title: Effect of standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri (CDRI-08) on testicular functions in adult male mice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Bacopa monnieri (BM) has been used in India since the time of Rig-Veda for augmentation of learning, memory, brain health etc.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The memory augmenting effect of BM is well documented. CDRI-08 is a standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri, but its effect on the male reproductive health has not been investigated. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the effect of CDRI-08 administration on the male reproductive organs with special emphasis on testis in adult mice.
  
  
  METHODS
  CDRI-08, containing at least 55% bacosides (the major constituent of BM), was investigated for its effect on testicular functions in adult Parkes (P) mice. A suspension of CDRI-08 was orally administered in doses of 40 and 80mgkg-1body weight day-1for 28 days and various male reproductive end points were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared to control, CDRI-08 treatment caused a significant increase (p<0.05) in spermatogenic cell density (germinal epithelial height: control, 55.03±4.22 vs 40mg, 67.15±2.65 and 80mg, 69.93±3.76; and tubular diameter: control, 206.55±2.62 vs 80mg, 253.23±12.19), PCNA index (control, 59.85±2.09 vs 40mg, 82.17±1.56 and 80mg, 84.05±3.51) and in steroidogenic indices in the testis, and in sperm viability (control, 0.67±0.010 vs 80mg, 0.80±0.04) in cauda epididymidis of the treated mice. On the other hand, however, the same treatment caused a significant decrease (p<0.05) in abnormal sperm morphology (control, 21.72±1.06 vs 40mg, 10.63±1.50 and 80mg, 15.86±0.87) in cauda epididymidis, and in lipid peroxidation level in testis of the treated mice compared to controls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggest that treatment with CDRI-08 extract improves sperm quality, and spermatogenic cell density and steroidogenic indices in the testis of P mice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
authors.forename: Shishir Kumar
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.affiliation: Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
authors.forename: Shilpi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Lumen Research Foundation, Chennai 600083, India.
authors.forename: Hemant Kumar
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India. Electronic address: shioks@rediffmail.com.
authors.forename: Shio Kumar
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Singh
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D034681:Bacopa / Q000737:chemistry*; D004822:Epididymis / Q000187:drug effects; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012503:Saponins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects*; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: C569478:BESEB CDRI-08; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012503:Saponins
keywords: Bacopa monnieri (CDRI-08); Germ cell proliferation; Spermatogenesis; Spermatozoa; Steroidogenesis