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DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2015.12.024
Effect of ultra-high dilutions of Lycopodium clavatum on reproductive and sexual functions in aged male Wistar albino rats
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Publication History
Publication Date:
27 January 2018 (online)
Introduction : Ultra-high dilutions of Lycopodium clavatum (LC) is commonly used in the homoeopathic treatment of various disorders in male reproductive system. This efficacy of LC in alleviating male reproductive system disorders is exploited in this study on a reproducible, natural, animal experimentation model of ageing to ascertain the pharmacodynamics of homeopathic ultra- high diluted medicines.
Methods : Aged male Wistar albino rats were grouped randomly into six groups (n = 6), where the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th group animals were treated with LC Q, 6C, 30C and 1M respectively. 1st group served as aged control and 6th group served as vehicle control. LC was given at a dose of 20 μl/animal/day per-orally for 60 days. Estimation of serum testosterone was done at the beginning and end of the experiment. After 60th day, of testis and epididymis were analyzed. Following sperm parameters were studied viz., Viability, Concentration, Motility, Morphology, Morphometry, Acrosomal intactness, Membrane permeability (HOST) and Nuclear condensation (AO-Assay). Testicular Enzymic, Non-Enzymic antioxidants and Lipid peroxidation were analyzed .Test for potency and mating behavior assessment was done every 30 days till the end of the study. Results were statistical analyzed.
Results and discussion : Testosterone levels were increased in drug treated animals. Sperm parameters of drug treated groups were significantly better compared to the aged control and vehicle control groups. Histopathology examination revealed a better spermatogenic status in the treatment groups than the control groups. Mating behavior assessment and test for potency showed better sexual performance in drug treated groups than control groups. Among the drug treated groups, 30C and 1M treated groups showed significant better results compared to Q and 6C treated groups.
Conclusion : Efficacy of LC in sexual sphere was confirmed using a stable animal model i.e. aging. Effectiveness of LC was further appreciated in ultra-high dilutions compared to its lower dilutions.