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Restoration of chronic‐ Δ 9 ‐THC‐induced decline in sexuality in male rats by a novel benzoflavone moiety from Passiflora incarnata Linn
Author(s) -
Dhawan Kamaldeep,
Sharma Anupam
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
british journal of pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.432
H-Index - 211
eISSN - 1476-5381
pISSN - 0007-1188
DOI - 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705015
Subject(s) - estrous cycle , libido , sperm , discontinuation , fertility , medicine , endocrinology , mating , andrology , biology , pharmacology , toxicology , ecology , population , environmental health
The present study comprised treatment of healthy male rats with Δ 9 ‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, 10 mg kg −1 , p.o.), and combinations of THC with benzoflavone moiety (BZF, 10 and 20 mg kg −1 , p.o.) isolated from Passiflora incarnata Linneaus, over a period of 30 days. Upon 30‐days chronic administrations, the THC‐treated male rats had a significant loss of libido (mounting behaviour with non‐oestrous female rats), decrease in sperm count, and number of impregnated pro‐estrous female rats. Co‐administration of BZF (10 and 20 mg kg −1 p.o.) afforded significant protection against the chronic‐THC‐induced decrease in libido, mating performance and fertility during 30‐day experimental regimen. The 20 mg kg −1 dose of BZF exhibited better results. Upon discontinuation of THC, treatment with BZF (10 and 20 mg kg −1 p.o.) also facilitated the early restoration chronic‐THC‐induced decline in libido, sperm count and sexual fertility within 7 days.British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 138 , 117–120. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705015