Effects of the Mixture of <i>Erigeron floribundus</i>(<i>Asteraceae</i>) and <i>Tragia benthamii</i>(<i>Euphorbiaceae</i>) on the Growth and Architecture of Estrogen-Sensitive Sexual Organs

The mixture of Erigeron floribundus and Tragia benthamii (AEMEFTB) is traditionally used against pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea and female sexual dysfunctions. In a recent study, we showed that the aqueous extract of the mixture of AEMEFTB suppresses the endometrium growth in rats with experimental endometriosis. The present study was aimed at investigating the effects of AEMEFTB on estrogen’s sensitive sexual organs growth and architecture. Immature gonado-intact female rats were randomly distributed into 7 groups of 5 animals each and daily treated during one week with either distilled water (10 ml/kg), refined palm oil (1 ml/kg) or 17β-estradiol (1 μg/day). Plant extract groups received aqueous extract of AEMEFTB at 130 or 260 mg/kg. The remaining groups were co-administered with 17β-estradiol (1 μg) plus 130 or 260 mg/kg of the plant mixture. Moreover, thirty-five immature female rats were bilaterally ovariectomized, then left and treated as before. Five other females, considered as sham animals, orally received distilled water (10 ml/kg). The body weight of each animal was recorded daily and at the end of the treatment (day 8), animals were sacrificed under anesthesia, and the vaginas, uteruses and ovaries (if any) were collected for analysis. Treatment with AEMEFTB did not affect the ovarian weight and architecture in gonado-intact immature female rats. However, a moderate increase of the uterine weight was recorded in animals treated with plant mixture at the high dose (260 mg/kg). On the contrary, a drop in the uterine growth index and total plasmatic proteins was observed in immature females co-administered with the extract and estradiol. Results from this work showed that the mixture of Erigeron floribundus and Tragia benthamii possesses a weak but observable estrogen-mimetic potential.

Sex Determination and Sexual Organ Differentiation in Flowering Plants

The research in the genetics of sex determination and the differentiation of reproductive organs in flowering plants has long been a topic in recent years. Understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms that control sex determination in flower- ing plants relies on detailed studies of the differentiation of sexual organs. Current theories about sex chromosomes have illuminated the mechanisms of plant sex determination. In addition, recent progress in cloning floral homeotic genes which regulate the identity of the floral organs has generated molecular markers to compare the developmental programs of male, female and hermaphrodite flowers in several species. In this review, the authors focus attention on these recent findings and provide a brief overview of the genetics of plant sex determination and the mechanism of sex determination gene expression and gene programs.

The inhibitory effects on adult male reproductive functions of crude garlic （Allium sativum） feeding

Aim： To investigate the effects of crude garlic on adult male rat reproductive functions. Methods： Thirty male rats were divided into five groups： group 1 （untreated） and groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were fed for 30 days with 5%, 10%, 15% and 30% crude garlic, respectively. Testes and accessory organs were weighed and some markers were assessed. Light and electron microscopy observations were also performed. Results： A significant decrease was observed in the body weight of groups 4 （14%; P 〈 0.01） and 5 （20%; P 〈 0.01）; of the prostate weight in group 5 （29.1%; P 〈 0.05） and of seminal vesicle weight in groups 3 （14.4%; P 〈 0.01）, 4 （18.3%; P 〈 0.01） and 5 （27.3%; P 〈 0.01）. In contrast, testis and epididymis weights were unchanged. In epididymis tissue, the alpha glucosidase activity and the spermatozoa density were unchanged. The treatment resulted in a significant decrease in testosterone serum levels in groups 3 （77.3%; P 〈 0.01）, 4 （77.3%; P 〈 0.01） and 5 （90.9%; P 〈 0.01）, associated with a significant increase in LH serum levels （P 〈 0.01）. Testicular histology showed a dose-dependent increase in the percentage of empty seminiferous tubules. Moreover, testicular function was affected; a significant decrease in phosphatase acid activity （P 〈 0.01） and testosterone （P 〈 0.05） contents were observed. Conclusion： Crude garlic consumption during 1 month reduced testosterone secretion and altered spermatogenesis at 10%, 15% and 30% doses.