Evaluation of testicular glycogen storage, FGF21 and LDH expression and physiological parameters of sperm in hyperglycemic rats treated with hydroalcoholic extract of Securigera Securidaca seeds, and Glibenclamide

Structural and physiological changes in sperm and semen parameters reduce fertility in diabetic patients. Securigera Securidaca (S. Securidaca) seed is a herbal medicine with hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and anti-hypertensive effects. The question now is whether this herbal medicine improves fertility in diabetic males. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of S. Securidaca seeds (HESS), glibenclamide and a combination of both on fertility in hyperglycemic rats by comparing histological and some biochemical changes in testicular tissue and sperm parameters. The treatment protocol included administration of three doses of HESS and one dose of glibenclamide, as well as treatment with both in diabetic Wistar diabetic rats and comparison of the results with untrated groups. The quality of the testicular tissue as well as histometric parameters and spermatogenesis indices were evaluated during histopathological examination. Epididymal sperm analysis including sperm motility, viability, abnormalities, maturity, and chromatin structure were studied. The effect of HESS on the expression of LDH and FGF21 genes and tissue levels of glycogen, lactate, and total antioxidant capacity in testicular tissue was investigated and compared with glibenclamide. HESS improved sperm parameters in diabetic rats but showed little restorative effect on damaged testicular tissue. In this regard, glibenclamide was more effective than the highest dose of HESS and its combination with HESS enhanced its effectiveness so that histological tissue characteristics and sperm parameters were were comparable to those of healthy rats. The expression level of testicular FGF21 gene increased in diabetic rats, which intensified after treatment with HESS as well as glibenclamide. The combination of HESS and glibenclamide restored the expression level of testicular LDH gene, as well as tissue storage of glycogen, lactate and LDH activity, and serum testosterone to the levels near healthy control. S. Securidaca seeds can be considered as an effective supplement in combination with hypoglycemic drugs to prevent infertility complications in diabetes.

Effects of Securigera Securidaca Seed Extract, Alone and in combination with Glibenclamide, on Circulating Levels of Pro-Angiogenic/Anti-Angiogenic Biomarkers in Hyperglycemic Rats

Background: Many diabetic patients use herbal medicines in addition to their mainstream treatments. Plants contain a well-known and unknown set of compounds that may exacerbate or improve diabetes complications. Thus, the side effects of these herbs should be known before prescribing. The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Securigera securidaca (L.) Degen & Dorfl (S. securidaca) seed (HESS) on angiogenesis/anti-angiogenesis balance in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, alone and in combination with glibenclamide. Methods: The groups involved in this animal study included diabetic and healthy control groups, groups treated with three doses of HESS, group treated with glibenclamide, and groups received combination therapy. Serum samples were taken and analyzed for the levels of angiogenic/ anti-angiogenic biomarkers.Results: Induction of diabetes increased serum levels of angiogenic agents and decreased circulating anti-angiogenic factors. The herbal extract, even with the highest dose, had little effects on the blood levels of the tested biomarkers except with TGF-β. Glibenclamide was more effective than the highest dose of HESS in preventing the increase in serum levels of angiogenic factors and in inhibiting the decrease in anti-angiogenic agents in diabetic rats. Combination therapy with the highest dose of HESS partly enhanced the glibenclamide effects.Conclusions: Although glibenclamide was more effective than the highest dose of HESS used in this study in preventing changes in serum concentrations of angiogenic/ anti-angiogenic biomarkers in the diabetic animals, this study show that S. securidaca has no side effects on diabetes complications caused by vascular disorders and neovascularization, and still it can be used as a herbal supplement with the standard drug.

Effect of Methanolic Extract of Securigera securidaca as Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities

In the present work, the phytochemical screening, polyphenolic content, antibacterial activity and antioxidant activity of Securigera securidaca seeds in methanol were carried out. Phytochemical analysis of seeds showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, steroids and glycosides. Total phenolic content was estimated by Folin Ciocalteau method and the result showed the highest phenolic content of 62.28 mg/g. Methanolic extract was screened for antibacterial activity by disc diffusion method and it found to be potent. The MIC of methanol extract identified by broth dilution method showed a MIC value of 0.25 mg/ml for both E. coli and Kl. Oxytoca, and also 0.5 mg/ml for both S. aureus and S. epidermis. The antioxidant effect of the seeds was tested by DPPH scavenging activity as in vitro assay. The extract had potent inhibitory activity (IC50) value of 0.057 mg/ml. The finding experimental results showed that methanolic extract of Securigera securidaca is important as a source of antibacterial activity and polyphenolic antioxidants.

Effects of Securigera securidaca (L.) Degen & Dorfl seed extract combined with glibenclamide on paraoxonase1 activity, lipid profile and peroxidation, and cardiovascular risk indices in diabetic rats

Introduction: Seeds of Securigera securidaca (L.) Degen & Dorfl are rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids which have potent biological effects. The current study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of S. securidaca seeds (HESS) alone, and in combination with a standard drug, glibenclamide (GB) on paraoxonase1 (PON1) activity, lipid profile and peroxidation, and cardiovascular risk indices in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Methods: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight equal groups and orally treated with various doses of HESS (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) alone and in combination with GB (5 mg/kg) for 35 consecutive days. After blood sampling, lipid profile including triglyceride (TG), cholesterol, high, low and very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C, LDL-C, and VLDL-C), as well as serum PON1 activity, were assessed. Malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were also measured. Several indices of cardiovascular risk and the correlation between PON1 activity and these indices were calculated based on the obtained results from the lipid profile. Results: Induction of diabetes could dramatically alter all of the parameters mentioned above, and the lower dose of HESS (100 mg/kg) was not effective in restoring the parameters. However, the higher doses (200 and 400 mg/kg) alone and in combination with GB could significantly improve lipid profile, restore PON1 activity, and decrease cardiovascular risk indices, MDA, as well. However, neither HESS nor GB could significantly reduce TNF-α and hs-CRP. A significant negative correlation also was detected between PON1 activity and cardiovascular risk indices. Conclusion: conclusively, HESS can be considered as a potent antihyperlipidemic agent with remarkable cardioprotective effects and can potentiate the antidiabetic effects of GB.