Restoration of chronic-Delta 9-THC-induced decline in sexuality in male rats by a novel benzoflavone moiety from Passiflora incarnata Linn.
1 The present study comprised treatment of healthy male rats with Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, 10 mg kg(-1), p.o.), and combinations of THC with benzoflavone moiety (BZF, 10 and 20 mg kg(-1), p.o.) isolated from Passiflora incarnata Linneaus, over a period of 30 days. 2 Upon 30-days chronic administrations, the THC-treated male rats had a significant loss of libido (mounting behaviour with non-oestrous female rats), decrease in sperm count, and number of impregnated pro-estrous female rats. 3 Co-administration of BZF (10 and 20 mg kg(-1) p.o.) afforded significant protection against the chronic-THC-induced decrease in libido, mating performance and fertility during 30-day experimental regimen. The 20 mg kg(-1) dose of BZF exhibited better results. 4 Upon discontinuation of THC, treatment with BZF (10 and 20 mg kg(-1) p.o.) also facilitated the early restoration chronic-THC-induced decline in libido, sperm count and sexual fertility within 7 days.
Dhawan
Kamaldeep
K
Pharmacognosy Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160014, India. kdd@glide.net.in
Sharma
Anupam
A
D000818:Animals; D001571:Benzoflavones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D029598:Passiflora; D035261:Plant Components, Aerial; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D013076:Sperm Count / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D001571:Benzoflavones; D013759:Dronabinol