Fermentation filtrates of Rubus coreanus relax the corpus cavernosum and increase sperm count and motility.
We investigated the effects of fermentation filtrates from Rubus coreanus on the function of the male reproductive system. We performed an ex vivo study to determine if the candidate compounds relax isolated New Zealand white rabbit corpus cavernosum, which were precontracted by phenylephrine (5 x 10(-5) M). The results reveal that the filtrates of the reddish-purple (FRRC) and green (FGRC) R. coreanus exerted concentration-dependent relaxing effects, leading to median effective concentrations of 4.53 mg/mL and >10 mg/mL, respectively. For the in vivo study, male ICR mice were orally administered FRRC or FGRC (100 or 500 mg/kg) for 28 days, and the reproductive organ weights, serum testosterone level, cauda epididymal sperm counts, and motility were analyzed. Both the FRRC and FGRC had no significant effect on the reproductive organ weights; however, FRRC (100 or 500 mg/kg) enhanced testosterone levels and especially sperm counts at the higher dose (500 mg/kg). In comparison, FGRC increased hormone levels and sperm counts at a relatively low dose (100 mg/kg). In summary, it is proposed that the crude fermentation filtrates of ripe R. coreanus have positive effects on the function of the male reproductive system by triggering a penile erection, enhancing serum testosterone levels, and increasing epididymal sperm counts.
Jeon
Jeong Hee
JH
College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea.
Shin
Sunhee
S
Park
Dongsun
D
Jang
Ja Young
JY
Choi
Byong-il
BI
Kang
Jong-Koo
JK
Joo
Seong Soo
SS
Hwang
Seock-Yeon
SY
Kim
Jong-Choon
JC
Kim
Byung-Yul
BY
Kim
Mee Ree
MR
Kim
Yun-Bae
YB
D000818:Animals; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy; D005285:Fermentation; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D009929:Organ Size; D010413:Penis / Q000187:drug effects*; D010656:Phenylephrine / Q000009:adverse effects; D008517:Phytotherapy; D028321:Plant Preparations; D011817:Rabbits; D027824:Rosaceae; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D028321:Plant Preparations; D010656:Phenylephrine; D013739:Testosterone