The Synergetic Effect of Egyptian Portulaca oleracea L. (Purslane) and Cichorium intybus L. (Chicory) Extracts against Glucocorticoid-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Rats through Attenuation of Oxidative Reactions and Autophagy

Abstract

Long-term glucocorticoids can alter sperm motility, vitality, or morphology, disrupting male reproductive function. This study scrutinized the synergistic benefits of two Egyptian plants against dexamethasone (Dexa)-induced testicular and autophagy dysfunction in male rats. Phytochemical ingredients and the combination index were estimated for Purslane ethanolic extract (PEE) and Chicory water extract (CWE). Four control groups received saline and 100 mg/kg of each PEE, CWE, and PEE/CWE, daily for 8 weeks. Dexa (1 mg/kg daily for 6 weeks) induced infertility where PEE, CWE, and PEE/CWE were given. Seminal analysis, male hormones, glycemic and oxidative stress markers, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers (Sigma 1R and GRP78), and autophagy regulators (Phospho-mTOR, LC3I/II, PI3KC3, and Beclin-1, P62, ATG5, and ATG7) were measured. The in vitro study illustrated the synergistic (CI < 1) antioxidant capacity of the PEE/CWE combination. Dexa exerts testicular damage by inducing oxidative reactions, a marked reduction in serum testosterone, TSH and LH levels, insulin resistance, ER stress, and autophagy. In contrast, the PEE and CWE extracts improve fertility hormones, sperm motility, and testicular histological alterations through attenuating oxidative stress and autophagy, with a synergistic effect upon combination. In conclusion, the administration of PEE/CWE has promised ameliorative impacts on male infertility and can delay disease progression.

Phytochemical Characteristics and Anti‐Inflammatory, Immunoregulatory, and Antioxidant Effects of Portulaca oleracea L.: A Comprehensive Review

“…Saleh et al showed that administration of ethanolic extract of P. oleracea (100 mg/kg) and Chicory water extract (100 mg/kg) in rats with testicular and autophagy dysfunction synergetically improved testicular toxicity via reducing MDA and enhancing GSH, GST, and GPx activities [ 133 ]. Similarly, in the rat model of testicular toxicity induced by acrylamide, oral administration of 200 and 400 mg/kg P. oleracea extract improved testicular toxicity through reduction of oxidative status [ 134 ].…”

The Therapeutic Potential of Two Egyptian Plant Extracts for Mitigating Dexamethasone-Induced Osteoporosis in Rats: Nrf2/HO-1 and RANK/RANKL/OPG Signals

“…[26]. Chicory roots contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, inulin, tannins, saponins, sesquiterpene lactones, chlorophyll pigments, unsaturated sterols, and coumarins, that are beneficial to humans [27,28]. Chicory root water extract was reported to contain large amounts of polyphenols, resveratrol, and naringin.…”

“…Chicory root water extract was reported to contain large amounts of polyphenols, resveratrol, and naringin. Chicory exhibits a wide range of biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, immune, cardiovascular, hypolipidemic, antidiabetic, anticancer, gastro-protective, antibacterial, and many others [26,28]. Due to its high inulin concentration, chicory promotes calcium absorption, increases bone mineral content (BMC), and slows the loss of bone mineral density (BMD) [29].…”

“…Purslane leaves are a potential source of a variety of bioactive compounds for humans, including phenolics, alkaloids, coumarins, glycoside, high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, and flavonoids such as apigenin, kaempferol, quercetin, luteolin, and myricetin. [28,31]. The biological properties of purslane include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, vermifuge, anti-scorbutic, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, immunological, hypolipidemic, antidiabetic, gastro-protective, and others [28].…”

“…[28,31]. The biological properties of purslane include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, vermifuge, anti-scorbutic, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, immunological, hypolipidemic, antidiabetic, gastro-protective, and others [28].…”