Mikania Glomerata Research Articles

Anti-hemorrhagic effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of the leaves of Mikania glomerata in lesions induced by Bothrops jararaca venom in rats

To investigate the effects of hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Mikania glomerata Spreng (Asteraceae) on the activity of Bothrops jararaca snake venom in Wistar rats. Fifty four rats Wistar were divided into six groups of nine animals in each: control treated with saline; control treated with B. jararaca venom; control treated with M. glomerata extract; B. jararaca venom incubated with M. glomerata extract at proportions of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4. Histopathological and morphometric analysis showed that intradermal administration of snake venom incubated with the hydroalcoholic extract at proportions of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4 promoted a significant reduction in the number of inflammatory cells and a marked decrease in edema after the third hour. There was also a significant reduction in the intensity of the hemorrhagic halo in animals receiving the snake venom incubated with the extract, with the observation of a progressive and parallel inhibition with increasing proportion of M. glomerata. The Mikania glomerata hydroalcoholic extract exerted effective anti-inflammatory and antihemorrhagic activity against the effects induced by Bothrops jararaca snake venom.

Estudo das propriedades físico-químicas e avaliação da toxicidade aguda do extrato etanólico das folhas de Mikania glomerata Sprengel

A Mikania glomerata é uma planta pertencente à família Asteraceae que é bastante utilizada na medicina popular devido às suas ações broncodilatadora, antiasmática, expectorante e antitussígena. O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar as propriedades físico-químicas do pó obtido a partir das folhas de M. glomerata, bem como, avaliar a toxicidade em camundongos após tratamento agudo com doses repetidas do extrato etanólico padronizado preparado a partir das folhas dessa espécie. Durante o estudo das propriedades físico-químicas do pó obtido a partir das folhas de M. glomerata foram feitas as determinações da densidade bruta e de compactação, do teor de cinzas totais, do teor de umidade, e da granulometria. De acordo com os resultados obtidos podemos sugerir que o pó pode ser usado na formulação de uma forma farmacêutica sólida. Na segunda parte do estudo foi determinada a Dose Letal 50% (DL50), bem como, realizada a análise morfológica macroscópica e avaliados a toxicidade aguda com doses repetidas e os parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos de camundongos. De acordo com os dados obtidos na segunda parte deste estudo podemos sugerir que o extrato etanólico pode ser usado de forma segura em humanos, uma vez que apresentou valor de DL50 de aproximadamente 3000 mg Kg-1), bem como, não produziu nenhuma alteração morfológica nos principais órgãos, e nem provocou alterações nos parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos de camundongos.

Supercritical extraction of coumarin from guaco (Mikania laevigata and Mikania glomerata) for pharmaceutical applications

Guaco has several applications in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. This plant is a source of coumarin, a diterpene compound with expectorants properties. In Brazil, guaco extracts are used as medicinal products authorized by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). Studies proved that guaco extracts are also effective against cancer, ulcers and infectious diseases. Supercritical extractions have been widely used to obtain highly pure natural extracts that do not contain organic solvents and have not lost their thermosensitive compounds and therefore are suitable for pharmaceutical applications. In this study, coumarin was obtained from guaco leaves extracts by supercritical extraction under different experimental conditions according to a central composite rotational design (CCRD) with two independent variables, temperature (T) and pressure (P). Lower values of T were used to maintain the stability of thermosensitive compounds and because coumarin is highly soluble in supercritical CO2 even at low T. The responses surface analyzes (RSA) acquired by fitting of linear and quadratic models to experimental extraction yields and coumarin concentrations showed similar conditions for improving yields from both plant species. Although the extract yield values were similar for both plant species, coumarin concentrations were higher in Mikania laevigata than Mikania glomerata. The greater extract yield of 4.20% coumarin, related to the higher coumarin concentration (0.43g×100g−1 in guaco leaves), was obtained under extraction conditions of P above 175bar and T above 45°C.

Fungal transformation of diterpenes by Aspergillus phoenix

Microbial transformation is an interesting tool used to increase the variety of chemical structures to be applied in the search for novel bioactive compounds [1]. In present work, the biotransformation of kaurenoic acid (1) and copalic acid (4), two diterpenes isolated in high amounts from Brazilian plants (Mikania glomerata and Copaifera langsdorffii), were performed using submerged liquid culture of Aspergillus phoenix (3,76 X 108 esporos/mL). The microorganism was grown by a two-stage fermentation procedure. Substrate were added as a dimethylsulfoxide solution (0.1 g/L) and incubated for 7 days. The cultures were filtered and the aqueous layers were extracted with ethyl acetate to furnish the extracts codified as AC (obtained from 1) and Aco (obtained from 4). Chemical and NMR studies of AC and Aco allowed us to isolate and to identify four hydroxylated derivatives. Compounds 2 and 3 were isolated from AC, while 5 and 6 from Aco. Both antimicrobial and antitumor activities of such compounds will be investigated by our research group.

Persistência de plantas medicinais em sistemas agroflorestais no município de São Bento do Sul, SC, Brasil

No final da década de 90, a comunidade de Rio Natal, no município de São Bento do Sul, SC, passou a fazer parte de uma Área de Preservação Ambiental e desde então, muitas áreas de cultivo, paulatinamente, estão retomando o processo de formação florestal. Neste cenário, foi sugerido pela comunidade, a possibilidade de cultivo de plantas medicinais adaptadas às condições de sombreamento. Em atendimento a essa demanda foi realizada uma pesquisa participativa na comunidade, de 2005 a 2008, onde foram avaliadas 14 espécies de plantas medicinais com potencial de mercado, cultivadas em áreas sombreadas, em três propriedades familiares. Foram avaliados: taxa de sobrevivência das espécies, incidência de doenças e pragas, teor de massa seca e altura das plantas. Apresentaram persistência ao cultivo em áreas sombreadas as espécies: Curcuma longa L. (açafrão-da-índia); Arctium lappa L. (bardana); Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng) Pedersen (fáfia ou ginseng-brasileiro); Mikania glomerata Sprengel (guaco); Alternanthera brasiliana L. Kuntze (penicilina); Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth (patchuli) e Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. Ex Reissek (espinheira-santa).

Levantamento etnobotânico de plantas medicinais na cidade de Ipameri - GO

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram: identificar as espécies vegetais utilizadas com fins medicinais pela comunidade de Ipameri (Estado de Goiás); investigar as preferências com relação à produção e comercialização dessas plantas; e diagnosticar o perfil de gênero e as faixas etárias e salariais de seus usuários. Para isso, foram realizadas entrevistas estruturadas com 200 famílias da cidade e coletadas as plantas visando-se a sua correta identificação. O material foi herborizado, identificado e depositado no Herbário da Universidade Estadual de Goiás (HUEG). Das 200 famílias entrevistadas, 75 disseram não fazer uso de plantas com fins medicinais (37,5%), enquanto 125 afirmaram fazê-lo (62,5%). O grupo que utiliza relacionou 35 espécies mais empregadas: hortelã-rasteira (Mentha x villosa L.), boldo-sete-dores (Plectranthus barbatus Andrews.), capim-cidreira (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf.), quebra-pedra (Phyllanthus niruri L.), camomila (Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert.), poejo (Mentha pulegium L.), guaco (Mikania glomerata Spreng.), mentrasto (Ageratum conyzoides L.), alfavacão (Ocimum gratissimum L.), losna (Artemisia canphorata Vill.), bálsamo (Eysenhardtia platycarpa Mich.), carqueja (Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC.), funcho (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), babosa (Aloe vera L.) e malva (Althaea officinalis L.). Todas as famílias consumidoras (100%) afirmaram preferir as plantas cultivadas de forma orgânica, selecionando-as através da boa aparência (68% das famílias) e consumindo-as in natura (sem beneficiamento, 100%). A utilização de plantas medicinais em Ipameri é independente do sexo (54%, mulheres e 46%, homens) e se estende às várias faixas etárias e também sócio-econômicas, configurando-se assim, um bom mercado consumidor.

Propriedades físicoquímicas e avaliação da toxicidade aguda do extrato etanólico padronizado a 70% das folhas de Mikania glomerata (Asteraceae)

Mikania glomerata (Asteraceae) é bastante utilizada na medicina popular devido às suas ações broncodilatadora, antiasmática, expectorante e antitussígena. O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar propriedades físicoquímicas do pó obtido a partir das folhas de M. glomerata, bem como avaliar a toxicidade em camundongos após tratamento agudo com doses repetidas do extrato etanólico padronizado a 70% preparado durante 30 dias consecutivos. No estudo das propriedades físicoquímicas fez-se a determinação da densidade bruta e de compactação, do teor de cinzas totais, do teor de umidade e da granulometria. De acordo com os resultados obtidos o pó pode ser usado na formulação de uma forma farmacêutica sólida, uma vez que suas propriedades físico-químicas são compatíveis com o desenvolvimento desse tipo de formulação. Na segunda parte do estudo foi determinada a dose letal 50% (DL50) em camundongos, e na análise morfológica macroscópica dos principais órgãos e avaliada a toxicidade aguda com doses repetidas em parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos de camundongos. Os resultados sugerem que o extrato etanólico padronizado a 70% pode ser usado de forma segura, uma vez que apresentou um valor para a DL50 (~3000 mg kg-1) que pode ser classificado na categoria nociva, e não produziu nenhuma alteração morfológica nos principais órgãos e em parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos de camundongos.

Efficacy of guaco mouthwashes (Mikania glomerata and Mikania laevigata) on the disinfection of toothbrushes

Guaco Mikania glomerata Spreng. and M. laevigata Sch. Bip. ex Baker, Asteraceae, has antimicrobial activity and may be helpful in reducing the incidence of oral diseases. This double-blinded randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of guaco mouthwashes on the disinfection of toothbrushes used by preschool children, tested positive for mutans streptococci (MS), as well as the quantification of its coumarin contents by high performance liquid chromatography. Ethanol extracts were obtained by percolation. The mouthwashes were prepared with 2.5% g/mL M. glomerata and M. laevigata ethanol extracts, standardized for their coumarin content (% mg/mg). Antimicrobial effect of the mouthwashes and extracts were assessed in vitro against Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175TM), using 2.4 to 500 µg/mL to calculate the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). For the in vivo study, 24 patients were randomly assigned to a 4-stage changeover system with a one-week interval between each stage. All solutions were used in all stages by a different group of children. After brushing without toothpaste, toothbrushes (n=96) were sprayed with water and solutions of M. glomerata (2.5%), M. laevigata (2.5%) and chlorhexidine (0.12%). Microbiological analysis was carried out after 4 h and 30 days, respectively. MIC values were 400, 125 and 14 µg/mL, respectively, for both crude ethanol extracts, mouthwashes of M. glomerata and M. laevigata. Statistical analysis showed that all solutions decreased contamination of toothbrushes by mutans streptococci (chlorhexidine 50.7±17.7%; M. glomerata 37.3±23.7% and M. laevigata 28.7±25.1% of inhibition). Treatment with chlorhexidine and M. glomerata were statistically similar (p>0.05). M. glomerata mouthwash could be useful in herbal strategy programs against mutans streptococci and the marker coumarin may be not related to the activity observed.

Quality control and TLC profile data on selected plant species commonly found in the Brazilian market

The use of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is a commonplace practice and can be of significant help to different laboratories with quality control, especially those that work with plant extracts and phytotherapeutics. This study evaluated ten species of plants (Schinus terebinthifolius; Arctium lappa; Trichilia catigua; Camellia sinensis; Mikania glomerata; Croton echioides; Achyrocline satureioides; Heteropterys aphrodisiaca; Plantago major; Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) that are commonly sold by compounding pharmacies, using TLC with reference substances and pharmacopoeic physical and chemical tests (loss on drying, level of extractives, and total ash content). The results showed that the ten species showed losses on drying consonant with the literature. The level of extractives for two species and total ash for five species were also consonant with the literature, and those of the other species were established in this study. The semipurified extracts of the ten species were assayed by TLC, and the analysis with the use of reference substances proved to be effective, in addition to being practical, simple, versatile, and economically viable.

Preparation of Dry Extract of Mikania glomerata Sprengel (Guaco) and Determination of Its Coumarin Levels by Spectrophotometry and HPLC-UV

Guaco (Mikania glomerata Sprengel) syrup is one of the most popular herbal medicines used to treat the symptoms of asthmatic bronchitis, cough and hoarseness. The coumarin 2H-1-benzopyran-2-one, is one of the major constituents of Guaco and contributes to its pharmacological effects. The pharmaceutical capsule form of dry extract of Guaco is recommended by the Brazilian Program of Medicinal Plants and Herbal Medicines and used in primary health care. In order to identify a new protocol to obtain the raw material for Guaco capsule production we evaluated two methods, including a freeze-drying process (lyophilization) and the spray-dryer technique, as well as the use of two adjuvants, Maltodextrins and Aerosil®, in different concentrations. The coumarin levels of the dried extracts were analyzed by UV-spectrophotometry and HPLC-UV/DAD. The adjuvant Aerosil® 8% showed better dry powder physical appearance. Lyophilization was observed to be the best process to obtain the dry extract of Guaco based on the measured coumarin levels.

Efeito antimicrobiano de tinturas de produtos naturais sobre bactérias da cárie dentária

Objective: To evaluate the bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities of tinctures of Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary), Calendula officinalis (Marigold) and Mikania glomerata (Guaco) upon decay-causing bacteria and compare them to chlorhexidine’s. Methods: The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined by microdilution technique, using 96-well microplates. In each well were inserted 10μL of inoculum (108 cells/mL), 100μL of doubly concentrated BHI broth and 100μL of tinctures at concentrations that vary between 100 and 0.78 mg/mL for T1, T2 and T3. As positive control, Chlorhexidine 0.12% was used. Reading was performed after 24 hours, by visual method. The assays were realized in triplicate. Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) was obtained by seeding of last bacteriostatic and its preceding concentrations, for each product, on Blood Agar. The MBC was considered in the plates that did not present any bacterial growth. Results: Upon Streptococcus mutans, MIC was verified at 6.25mg/mL, for T1, T2, and T3 and MBC at 12.5mg/mL for T1 and T2, and at 6.25mg/mL for T3. Upon Streptococcus oralis, all products presented MIC and MBC at 0.78mg/mL. For Chlorhexidine, the MIC and MBC were 0,04mg/mL, upon S. mutans and S. oralis. Conclusion: The tinctures of Rosemary, Marigold and Guaco showed bactericidal and bacteriostatic activities at low concentrations, upon Streptococcus mutans e Streptococcus oralis. However, the antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine was superior to the tinctures

Germinação de esporos de Puccinia polysora por extratos aquosos de Mikania glomerata

Corn rust requires chemical fungicides as the main method for its control. This research aimed to evaluate the spore germination of the fungus Puccinia polysora , responsible for corn rust, using static aqueous extract of guaco ( Mikania glomerata ). The extract was obtained by hydrating whole leaves of guaco in distilled water and then it was kept in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Afterwards, the extract was filtered with filter paper and diluted in water until it reached the concentrations of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5%. The control was prepared with distilled water. Aliquots of 40 µL of the extract and 40 µL of spore suspension of P. polysora (1 x 10 4 spores mL -1 ), obtained in a commercial farming area in Toledo (Parana, Brazil), were spread over the surface of a microscope slide covered with a thin layer (1 mL) of water agar at 1%, placed in gerbox boxes and kept in the dark for 24 hours at 22 °C. Later, the percentage of germinated spores was determined by counting them under the microscope. The results were analyzed by ANAVA and regression test, and they indicated that all the concentrations inhibited the germination of spores, reaching 74% in the highest concentration tested, when compared to the control.

Levantamento etnobotânico de plantas medicinais utilizadas pelos moradores do povoado de Manejo, Lima Duarte - MG

O objetivo deste estudo foi o levantamento etnobotânico de plantas medicinais utilizadas pela população do povoado de Manejo, Lima Duarte (MG). O estudo foi realizado mediante visitas às casas dos moradores que responderam a questionário relacionado às espécies de plantas que são cultivadas, respectivas partes utilizadas, bem como as formas de preparo e quais doenças são tratadas com as plantas. Foram realizadas 41 visitas resultando em citações de 100 diferentes espécies medicinais, sendo a maioria cultivada nos quintais e outras nativas da região, as quais também são utilizadas pelos moradores. Exemplares foram coletados e depositados no herbário CESJ, da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora. As espécies mais citadas foram Mentha sp., Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Brown, Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC., Bidens pilosa L., Mentha pulegium L., Mikania glomerata Spreng., Rosa sp. e Plantago major L. As doenças mais tratadas com as plantas medicinais em Manejo são gripes e resfriados, problemas estomacais, cólicas menstruais e infecções no útero, verminose, problemas renais, ansiedade e estresse. As partes mais utilizadas são as folhas, e a forma de preparo mais comum das plantas são os chás por infusão. A construção de horta comunitária no povoado pode valorizar o emprego das plantas medicinais, sobretudo pelos mais jovens, mantendo a tradição do uso pelas futuras gerações.

Determination of Moisture Content from Guaco with Microwave Oven

This study was done to develop a quick method to determine moisture content of guaco’s leaves (Mikania glomerata Sprengel), to assist in research on medicinal and aromatic plants. Guaco’s leaves with moisture content between 7 to 82 % w.b. were exposed in a microwave oven set at 340, 570, 660 or 880 W, for 3, 4 or 5 minutes. In order to determine the regression equations, the results of moisture content determined by the microwave method were correlated with the values determined with standard gravimetric method. The most appropriate power and exposure time combination was founfd to be 660 W for 3 minutes. The microwave oven appears to be a viable alternative for determination of moisture content of guaco’s leaves.

NOTA TÉCNICA: DETERMINAÇÃO DO TEOR DE ÁGUA DE GUACO COM FORNO MICROONDAS

Objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver um método rápido para determinar o teor de água das folhas de guaco (Mikania glomerata Sprengel), focando no apoio a pesquisa sobre plantas medicinais e aromáticas. Um forno de microondas foi utilizado para essa finalidade. Folhas de guaco com teor de umidade de 7 a 82% b.u. foram utilizados nos testes. Quatro níveis diferentes de calibração de energia (340, 570, 660 e 880W) e três períodos de tempo de exposição à radiação (3, 4, 5 minutos) foram usados para determinar o teor de água de folhas de guaco. A fim de determinar as equações de regressão, os resultados do teor de água encontrado utilizando-se o método de microondas foram correlacionados com os valores encontrados com o método padrão (método gravimétrico). Os resultados mostraram que a potência e tempo exposição mais adequados foram 660W e 3 minutos, respectivamente. O forno de microondas mostrou-se alternativa viável para a determinação do teor de água de folhas de guaco.

In vitro antibacterial activity of medicinal plant extracts against Escherichia coli strains from human clinical specimens and interactions with antimicrobial drugs

The biological properties of medicinal plants have been documented worldwide for many centuries. We aimed to evaluate interactions between crude extracts from Psidium guajava, Zingiber officinale, Cymbopogon citratus, Caryophyllus aromaticus, Mikania glomerata and Allium sativum samples and antimicrobial drugs against Escherichia coli strains. The susceptibility test performed was disc diffusion, and crude extracts were diluted (%v/v) into Müller–Hinton agar (MHA) at one quarter of the minimal inhibitory concentration for 90% (MIC90%) of E. coli strains found previously. Synergistic interactions were observed between C. citratus and polymyxin, and A. sativum extracts and gentamicin. The crude A. sativum extract was the only one that did not show any antagonism with the antimicrobial drugs. The results thus showed the potential use of these medicinal plants against E. coli strains, although antagonism with antimicrobial drugs is a negative aspect in the combined therapy of infectious diseases caused by E. coli.

Anatomical and molecular identification of "guaco" Mikania glomerata and Mikania laevigata (Asteraceae), two important medicinal species from Brazil

Mikania glomerata Sprengel and Mikania laevigata Schultz Bip. ex Baker are native Brazilian lianas, popularly known as guaco and mainly used as bronchodilators. Based on morphological and anatomical leaf features, preliminary data indicate substantial similarity between the two species, requiring further studies to increase the accuracy of their diagnosis. However, it is still unclear which of the two species is commercially sold. Therefore, in the anatomical analysis, three individuals of each species were treated according to the usual methodology for stem anatomy. Molecular analysis was performed on four specimens of M. glomerata and six of M. laevigata, using three plastid loci (matK,rbcL and trnH-psbA) and the ITS2 locus, which have been proposed as plant barcodes. Our results, including anatomical descriptions and statistically derived quantitative data, show that the anatomical structural standard is very similar between the species. Molecular data corroborate the morphological data in pointing to the total similarity between the two species observed in the loci used. Based on these results, we conclude that M. laevigataand M. glomerata could be unified in terms of nomenclature. Key words: Asteraceae, liana, matK, rbcL, trnH-psbA, ITS2, plant molecular biology, stem anatomy.

Seasonal variation of kaurane-type diterpenes and cinnamic acid derivatives in leaves of Mikania laevigata and Mikania glomerata cultivated under different shading conditions

Mikania glomerata Spreng. and Mikania laevigata Sch.Bip. ex Baker are medicinal plants popularly named 'guaco', whose leaves are used to treat respiratory diseases, with coumarin (1) and kaurane-type diterpenes regarded as the bioactive constituents. The goal of the study was to undertake seasonal studies on the contents of chemical markers in leaves under different shading conditions. Species were cultivated under different levels of solar radiation and full sunlight. The leaves were collected in the middle of each season year.The contents of 1, o-coumaric (2), benzoylgrandifloric (3), cinnamoylgrandifloric (4) and kaurenoic (5) acids were quantified in dried leaves of both species by RP-HPLC [1].Significant differences were found in the contents of cinnamic acid derivatives (1 and 2) and kaurane-type diterpenes (3, 4 and 5) for the evaluated harvesting periods and cultivation environments. o-Coumaric acid was solely detected in M. laevigata in concentrations bellow the limit of quantification (<0,045%), in plants under 80% shading, collected in the autumn. Both 1 and 2 were not detected in the analyzed samples of M. glomerata.The average concentration of coumarin reached its maximum (0.94%) in the summer, in plants growing under 80% shading.In general, both species presented higher amounts of the kaurane-type diterpenes in plants cultivated under sunlight, except for 3 in M. glomerata. Altogether, the obtained results point out that the highest content of coumarin is reached in M. laevigata cultivated under 80% shading, preferentially harvested in the summer, but with reduced levels of kaurane-type diterpenes.On the other hand, M. glomerata shall be cultivated under full sunlight for maximum contents of the kaurane-type diterpenes.

Avaliação do efeito de polietilenoglicóis no perfil de extratos de Mikania glomerata Spreng., Asteraceae, e Passiflora edulis Sims, Passifloraceae

Polyethylene glycols (PEG) are hydrosoluble polymers able to reducing dielectric constant of solvents like water and thus are used as cosolvents to enhance the aqueous solubility of several drugs. Actually, the PEG have been successful applied to obtain extracts of plant raw material once can facilitate the extraction of substances with polarities similar to those extracted by hydroethanol solvents. In this study, the objective was to evaluate the effect of PEG concentration and molecular weight (400 and 4000 g/mol) on the extraction of total flavonoids from Passiflora edulis Sims, Passifloraceae, and coumarin from Mikania glomerata Spreng., Asteraceae. The results showed that increasing PEG concentration promoted an increase in the extractive capacity of total flavonoid and coumarin from Passiflora edulis and Mikania glomerata respectively. This behavior was attributed to changes in dielectric constant. Despite raising the extractive capacity, the solvent containing PEG required high plant/solvent ratio to reach levels similar to hydroethanol solvents used, except for the extraction of total flavonoids from Passiflora edulis using PEG 4000 g/mol.

Toxicological screening of Mikania glomerata Spreng., Asteraceae, extract in male Wistar rats reproductive system, sperm production and testosterone level after chronic treatment

Some compounds present in therapeutic plants may be responsible for the occurrence of adverse side effects. Coumarin and flavonoids are substances found in many plant species that showed antifertility activity in female rats and dogs, respectively. Mikania glomerata Spreng., Asteraceae, known as guaco in Brazil, is a plant largely used in folk medicine and its leaves are reported to have coumarin and flavonoids. This work analyzes the effect of chronic administration of M. glomerata on the reproductive system of male rats. Thirty-day-old Wistar rats were treated with M. glomerata hydroalcoholic extract at a dose of 3.3 g/kg of body weight for ninety days. Body and organ weights, gamete concentration on the epididymis cauda, serum testosterone level and food consumption were evaluated. No significant alteration was observed in any of the variables analyzed, suggesting the absence of toxic action or antifertility activity of the M. glomerata hydroalcoholic extract.