Thesis (M.Sc. (Medical Sciences)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Infertility, defined as the inability to conceive following one year of unprotected sexual intercourse, respectively affects 25% of couples globally. Oxidative stress (OS) has been greatly related to the idiopathic cause of infertility and Camellia sinensis contains antioxidants that may enhance reproductive functions. This study focussed on the effects of Camellia sinensis (green and black tea) on human sperm functions in both normal and abnormal samples. Semen samples (n= 59) collected from donors were liquefied, analysed, and classified as normal (n=40) and abnormal (n= 19) using the WHO criteria. Samples were washed and exposed to aqueous leaf extracts of green and black tea (0, 0.4, 4, 40, 405 μg/ml) for 1 hour. Human Tubular Fluid (HTF) served as the control. The respective sperm parameters were analysed (sperm motility, vitality, DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), capacitation and acrosome reaction (CTC) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Green and black tea significantly increased vitality, and intact MMP, while it significantly reduced, CTC, and intracellular ROS as well as DNA fragmented spermatozoa in both normal and abnormal samples compared to the control (p<0.05). A significant increase in sperm CTC, ROS, with a decrease in sperm vitality, and intact MMP was observed in the abnormal compared to the normal samples (p<0.05). No significant change in motility was observed between normal and abnormal samples compared to their respective controls, in both green and black tea (p>0.05). Camellia sinensis improved human sperm function in vitro and may be attributed to its antioxidant activity. / National Research Foundation (NRF)

No description available.

O chá-verde brasileiro, obtido a partir das partes aéreas de Camellia sinensis var. assamica, teve sua produção recentemente implantada no Brasil devido ao emergente consumo. As principais atividades farmacológicas atribuídas a esta planta estão relacionadas à atividade antioxidante, quimiopreventiva e antitumoral. Neste trabalho foi desenvo lvido e validado método por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) para avaliar o perfil dos constituintes majoritários [galato de epigalocatequina (EGCG), epigalocatequina, cafeína, galato de epicatequina (ECG) e epicatequina] do chá-verde brasileiro coletado na primavera e verão, e utilizando diferentes sistemas de extração. A resposta foi linear na faixa de 37-185 μg/ml para cafeína, 99-500 μg/ml para EGC, 20-100 μg/ml para catequina, 30-150 μg/ml para epicatequina, 150-800 μg/ml para EGCG, 20-105 μg/ml para galato de galocatequina e 40-205 μg/ml para ECG (r > 0,9999 para todos os compostos). Foi, também, avaliada a atividade antioxidante in vitro através do método fotocolorimétrico do DPPH· e do método enzimático da hipoxantina/xantina oxidase. Todos os sistemas de extração testados e seus respectivos extratos liofilizados apresentaram rendimento superior a 30%, sendo que o melhor sistema teve rendimento médio de 36,29%, e se mostrando mais eficiente na extração de EGCG e ECG. As amostras do verão apresentaram melhor atividade antioxidante em comparação às da primavera. Os teores dos componentes ECG e EGCG foram os únicos que correlacionaram com a atividade antioxidante in vitro (DPPH·). A análise estatística não mostrou diferença significativa (a = 0,05) nos teores de catequinas totais entre as estações primavera e verão. / The Brazilian green tea, produced from Camellia sinenis var. assamica, have been cultivated in Brazil recently because the rise at its consumption. The main pharmacological activities attributed to this plant are related to antioxidant activity as chemopreventive and anti-cancer agent. Herein, a new HPLC method was developed and validated to evaluate the profile of the major Brazilian green tea constituents [epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin, caffeine, epicatechin gallate (ECG) and epicatechin] between spring and summer, using different extraction systems. The response was linear over a range of 37-185 μg.mL-1 for caffeine, 99-500 μg.mL-1 for epigallocatechin, 20-100 μg.mL-1 for catechin, 30-150 μg.mL-1 for epicatechin, 150-800 μg.mL-1 for EGCG, 20-105 μg.mL-1 for gallocatechin gallate and 40- 205 μg.mL-1 for ECG (r > 0.9999 for all compounds). Likewise, the in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH· assay and hipoxanthine/xanthine oxidase assay. The extractors systems to produce the freeze-drying extract had presented yield up of 30%. The best system an average yield of 36.26% showed more efficient to extract EGCG and ECG. The summer samples presented better antioxidant activity when compared with spring samples. Only ECG and EGCG contents presented correlation with in vitro antioxidant activity (DPPH· assay). The statistic analysis did not show significant difference (a = 0.05) in total catechin content between spring and summer seasons.

O chá-verde brasileiro, obtido a partir das partes aéreas de Camellia sinensis var. assamica, teve sua produção recentemente implantada no Brasil devido ao emergente consumo. As principais atividades farmacológicas atribuídas a esta planta estão relacionadas à atividade antioxidante, quimiopreventiva e antitumoral. Neste trabalho foi desenvo lvido e validado método por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) para avaliar o perfil dos constituintes majoritários [galato de epigalocatequina (EGCG), epigalocatequina, cafeína, galato de epicatequina (ECG) e epicatequina] do chá-verde brasileiro coletado na primavera e verão, e utilizando diferentes sistemas de extração. A resposta foi linear na faixa de 37-185 μg/ml para cafeína, 99-500 μg/ml para EGC, 20-100 μg/ml para catequina, 30-150 μg/ml para epicatequina, 150-800 μg/ml para EGCG, 20-105 μg/ml para galato de galocatequina e 40-205 μg/ml para ECG (r > 0,9999 para todos os compostos). Foi, também, avaliada a atividade antioxidante in vitro através do método fotocolorimétrico do DPPH· e do método enzimático da hipoxantina/xantina oxidase. Todos os sistemas de extração testados e seus respectivos extratos liofilizados apresentaram rendimento superior a 30%, sendo que o melhor sistema teve rendimento médio de 36,29%, e se mostrando mais eficiente na extração de EGCG e ECG. As amostras do verão apresentaram melhor atividade antioxidante em comparação às da primavera. Os teores dos componentes ECG e EGCG foram os únicos que correlacionaram com a atividade antioxidante in vitro (DPPH·). A análise estatística não mostrou diferença significativa (a = 0,05) nos teores de catequinas totais entre as estações primavera e verão. / The Brazilian green tea, produced from Camellia sinenis var. assamica, have been cultivated in Brazil recently because the rise at its consumption. The main pharmacological activities attributed to this plant are related to antioxidant activity as chemopreventive and anti-cancer agent. Herein, a new HPLC method was developed and validated to evaluate the profile of the major Brazilian green tea constituents [epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin, caffeine, epicatechin gallate (ECG) and epicatechin] between spring and summer, using different extraction systems. The response was linear over a range of 37-185 μg.mL-1 for caffeine, 99-500 μg.mL-1 for epigallocatechin, 20-100 μg.mL-1 for catechin, 30-150 μg.mL-1 for epicatechin, 150-800 μg.mL-1 for EGCG, 20-105 μg.mL-1 for gallocatechin gallate and 40- 205 μg.mL-1 for ECG (r > 0.9999 for all compounds). Likewise, the in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH· assay and hipoxanthine/xanthine oxidase assay. The extractors systems to produce the freeze-drying extract had presented yield up of 30%. The best system an average yield of 36.26% showed more efficient to extract EGCG and ECG. The summer samples presented better antioxidant activity when compared with spring samples. Only ECG and EGCG contents presented correlation with in vitro antioxidant activity (DPPH· assay). The statistic analysis did not show significant difference (a = 0.05) in total catechin content between spring and summer seasons.

O chá-verde brasileiro, obtido a partir das partes aéreas de Camellia sinensis var. assamica, teve sua produção recentemente implantada no Brasil devido ao emergente consumo. As principais atividades farmacológicas atribuídas a esta planta estão relacionadas à atividade antioxidante, quimiopreventiva e antitumoral. Neste trabalho foi desenvo lvido e validado método por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) para avaliar o perfil dos constituintes majoritários [galato de epigalocatequina (EGCG), epigalocatequina, cafeína, galato de epicatequina (ECG) e epicatequina] do chá-verde brasileiro coletado na primavera e verão, e utilizando diferentes sistemas de extração. A resposta foi linear na faixa de 37-185 μg/ml para cafeína, 99-500 μg/ml para EGC, 20-100 μg/ml para catequina, 30-150 μg/ml para epicatequina, 150-800 μg/ml para EGCG, 20-105 μg/ml para galato de galocatequina e 40-205 μg/ml para ECG (r > 0,9999 para todos os compostos). Foi, também, avaliada a atividade antioxidante in vitro através do método fotocolorimétrico do DPPH· e do método enzimático da hipoxantina/xantina oxidase. Todos os sistemas de extração testados e seus respectivos extratos liofilizados apresentaram rendimento superior a 30%, sendo que o melhor sistema teve rendimento médio de 36,29%, e se mostrando mais eficiente na extração de EGCG e ECG. As amostras do verão apresentaram melhor atividade antioxidante em comparação às da primavera. Os teores dos componentes ECG e EGCG foram os únicos que correlacionaram com a atividade antioxidante in vitro (DPPH·). A análise estatística não mostrou diferença significativa (a = 0,05) nos teores de catequinas totais entre as estações primavera e verão. / The Brazilian green tea, produced from Camellia sinenis var. assamica, have been cultivated in Brazil recently because the rise at its consumption. The main pharmacological activities attributed to this plant are related to antioxidant activity as chemopreventive and anti-cancer agent. Herein, a new HPLC method was developed and validated to evaluate the profile of the major Brazilian green tea constituents [epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin, caffeine, epicatechin gallate (ECG) and epicatechin] between spring and summer, using different extraction systems. The response was linear over a range of 37-185 μg.mL-1 for caffeine, 99-500 μg.mL-1 for epigallocatechin, 20-100 μg.mL-1 for catechin, 30-150 μg.mL-1 for epicatechin, 150-800 μg.mL-1 for EGCG, 20-105 μg.mL-1 for gallocatechin gallate and 40- 205 μg.mL-1 for ECG (r > 0.9999 for all compounds). Likewise, the in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH· assay and hipoxanthine/xanthine oxidase assay. The extractors systems to produce the freeze-drying extract had presented yield up of 30%. The best system an average yield of 36.26% showed more efficient to extract EGCG and ECG. The summer samples presented better antioxidant activity when compared with spring samples. Only ECG and EGCG contents presented correlation with in vitro antioxidant activity (DPPH· assay). The statistic analysis did not show significant difference (a = 0.05) in total catechin content between spring and summer seasons.

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2017-09-05T19:49:54Z No. of bitstreams: 1 michelecamposalves.pdf: 4465106 bytes, checksum: 619948227c4d2d419bdbeb66a9cad785 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2017-09-06T11:36:14Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 michelecamposalves.pdf: 4465106 bytes, checksum: 619948227c4d2d419bdbeb66a9cad785 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-09-06T11:36:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 michelecamposalves.pdf: 4465106 bytes, checksum: 619948227c4d2d419bdbeb66a9cad785 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-08-12 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Atualmente, existe um interesse crescente nas potenciais atividades de proteção à saúde do chá verde (Camellia sinensis), que é caracterizado pela presença de grandes quantidades de polifenois, sendo a maioria deles representados por catequinas. Galato de epigalocatequina (EGCG) é o componente mais abundante e ativo, sendo geralmente utilizado como biomarcador junto com a cafeína (CAF) e o ácido gálico (AG). EGCG é pouco absorvido no tratogastrointestinal e está sujeito ao metabolismo de primeira passagem pelo fígado quando administrado por via oral, forma mais comumente utilizada para o chá verde. Um sistema transdérmico poderia então ser um mecanismo de liberação alternativo. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo: desenvolver e validar métodos por cromatografia em fase líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) para a quantificação simultânea de EGCG, CAF e AG em cápsulas e emulsões contendo extrato seco de chá verde e determinar na emulsão a liberação de EGCG in vitro e sua permeação cutânea em pele humana, utilizando modelo ex vivo. Os métodos utilizaram CLAE de fase inversa e detecção em arranjo de fotodiodo. A separação foi atingida utilizando as seguintes condições: coluna octadecilsilano; fase móvel composta por água, etanol, acetato de etila e ácido acético (84:12:3:1, v/v/v/v); temperatura do compartimento para a coluna de 35 °C; e um sistema de fluxo por gradiente, alternando o fluxo entre 0.7 e 1.4 mL.min-1. Os compostos foram separados em 35 min. Os métodos foram simples, seletivos, precisos, exatos e rápidos; e mostraram a confiabilidade necessária para que fossem utilizados no controle de qualidade das formulações testadas. O método para a emulsão provou ser adequado para os ensaios de liberação in vitro e de permeação ex vivo. A taxa de liberação in vitro de EGCG foi de 8896.01 mg.cm-2, seguindo o modelo de pseudo-primeira ordem, também conhecido como modelo de Higuchi. O teste de permeação ex vivo mostrou que EGCG não é capaz de exercer suas atividades biológicas sistemicamente quando utilizado a partir da emulsão testada, permanecendo apenas no estrato córneo. / Currently, there is an increased interest in potential health-protective activities of green tea (Camellia sinensis), which is characterized by the presence of polyphenols huge amounts, being the majority of them catechins. Epigallocatechin 3- gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant and active component, been generally used as biomarker together with caffeine (CAF) and gallic acid (GA). EGCG is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and is subject to first-pass metabolism by the liver when administered orally, the most widely used forms of green tea. A transdermal system could then be an alternative delivery mechanism. In this light, the present work aimed: to develop and validate high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods for simultaneous quantification of EGCG, CAF and GA in emulsions and capsules containing dry extract green tea and to determine in emulsion the in vitro EGCG release and its human skin cutaneous permeation using ex vivo model. The methods used reversed phase HPLC and photodiode array detection. Separation was achieved using the follow conditions: octadecylsilyl column; mobile phase composed by water, ethanol, ethyl acetate and acetic acid (84:12:3:1, v/v/v/v); column temperature of 35 °C; and flow gradient syst em, alternating flow between 0.7 and 1.4 mL.min-1. The compounds were separated within 35 min. The methods were simple, selective, precise, accurate and fast; and provide the reliability required for them to be used for quality control of tested formulations. The emulsion method proved to be suitable both for in vitro release and ex vivo permeation. EGCG in vitro release rate was found to be 8896.01 μg.cm–2, following pseudo-first-order model, also known as Higuchi’s model. Ex vivo permeation testing showed that EGCG is not able to exert its biological activities systemically when used from tested emulsion, remaining only in the stratum corneum.

No description available.

Submitted by Marcos Anselmo (marcos.anselmo@unipampa.edu.br) on 2018-09-28T13:49:10Z No. of bitstreams: 1 CRISTINI ESCOBAR VIANA.pdf: 1264568 bytes, checksum: 8c87e6df98a20d981c5e1c739240eae4 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Marcos Anselmo (marcos.anselmo@unipampa.edu.br) on 2018-09-28T13:49:26Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 CRISTINI ESCOBAR VIANA.pdf: 1264568 bytes, checksum: 8c87e6df98a20d981c5e1c739240eae4 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-09-28T13:49:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 CRISTINI ESCOBAR VIANA.pdf: 1264568 bytes, checksum: 8c87e6df98a20d981c5e1c739240eae4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-04-11 / A hipercolesterolemia se caracteriza pela elevação patológica da taxa de colesterol sanguínea aumentando a formação de radicais livres, o qual provoca oxidação e danos nos lipídios celulares causando crescimento da atividade inflamatória e progressão negativa da função cognitiva. O consumo de vinho tinto atua minimizando estes efeitos, inibindo a expressão de citocinas e modulando os níveis do fator neurotrófico derivado do cérebro (BDNF), da proteína cíclica de ligação ao elemento AMPc-resposta (CREB), dos microRNAs (miARN), e a ação da enzima acetilcolinesterase (AChE). Os antioxidantes, os flavonóides e os polifenóis tornaram-se as primeiras substâncias contidas no vinho tinto com efeitos benéficos comprovados em várias doenças, como a inibição da oxidação de LDL e parâmetros envolvidos na resposta inflamatória. A ingestão regular de bebidas ricas em polifenóis demonstra exercer consequências favoráveis à saúde humana, como diminuição da incidência de doenças cardiovasculares, câncer e proteção contra doenças neurodegenerativas, entre outras. Portanto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar o potencial efeito neuroprotetor do vinho Ruby Carbenet em camundongos nocaute para o receptor LDLr-/- expostos à dieta hipercolesterolêmica. O vinho foi submetido a análise em vitro para quantificação de polifenóis, antocianinas, ácido cafeico, ácido gálico, epicatequina e resveratrol. Foram utilizados 40 camundongos adultos com 90 dias, de 20 a 25 gramas. Os animais foram divididos em 4 grupos (n=10) e para a indução da hipercolesterolemia foi borrifado colesterol diluído em álcool puro 96° C, sobre a dieta comercial (Puro Trato PB 22) durante 90 dias. Ao final do tratamento foi realizado teste comportamental de memória, tarefa do labirinto aquático de Morris (MWMT), logo após, o sangue foi coletado por punção cardíaca e o córtex pré-frontal e o hipocampo foram removidos para os ensaios bioquímicos. Foram determinados os níveis de lipídios plasmáticos e as citocinas pró-inflamatórias, interferon gama (IFN-γ), fator de necrose tumoral-α (TNF-α), interleucina-1β (IL-1β) e interleucina-6 (IL-6) no hipocampo e córtex pré-frontal. Também foram avaliadas a atividade da AChE e os níveis das proteínas estruturais BDNF e CREB, e os biomarcadores microRNAs. Nossos resultados mostraram que a dieta hipercolesterolemica causa um aumento nos lipídios plasmáticos, nas citocinas pró-inflamatórias e na atividade da enzima AChE nos camundongos LDLr-/-, o que foi atenuado pelo consumo de vinho tinto através da diminuição do estado inflamatório. A dieta com elevado índice de colesterol diminuiu os níveis de BDNF, CREB e microRNAs cerebrais, e o consumo moderado de vinho tinto foi capaz de reverter estas proteínas estruturais BDNF e CREB, e os biomarcadores miRNA146a e 155, promovendo a neuroproteção e a melhora da memória. O vinho Ruby Cabernet apresentou potencial antioxidante confirmado pelos seus teores de ácido gálico 135, 3 mg/L, ácido caféico 91,2 mg/L, epicatequina 242,2 mg/L e resveratrol 102,2 mg/L. O consumo moderado do vinho proporcionaram aos camundongos melhora no déficit cognitivo e plasticidade, corroborando com o resultado do teste comportamental, no qual o MWMT está relacionado com o sistema de aprendizado e memória. Com isso, verificou-se que o vinho Ruby Carbenet demonstrou efeito neuroprotetor e reduziu os níveis dos lipídios plasmáticos, modulando as citocinas, agindo na manutenção da neuroplasticidade e regulação da atividade da acetilcolinesterase em camundongos hipercolesterolêmicos. Palavras-chave: Compostos fenólicos. Déficit cognitivo. Dieta com elevado índice de colesterol. Camundongos nocaute para receptor LDLr-/-. Neuroplasticidade. / Hypercholesterolemia is characterized by the pathological elevation of the blood cholesterol level, increasing the formation of free radicals, which causes oxidation and damage to the cellular lipids causing inflammatory activity growth and negative progression of cognitive function. Red wine consumption minimizes these effects by inhibiting cytokine expression and modulating levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cyclic cAMP-binding element (CREB), microRNAs (miRNA), and the action of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Antioxidants, flavonoids and polyphenols have become the first substances contained in red wine with proven beneficial effects in various diseases, such as the inhibition of LDL oxidation and parameters involved in the inflammatory response. Regular ingestion of polyphenol-rich beverages has a positive effect on human health, such as reducing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and protection against neurodegenerative diseases, among others. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the potential neuroprotective effect of Ruby Carbenet wine in knockout mice for the Ldlr-/- receptor exposed to the hypercholesterolemic diet. The wine was submitted to in vitro analysis for quantification of polyphenols, anthocyanins, caffeic acid, gallic acid, epicatechin and resveratrol. 40 adult mice with 90 days, from 20 to 25 grams were used. The animals were divided into 4 groups (n=10) and for the induction of hypercholesterolemia cholesterol was diluted in pure alcohol 96 ° C, on the commercial diet (Puro Trato PB 22) for 90 days. At the end of the treatment was performed memory behavioral test, Morris water maze task (MWMT), soon after, blood was collected by cardiac puncture and the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were removed for biochemical assays. The levels of plasma lipids and proinflammatory cytokines, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. We also evaluated the activity of AChE and the levels of the structural proteins BDNF and CREB, and the biomarkers microRNAs. Our results showed that the hypercholesterolemic diet causes an increase in plasma lipids, proinflammatory cytokines and AChE enzyme activity in Ldlr-/- mice, which was attenuated by the consumption of red wine through the reduction of the inflammatory state. The high cholesterol diet decreased levels of BDNF, CREB and brain microRNAs, and moderate consumption of red wine was able to revert these structural proteins BDNF and CREB, and the miRNA146a and 155 biomarkers, promoting neuroprotection and the improvement of memory. Ruby Cabernet wine showed antioxidant potential confirmed by its content of gallic acid 135.3 mg/L, caffeic acid 91.2 mg/L, epicatechin 242.2 mg/L and resveratrol 102.2 mg/L. The moderate consumption of wine gave the mice an improvement in cognitive deficit and plasticity, corroborating with the result of the behavioral test, in which MWMT is related to the learning and memory system. Thus, it was verified that Ruby Carbenet wine demonstrated neuroprotective effect and reduced plasma lipid levels, modulating cytokines, acting to maintain neuroplasticity and regulate acetylcholinesterase activity in hypercholesterolemic mice. Keywords: Phenolic compounds. Cognitive deficit. Diet with high cholesterol. Knockout mice for Ldlr-/- receptor. Neuroplasticity.

<p>Camellia sinensis (tea) and Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) may improve reproductive function owing to their antioxidant properties. To test this<br /> hypothesis, male and female rats were given 2% and 5% green tea (Gt), black tea (Bt), unfermented rooibos (Ur) or fermented rooibos (Fr) as sole source of drinking for 52 and 21 days respectively. Control rats received tap water. In addition, TM3 Leydig cells were exposed to 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.5 % aqueous extracts of green tea, black tea, unfermented and fermented rooibos for 24h. In vitro analysis of tea and the herbal infusion revealed the phenolic property and antioxidant capacity (FRAP) in the order Gt &gt / Bt &gt / Ur &gt / Fr. Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis revealed no significant effect on serum antioxidant capacity (p &gt / 0.05) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) in the kidney or liver in both male and female rats and in the testes of the male rats (p &gt / 0.05). In addition, the antioxidant levels were maintained in the testes, liver and kidneys in both the male and female rats. In the male rats, no significant alterations were observed in body weight gain, liver and reproductive organs weight, and serum testosterone (p &gt / 0.05). Only, 5% green tea significantly increased testosterone level (p &lt / 0.05). Seminiferous tubules displayed complete spermatogenesis with abundant sperm in the lumen in all treated groups. However, a significant decrease in diameter and germinal epithelial height of these tubules were observed (p &lt / 0.05). In the epididymides, epithelial height of caput region showed a significant increase (p &lt / 0.01), while the cauda region was increased by Camellia sinensis but decreased by Aspalathus linearis. Sperm concentration improved significantly by green tea and unfermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05), while black tea and fermented rooibos produced a non significant effect (p &gt / 0.05). Sperm viability was enhanced in all treatment groups (p &lt / 0.05). Furthermore, green tea, black tea and unfermented rooibos significantly improved the motility of rat sperm (p &lt / 0.05) / fermented rooibos tended to improve it (p &gt / 0.05). In addition, green tea, black tea and fermented rooibos enhanced acrosome reaction (p &lt / 0.05). Creatinine activity was significantly higher in rats treated with black tea, unfermented rooibos or fermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05), green tea tended to increase it (p &gt / 0.05) reflecting the significant increased kidney weight in the treatment groups at high concentrations. Liver markers, ALT and AST, decreased significantly in all treated groups (p &lt / 0.05), except in 5% fermented rooibos where a significant increase in AST level was observed (p &lt / 0.01). In the female rats, the body weight gain, and reproductive organs weight was no affected (p &gt / 0.05). However, 5% fermented rooibos reduced the ovarian weight (p &lt / 0.05), while 5% unfermented rooibos significantly increased the uterine weight (p &lt / 0.05). Liver weight increased significantly by black tea and unfermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05) while the kidney weight increased significantly by 5% black tea (p &lt / 0.05). No significant effect was observed in the level of FSH produced, on the other hand, Camellia sinensis significantly lowered the level of LH (p &lt / 0.05), while Aspalathus linearis had no effect (p &gt / 0.05). Creatinine activity was enhanced significantly only by 5% fermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05). Liver markers, ALT and AST were reduced in most treated groups except in fermented rooibos where an increase was observed. In addition, histological sections revealed no obvious alteration in the ovaries, uteri, kidneys and liver of all treated female rats. Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis significantly reduced the level of testosterone produced in TM3 Leydig cells under stimulated conditions in vitro (p&lt / 0.05). Furthermore, both plants maintained the viability and morphology of the cells. However, at 0.5% of either plant extracts, a significant decrease in the viability (p &lt / 0.05) and altered morphology of the TM3 Leydig cells was observed. In conclusion, Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis significantly improved certain sperm function which might be attributed to their high level of antioxidant activity. However, the prolonged exposure of both plant extracts might result in subtle structural changes in the male reproductive system and impair kidney function. In addition, fermented rooibos at high concentration may also impair the functions of the liver. In vitro, both plants were shown to possess anti-androgenic property on TM3 Leydig cells. Furthermore, both Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis may be classified as weak phytoestrogens due to the changes in the weight of the uterus and ovaries observed.</p>

<p>Camellia sinensis (tea) and Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) may improve reproductive function owing to their antioxidant properties. To test this<br /> hypothesis, male and female rats were given 2% and 5% green tea (Gt), black tea (Bt), unfermented rooibos (Ur) or fermented rooibos (Fr) as sole source of drinking for 52 and 21 days respectively. Control rats received tap water. In addition, TM3 Leydig cells were exposed to 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.5 % aqueous extracts of green tea, black tea, unfermented and fermented rooibos for 24h. In vitro analysis of tea and the herbal infusion revealed the phenolic property and antioxidant capacity (FRAP) in the order Gt &gt / Bt &gt / Ur &gt / Fr. Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis revealed no significant effect on serum antioxidant capacity (p &gt / 0.05) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) in the kidney or liver in both male and female rats and in the testes of the male rats (p &gt / 0.05). In addition, the antioxidant levels were maintained in the testes, liver and kidneys in both the male and female rats. In the male rats, no significant alterations were observed in body weight gain, liver and reproductive organs weight, and serum testosterone (p &gt / 0.05). Only, 5% green tea significantly increased testosterone level (p &lt / 0.05). Seminiferous tubules displayed complete spermatogenesis with abundant sperm in the lumen in all treated groups. However, a significant decrease in diameter and germinal epithelial height of these tubules were observed (p &lt / 0.05). In the epididymides, epithelial height of caput region showed a significant increase (p &lt / 0.01), while the cauda region was increased by Camellia sinensis but decreased by Aspalathus linearis. Sperm concentration improved significantly by green tea and unfermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05), while black tea and fermented rooibos produced a non significant effect (p &gt / 0.05). Sperm viability was enhanced in all treatment groups (p &lt / 0.05). Furthermore, green tea, black tea and unfermented rooibos significantly improved the motility of rat sperm (p &lt / 0.05) / fermented rooibos tended to improve it (p &gt / 0.05). In addition, green tea, black tea and fermented rooibos enhanced acrosome reaction (p &lt / 0.05). Creatinine activity was significantly higher in rats treated with black tea, unfermented rooibos or fermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05), green tea tended to increase it (p &gt / 0.05) reflecting the significant increased kidney weight in the treatment groups at high concentrations. Liver markers, ALT and AST, decreased significantly in all treated groups (p &lt / 0.05), except in 5% fermented rooibos where a significant increase in AST level was observed (p &lt / 0.01). In the female rats, the body weight gain, and reproductive organs weight was no affected (p &gt / 0.05). However, 5% fermented rooibos reduced the ovarian weight (p &lt / 0.05), while 5% unfermented rooibos significantly increased the uterine weight (p &lt / 0.05). Liver weight increased significantly by black tea and unfermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05) while the kidney weight increased significantly by 5% black tea (p &lt / 0.05). No significant effect was observed in the level of FSH produced, on the other hand, Camellia sinensis significantly lowered the level of LH (p &lt / 0.05), while Aspalathus linearis had no effect (p &gt / 0.05). Creatinine activity was enhanced significantly only by 5% fermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05). Liver markers, ALT and AST were reduced in most treated groups except in fermented rooibos where an increase was observed. In addition, histological sections revealed no obvious alteration in the ovaries, uteri, kidneys and liver of all treated female rats. Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis significantly reduced the level of testosterone produced in TM3 Leydig cells under stimulated conditions in vitro (p&lt / 0.05). Furthermore, both plants maintained the viability and morphology of the cells. However, at 0.5% of either plant extracts, a significant decrease in the viability (p &lt / 0.05) and altered morphology of the TM3 Leydig cells was observed. In conclusion, Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis significantly improved certain sperm function which might be attributed to their high level of antioxidant activity. However, the prolonged exposure of both plant extracts might result in subtle structural changes in the male reproductive system and impair kidney function. In addition, fermented rooibos at high concentration may also impair the functions of the liver. In vitro, both plants were shown to possess anti-androgenic property on TM3 Leydig cells. Furthermore, both Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis may be classified as weak phytoestrogens due to the changes in the weight of the uterus and ovaries observed.</p>