Journal of Endocrinology and Reproduction

M. Rana ¹, S. Chatterjee ¹, S. Kochhar ¹, B. M. J. Pereira ¹

Affiliations
1 Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee- 247 667, Uttaranchal, IN

Abstract

Antimicrobial peptides are primarily concerned with the innate host defense mechanism and distributed in almost all forms of life. Over the years, several such peptides have been isolated, purified and characterized from the digestive, respiratory and reproductive tracts of mammals. These small peptides are coded by genes, the expression of which is regulated by several factors such as hormones, injury, chemical and microbial insults. Our understanding about these peptides has improved over the years and is now possible to commercially produce them in bioreactors on a mass scale. Until now, it has not been demonstrated that microbes acquire resistance to these peptides. Besides, being part of the innate immune system, problems of toxicity are rarely encountered making antimicrobial peptides potential substitutes for antibiotics. These unique peptides are now used as drugs in treatment of inflammatory diseases, as prophylaxis for neutropenic patients, and even in the treatment of septic shock. Due to their compatibility with the digestive tract of animals they have also been tried as food preservatives. Recently, there is an increasing body of evidence to show that peptides isolated from the reproductive tracts could serve dual roles of regulating fertility and preventing sexually transmitted infections. This review consolidates the advancements made in this area of research and development.

Keywords

Antimicrobial Peptides, Microbicide, Reproductive Tract Infections (RTI), Spermicide, Vaginal Contraceptive.

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B. M. J. Pereira ¹, R. Prasad ¹

Affiliations
1 Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Department of Bioteclinoiogy, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee - 247 667, Uttaranchal, IN

Abstract

Reproductive biomedicine covers all stages of the human lifespan from birth to death. Any kind of imbalance or abnormality in the development, growth and physiology of the reproductive and associated systems causes great physical and psychological discomfort that often results in embarrassment for the individual. Although allopathy provides immense relief and comfort to patients, the costs involved are now becoming prohibitive for the average citizen. This crisis has led us to search for alternate forms of reliable medicine. Herbalism Is one form of ancient folklore medicine that has been neglected and at times brushed aside as witchcraft. However, an increasing awareness and a change of attitude has prompted a re-exploration of the potentials of this practice with a scientific bent of mind. Herbs with safer and more effective ingredients are currently being isolated and tested for use In reproductive biomedicine. The advances in information technology have also made it possible to establish databanks for various kinds of reproductive disorders and to link them with remedies offered by nature's laboratory. In this review we focus on some of the problems related to reproductive health and highlight the variety of herbs that could be used to deal with such situations effectively.

Keywords

Fertility, Herbalism, Lactation, Male Reproduction, Menopause, Pregnancy, Puberty, Sexual Activity.

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K. Faisal ¹, S. Parveen ², R. Rajendran ³, R. Girija ¹, V. S. Periasamy ¹, B. Kadalmani ¹, A. Puratchikody ⁴, K. Ruckmani ⁴, B. M. J. Pereira ², M. A. Akbarsha ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620 024, IN
2 Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Indian Institute of Technology Roorke 247 667, IN
3 Green Chem, Attibele Industrial Area, Bangalore - 562 107, IN
4 Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology Bharathidasan Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli - 620 024, IN

Abstract

Quassia amara is a medicinal plant with several pharmacological properties. More recently, it has come to be known in the context of its potential biopesticidal application and the antimalarial property in two of its secondary metabolites, quassin and neo-quassin. There are also preliminary reports implicating this plant in male reproductive toxic effects, to the extent that the plant could as well be tested for male contraceptive efficacy. Therfore, we subjected the methanolic extract of the bark of this tree for male reproductive toxicological evaluation. This paper reports several derangements in the Cauda epididymidal sperm including a hither - to unreported one.

Keywords

Neo-Quassin, Quassia amara, Quassin, Sperm Abnormalities.

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