useful for the management of patients suffering from hypogonadism.

OBJECTIVES:The ethanol extract of Persea americana seeds was found to inhibit the development of estrogen-dependent conditions in female Wistar rats, suggesting the ability of its secondary metabolites to interact with estrogen receptors (ERs), either as partial agonists or as antagonists. To test this hypothesis, the abovementioned extract was assessed for its ability to mimic and/or antagonize estradiol effects. METHODS:Two experiments were conducted in ovariectomized (OVX) rats: (1) animals were treated with estradiol valerate (E2V; 1 mg/kg) or P. americana at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg; (2) animals were treated with E2V alone (0.75 mg/kg) or in combination with P. americana at the abovementioned doses. Treatments were given orally for 3 days and animals were sacrificed for biochemical and histological analyses of the uterus and vagina. RESULTS:When administered alone, P. americana did not change the histomorphology of both organs (uterus and vagina). In combination with E2V, P. americana decreased uterine weight [30 % decrease (p<0.001) at 25 mg/kg and 24 % (p<0.01) at 50 mg/kg] and epithelium height (37 % decrease). This was associated with decreased estradiol levels (at least 86 % decrease, p<0.001) in the uterus. Similarly, vagina epithelium height decreased by at least 34 % (p<0.05) when E2V was co-administered with P. americana. CONCLUSIONS:The seed extract of P. americana contains ER antagonist secondary metabolites accounting for its ability to inhibit the development of estrogen-dependent conditions in female rats.

Background: Pterorhachis. zenkeri commonly known as “Ayilalou” or “Démareur” is an aphrodisiac plant used by Cameroonian traditional healers to enhance libido and sperm production. This study was undertaken to investigate the aphrodisiac mechanism of P. zenkeri on the contractile activity of vas deferens with regard to its function on ejaculation. Materials and Methods: The proximal parts of rat vas deferens were mounted in a 20 mL organ bath containing Krebs solution at 37°C. Cumulative dose-response curves were recorded with KCl (35-280 mM), adrenaline (7-70 µM) and aqueous extract of P. zenkeri (3,55-21,3 mg/mL). Prazosin (type 1 alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonist, 10 µM), Nifedipine (a specific L-type calcium channel antagonist, 5 µM), 2-AminoethoxydiPhenyl Borate (2-APB, IP3 receptor antagonist, 200 μM) and calcium-free medium were further used to study the mechanism of action. Results: KCl, adrenaline and aqueous extract of P. zenkeri showed a concentration-dependent effect on vas deferens contractibility. Nifedipine and Pazosin partially inhibited the effects of P. zenkeri. In calcium-free medium containing Ethylene Glycol-bis (2-aminoethylether)-N,N,N’N’-tetraacetic acid (EGTA, 1µM), P. zenkeri triggered vas deferens contraction which was completely abolished in the presence of 2-APB. These results suggest that the aqueous extract of P. zenkeri possesses bioactive compounds capable of inducing vas deferens contractions through type 1 alpha adrenergic receptors and mobilization of extra and intracellular calcium. Conclusion: These results confirm the aphrodisiac properties of P. zenkeri through the activation of the emissive phase of ejaculation.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of three oxidized palm oil diets (OPD) on female rat reproductive function. Methods: Forty-four female Wistar rats presenting five consecutive and regular estrous cycles were divided into 4 groups. The rats were fed with: a standard diet, 70% of standard diet+30% oxidized palm oil diet (OPD1), OPD1+5 g of boiled yolk egg (OPD2) and OPD1+10% sucrose (OPD3) for 125 days, respectively. During the feeding period, morphometric, estrous cycle, sexual behavior, gestation, biochemical and histomorphometric parameters were evaluated. Results: All OPDs significantly increased abdominal circumference, body mass index and Lee index coupled to an irregularity and lengthening of the estrous cycle. They significantly decreased appetite and consumption behaviours, quantic pregnancy index, fertility rate, implantation sites and index, serum progesterone and high-density lipoprotein levels, increased pre-implantation losses, anti-implantation activities, serum estradiol, triglycerides, total and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels, and impaired brain and ovaries oxidative status. Histomorphometric examinations revealed increases in the number of atresic and primary follicles and decreases in secondary, tertiary, Degraaf, total and corpus luteum follicles in ovaries coupled to a neurodegeneration of hypothalamic anteroventral periventricular neurons in the OPD groups compared to the standard diet group. Conclusions: The three OPDs induce obesity and impair the female reproductive function, especially OPD2 and OPD3. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the adverse effects of palm oil bleaching on the reproductive function in female rats, which could be useful in the management of women with obesity-related sexual dysfunction.

COVID-19, which was named in March 2020 as a global pandemic by the WHO, remains a serious public health threat worldwide. Despite the adoption of vaccines as an effective strategy to counter this pandemic, the vaccination rate in Cameroon is far lower than that planned by the Cameroonian government and its partners. The main objective of this study was to determine the factors limiting COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in the Menoua Division in the West Region of Cameroon. A community-based cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted between March and April 2022 in the Menoua Division. A pre-tested questionnaire was filled out by willing participants of more than 18 years old, and data were further expressed in order to estimate the knowledge of participants on COVID-19, vaccine status, and the factors associated with vaccine refusal. A Pearson test was performed in order to identify the associated factors, with a p-value < 0.05 considered as significant. A total of 520 participants with a mean age of 33.27 ± 12.78 were included. Most had a secondary education level (56.15%), and trade and informal sectors (34.04%) were the main occupations. Knowledge on COVID-19 was average, and it was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with gender and education level. The vaccination rate was 10%, which was six times less than the national target. A lack of information, confidence, and medicinal plant use were all factors significantly associated with vaccine refusal. This pioneer community-based study in Cameroon identified a lack of knowledge, confidence, and medicinal plant use as the leading factors limiting COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Cameroon. Health authorities should therefore strengthen sensitization in order to tackle the lack of information and the misinformation among the target groups.

Colibri® a commercial formulation of Imidacloprid severely impairs the reproductive function. This study aimed at evaluating the preventive effects of Amaranthus hybridus on the reproductive toxicity of colibri® in female rats. Eighty rats (n = 10/group) were orally treated with colibri® (22.5 mg/kg) and co-administered with either aqueous or methanolic extracts of A. hybridus (55 or 110 mg/kg) within four weeks. Control animals received either distilled water (10 ml/kg), clomiphene citrate or vitamin E. Starting from day 18 of treatment till the end, half of animals in each group (n = 5) was used for the fertility test whereas the remaining rats were kept under treatment until sacrifice. Blood, ovaries, uterus and vagina were collected after sacrifice for measurement of sexual hormones, oxidative stress markers and histological assessment. Exposure of female rats to colibri® was followed by a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the ovarian and uterine weights, LH, FSH, estradiol and progesterone levels as well as ovarian superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase activities. Moreover, alteration of ovaries, uteri and vagina histology, increase in MDA concentration, decrease in fertility and parturition indices and, pup’s viability were recorded. Co-administration of colibri® and plant extracts significantly (p < 0.05–0.001) prevented the above-mentioned damages through biochemical parameter regulations. These results suggest that A. hybridus exerts a preventive effect against colibri®-induced female reproductive toxicity.

Low sexual desire disorder is a recurrent deficiency in desire for sexual activity which impairs lifestyle. It is a frequent problem in women with limited therapeutic options. Phyllanthus muellerianus (Kuntze) Exell is a plant used by traditional healers to boost libido in women. This study aimed at evaluating the aphrodisiac properties of root barks extracts of this plant on a model of Low Sexual Desire Disorder (LSDD) in female rats. Low sexual desire was induced by ovariectomy plus low steroid hormones supplementations. Thirty ovariectomized rats were treated for 21 days with either distilled water, aqueous or methanol extracts (60 or 372 mg/kg) of P. muellerianus. All animals were supplemented with a low dose of 17β-estradiol and progesterone prior to sexual behavior test. Sexual behavior test was performed each week by pairing each female rat with a sexually experienced male. Sexual motivation (approach, ear wiggling, hops and darts, anogenital presentation and aggressive behavior frequency) and sexual receptivity parameters (lordosis frequency and quotient) were recorded. At the end of treatments, animals were sacrificed, uteri and vagina collected, weighed and conserved for total uterine proteins assay and histology. LSDD was characterized by significant inhibition of sexual motivation parameters and lordosis frequency compared to a normal control. Moreover, poor reproductive tissues growth characterized by low total uterine proteins, uterine wet weight and uterine epithelia size was noted in LSDD group compared to normal control. Interestingly, plant extracts significantly improved sexual motivation parameters (p<0.05-0.001) compared to LSDD group. In addition, moderate reproductive tissues growth was noted in plant treated groups as confirmed by amelioration of uterine cell integrity. Present results show that P. muellerianus exhibits pro-sexual effects through amelioration of sexual motivation and reproductive tissues growth on a model of LSDD.

Background:Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an anticancer agent, but its chronic administration induces ovarian toxicity. Objective:We evaluated the effects of aqueous extract (AE) and methanol extract (ME) of Amaranthus hybridus (A. hybridus) on CP-induced ovarian toxicity in rats. Materials and Methods:40 female Wistar rats (10 wk, 170-200 gr) were distributed into 8 groups (n = 5/each) as follows: 1) healthy control; 2) CP+distilled water (10 ml/kg/d); 3) CP+3%-tween 80 (10 mL/kg/d); 4) CP+clomiphene citrate (2 mg/kg/d); 5, 6) CP+AE of A. hybridus (55 and 110 mg/kg/d); and 7, 8) CP+ME of A. hybridus (55 and 110 mg/kg/d). After 28 days of treatment, estrus cyclicity, ovarian and uterine weights as well as estradiol levels and ovarian histology were determined. Results:CP induced ovarian toxicity after 28 days of exposure. More specifically, CP disturbed the estrus cycle, decreased ovary and uterus weights (p = 0.04), and the 17-β estradiol level (p = 0.04), and induced severe ovarian damages. Remarkably, A. hybridus significantly increased (p = 0.03) the ovarian weight (AE and ME at all doses) and uterus weight (ME at 110 mg/kg/d), compared with the CP-treated rats. Moreover, the 17-β estradiol level was significantly elevated (p = 0.02) in rats given clomiphene citrate and A. hybridus (AE 110 mg/kg/d; ME 55 mg/kg/d). Finally, the ovaries of rats given plant extracts had many corpus luteum and normal follicles, and no cystic follicles. Conclusion:prevented the detrimental effects of CP on ovarian function, which could support its traditional use as a fertility enhancer.