contraceptives--postcoital and butin

This study investigated the cytoprotective effect of butin, a flavonoid, on hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometry revealed butin's significant scavenging effects on superoxide radicals and hydroxyl radicals. When H(2)O(2) was used to induce an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Chinese hamster lung fibroblast (V79-4) cells, butin treatment decreased high level of ROS. Butin also attenuated intracellular Ca(2+) levels that have been induced by H(2)O(2). Furthermore, butin recovered ATP levels and succinate dehydrogenase activity that had been decreased by H(2)O(2) treatment. We conclude these results suggest butin decreased mitochondrial ROS accumulation, balanced intracellular Ca(2+) levels, and improved mitochondrial energy production, thus recovering mitochondrial function.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Animals; Benzopyrans; Calcium; Cell-Free System; CHO Cells; Contraceptives, Postcoital; Cricetinae; Cricetulus; Free Radical Scavengers; Hydroxyl Radical; Mitochondrial Diseases; Oxidative Stress; Reactive Oxygen Species; Succinate Dehydrogenase; Superoxides

Butin isolated from the seeds of Butea monosperma and administered orally to adult female rats at the doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/rat from day 1 to day 5 of pregnancy showed anti-implantation activity in 40%, 70% and 90% of the treated animals, respectively. At lower doses, there was a dose-dependent termination of pregnancy and reduction in the number of implantation sites. In ovariectomized young female rats, the butin exhibited estrogenic activity at comparable anticonceptive doses, but was devoid of anti-estrogenic activity. Butin is a weak estrogen in that a significant uterotrophic effect was discerned even at 1/20th the anticonceptive dose.

Topics: Animals; Benzopyrans; Contraceptives, Postcoital; Estrogen Antagonists; Female; Male; Medicine, Ayurvedic; Ovariectomy; Plants, Medicinal; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains