Research Journal of Recent Sciences ______ ______________________________ ______ ____ ___ ISSN 2277 - 2502 Vol. 2 ( ISC - 2012 ), 5 - 11 (201 3 ) Res. J. Recent . Sci. International Science Congress Association 5 Ethnomedicinal Survey of Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Male Infertilty a mong the IFA Nkari People of Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria Erhabor J.O. 1 Idu M. 2 and Udo F.O. 1 1 Departement of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Uni versity of Benin, P.M.B 1154, Benin City, NIGERIA 2 Benson Idahosa University, PMB, 110, Benin City, NIGERIA Available online at: www.isca.in Received 10 th October 2012, revised 25 th Decenber 2012, accepted 26 th January 201 3 Abstract Over the years plants have been used for the management and treatment of male infertility and it’s gradually gaining grounds due to its availability and affordability. Infertility is the inability of a couple to have a pregnancy, after one y ear of regular sexual intercourse (3 to 4 times per week) without using any contraceptive. This survey was carried out to document medicinal plants used in the treatment of male infertility among the Ifa Nkari people of Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ib om State, Nigeria. Ethnomedical data were collected by oral interviews using a semi - structured qu estionnaire. A total of twenty respondents which included nineteen (19) males and one (1) female were interviewed. A record of thirty - one (31) medicinal plan ts belonging to twenty - four (24) families with their botanical descriptions, folk uses, methods of preparation, reported uses, isolated substances and pharmacological effects were documented. The Poaceae family was the most represented with three species f ollowed by Arecaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Liliaceae, Musaceae and Zingiberaceae families which has two species each and others one species. Leaves and roots were the commonest plant parts used closely followed by seeds, bark and fruits. The use of plants for th e treatment of male infertility has been on the increase and the current renewed interest in natural products to sustain health globally cannot be overemphasized. It is therefore recommended that the reported anti - infertility plants be investigated to asce rtain their safety and efficacy in order to improve the quality of life of man as well as the well - being of married couples. Keywords: Ethnomedici ne , medicinal plant, male infertility , Ifa Nkari people, Akwa - Ibom State, Nigeria. . Introduction The World Health Organization in 2001 estimated that eighty percent of the world population use medicinal plants in the treatment of diseases and in African countries, this rate is said to be much higher 1 . It was also estimated that up to 90% of the population in d eveloping countries rely on the use of medicinal plants to help meet their primary health care needs 2 . Again, available report show that more than 300 distinct ethnic groups making up the Nigerian society has its own unique indigenous healing heritage, whi ch has evolved in response to the specific experiences and needs of its people. Currently, it is estimated that traditional medicine is the only healthcare resource accessible to a third of all Nigerians 3 . In Nigeria, traditional medicine is used to treat several health conditions including mental disorder, fractures, insomnia, and infertility 4 . Infertility is the inability of a couple to have a pregnancy, after regular sexual intercourse (3 to 4 times per week) without contraceptive method, during one year 5,6 . Reduced male fertility can be the result of congenital and acquired urogenital abnormalities, infections of the genital tract, increased scrotal temperature (varicocele), endocrine disturbances, genetic abnormalities and immunological factors 7 . A large proportion of infertile men fail to impregnate their female counterpart because of lack of sperm (azoospermia) or too little sperm (oligozoospermia); abnormal sperm morphology (tetratozoospermia) and abnormalities in sperm motility (athenozoospermia) 8 . There are evidences to show that sperm counts have been declining over the last 50 years, with a consequent increase in male infertility 9 . Nevertheless, psychological factors such as stress, guilt, depression, low self esteem and fear of sexual failur e cause 10 to 20 percent of male infertility cases. The estimated range of men worldwide suffering from male infertility is from 15 million to 30 million. Reproductive Health care is the second most prevalent health care problem on African Continent 10 . Imp otency, premature ejaculation and generally male infertility in the past two decades have been the focus of most research works 11 . Infertility is a worldwide medical and social problem. Infertility in itself may not threaten physical health but can have s erious impact on the mental and social well - being of infertile couple. It is estimated that there are 60 – 80 million infertile couples worldwide and above 10 – 15 % of married couples are affected. In many countries, the stigma of infertility often leads t o marital disharmony, divorce or ostracism 12 . Research Journal of Recent Sciences ______ _ _ _______________________________ ______________ _ ________ ISSN 2277 - 2502 Vol. 2 ( ISC - 2012 ), 5 - 11 (201 3 ) Res. J. Recent. Sci. International Science Congress Association 6 This study was carried out to source for information from traditional medical practitioners on plant remedies used for the management and cure of male infertility among the If a Nkari people with a view to sti mulating further chemical and biological screening of the identified plants for the eventual production of drugs that can complement those currently in use in the treatment of the ailment. Material and Method s Study Area: This survey was carried out in If a Nkari in Nkari clan, Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State,Nigeria. Ifa Nkari is located on the North - West of Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Ifa Nkari is one of the ten villages that make up Nkari Clan in Ini Local Governme nt Area of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. Ethnomedicinal Information Source: INI Local Governemnt Area, 2010 Figure - 1 MAP of INI Local Government Area Showing Study Area Research Journal of Recent Sciences ______ _ _ _______________________________ ______________ _ ________ ISSN 2277 - 2502 Vol. 2 ( ISC - 2012 ), 5 - 11 (201 3 ) Res. J. Recent. Sci. International Science Congress Association 7 The ethnomedicinal data were collected through an oral interview of the herbal pra ctitioners, old men and women including young settlers in the community using a semi - structured questionnaire (Appendix 1). Several field trips were planned and conducted between January and July 2012. The total respondents were twenty (of which nineteen w ere male and one female). Data obtained were collated and tabulated to give the botanical names, common names, families and the vernacular or local names of the various plant species as well as their folk use, method of preparation, application mode, dos age, duration of treatment and the plant part(s) used were recorded. Ethnomedicinal confirmations were carried out using Gill 13 and local names and uses were also confirmed using Etukudo 14 . Species Identification: The indigenous plants collected during t he field trips were identified with the assistance of Dr. N.U. Ndaeyo of the Department of Crop Science, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and Mr. J.O. Erhabor of the Department Plant Biology and Biotechnology. Results and Discussion A total of thirty – on e (31) medicinal plant used by the people of Ifa Nkari for the treatment of male infertility were documented and identified in the study area. The identified plant species belong to twenty - four (24) families and thirty (30) genera. However, in the enumera tion, plants are arranged in alphabetical order using the scientific names along with local names, families, the parts used, dosage, method of preparation and ailments treated. Plants identified in this work have been used by the respondents and according to them are quite efficacious. Indigenous medicinal plants form an important component of the natural wealth of the people of Nigeria 13 . The available knowledge on the use of plant preparations in traditional medicine is enormous among the people of Nigeri a. The use of medicinal plants for the treatment of male infertility has come a long way since the ancient times and is gaining ground every day. Herbal remedies, ranging from those for promoting sperm production and motility to formulations for increasing testosterone levels, enhancing normal functioning of the male reproductive organs, and strengthening erection and sex drive are easily available in Nigeria 15 . In the enumeration, plants are arranged with scientific names along with local names, families , the parts used, dosage, method of preparation and ailments treated. A total of thirty – one (31) medicinal plant used among the people of Ifa Nkari for the treatment of male infertility were documented and identified in the study area. The identified pla nt species belong to twenty - four (24) families and thirty (30) genera. Of the twenty respondents, nineteen were male with only one female ( table - 4). The family (Poaceae) is the most represented with three species followed by Arecaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Lili aceae, Musaceae and Zingiberaceae families which has two species each and the rest with one species ( table 2). Most of the preparations of the herbal medications were mainly by grinding, chewing, boiling, either soaked in wine palm or local gin. The admin istration of herbal medications was mostly by oral means as none was used topically ( table 1). Leaves and roots were the commonest plant parts used closely followed by seeds, bark and fruits ( table 3). This agrees with the findings of Afolayan and Yakubu 15 on the method of preparation and plant parts used in the management of male infertility. However, the local name of Sorghum bicolor could not be ascertained as at the time of this study. Maud and Hannington 16 reported the use of thirty - three plants used in the management of sexual impotence and erectile dysfunction in western Uganda, while Afolayan and Yakubu 15 reported the use of fourteen plant species used in erectile dysfunction management in Nigeria as against the thirty - one plant species (table 1) e ncountered during the course of this study. It is deducible that the number of plants species used for the treatment and management of male infertility is rather significantly scarce or few. Therefore there is the need for extensive conservation and massiv e cultivation of the under study plant species is to prevent and protect them from possible extinction. Ethnobotanical survey has revealed several reasons for using medicinal plants in the management of male infertility in Nigeria. This incidence of sexua l inadequacies in human males has led to the development of a number of available options but unfortunately however, these options are too expensive, not easily available and with some serious side effects 17 . Ariba et al 18 reported that 42.3% of the 79 Nig erian clinicians agreed that many patients prefer native medications to modern drugs. This also supports the use of herbs in the treatment of male infertility in Ifa Nkari in Akwa Ibom State. Moreso, it is paramount to note that several authors have give n credence to the use of most of these reported plants on their use traditionally or in folklore in the management and the treatment of male infertility cases. Baljinder et al 19 agrees with the use of Allium sativum, Cissus quadrangularis, Cocos nucifera, Cola acuminata, Cymbopogon citrates, Garcinia kola, Piper guineense, Sesamum indicum, Zingiber officinale in the treatment of male infertility. Afolayan and Yakubu 15 also agree with the reported use of Terminalia catapa, Musa paradisiaca, Piper guineense in the treatment of male infertility. Igoli et al 20 reported the use of Anthocleista djalonensis and Newbouldia laevis in the treatment of male infertility among the Igede people of Nigeria. The use of Carica papaya, Carpolobia lutea, Citrilus lanatus, Lon chocarpus cyanescence, Spondias mombin, Aframomum melegueta, and Irvingia gabonensis on the treatment of male infertility has been reported by these respective authors 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 . However, some of the plant species ( Aloe vera, Carica papaya , Eremom astax speciosa , Gossypium hirsutum , Musa sapientum , Raphia hookeri , Sorghum bicolor , Tapinanthus bangwensis , Telfaira occidentalis , Zea mays ) reported in this work has not been reported in literature. These plant species will add to the already existing in digenous knowledge of plants used in the treatment of male infertility in Nigeria and the world at large. Research Journal of Recent Sciences ______ _ _ _______________________________ ______________ _ ________ ISSN 2277 - 2502 Vol. 2 ( ISC - 2012 ), 5 - 11 (201 3 ) Res. J. Recent. Sci. International Science Congress Association 8 Table - 1 Some commonly used plants in the treatment of male infertility among the Ifa Nkari People of Akwa Ibom State,Nigeria. Botanical names Family Common Names Local names Plant parts used Mode of preparations Dosages Ailments Aframomum melegueta K. Schum Zingiberaceae Alligator pepper, grains of paradise Ntuen - ibok Seed Seeds are crushed and soak in fresh palm wine (at least a bottle) or local gin. A glass thrice daily using palm wine and a shot daily for dry gin. Low libido and weak erection Allium sativum L. Liliaceae Garlic Etebe - owo inua Bulbs Five bulbs of garlic, two bulbs of onion, ten pieces of African red pepper and ginger are crushed and mix with water and honey. Three tablespoonful thrice daily Low libido Aloe vera (L) Webb (A. Barbadensis Miller). Liliaceae Aloe vera, Barbados aloe Akokafid Roots The roots are cut into pieces and seven hands full are soaked in half a bottle of dry gin f or ten days. One tablespoonful thrice daily Low libido Anthocleista djalonensis A. Chev Loganiaceae Cabbage tree Ibu Root, Bark and Leaf Decoction of the roots and barks. Half a glass thrice daily General infertility ailments Carica papaya L. Caricacea e Pawpaw Okpod, popo Fruit (unripe) The unripe fruit is cut into cube size and boiled in 8 litres of water. Half a glass thrice daily General infertility ailments Carpolobia lutea G. Don. Polygalaceae Cattle stick Ikpafum Root Decoction of the roots or th e roots are thoroughly washed and chewed. Six tablespoonful thrice daily, chew roots until condition improves General infertility ailments Cissus quadrangularis L . Vitaceae Edible - Stemmed - vine Oboro - uduk Root Decoction of the roots. Two tablespoonful thr ice daily General infertility ailments Citrillus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum and Nakai . Cucurbitaceae Melon Ikon, Okokon Seed The seeds are used to prepare melon (egusi) soup and it should be half cooked. The patient should eat egusi soup regularly Low sperm c ount and low libido Cocos nucifera L. Arecaceae Coconut Isip mbakara Coconut liquid The outer layer of the coconut is removed and the nut cracked to obtain the fresh juice. One glass daily for as long as it is needed General infertility ailments Cola acu minata (P. Beauv.) Schott and Endl. Sterculiaceae Kola nut Ibon Pericarp Mix ten kola nut pericarps with five raw eggs, two bottles of lime juice, one bottle of water, and one bottle of honey. One shot thrice daily for three months and alcohol intake shou ld be discontinued during treatment Low sperm count and weak erection Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf. Poaceae Lemon grass Ebana Leaf The decoction of the Leaves is mix with honey. Half a glass twice daily Weak erection and General infertility ailments. E remomastax speciosa (Hochst ). Acanthaceae Golden seal, African blood tonic plant Edem Ididout, Ndana - edem Leaf The leaves are washed and juice is extracted by squeezing the leaves in water. Six tablespoonful twice daily. General infertility ailments Garc inia kola Heckel. Guttiferae Bitter kola Efiad Seed Seed is crushed and tincture made with gin or fresh palm wine. Two shot thrice daily Weak erection Gossypium hirsutum L. Malvaceae Cotton plant Ikro afor Leaf Leaves are washed and boiled in adequate water to extract juice. Half a glass daily General infertility ailments Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry - Lecomte ex O’Rorke) Bail. Irvingiaceae Bush mango, African Mango Uyo Seed Grind one tomato tin can of the seeds and mix with 75cl of pure honey. One spoonfu l twice daily. Low sperm count and impotency. Jatropha gossipifolia L. Euphorbiacea e Wild cassada, belly - ache bush Eto - eko obio nsit Stem bark The bark washed thoroughly and tincture made. A shot three daily General infertility ailments Research Journal of Recent Sciences ______ _ _ _______________________________ ______________ _ ________ ISSN 2277 - 2502 Vol. 2 ( ISC - 2012 ), 5 - 11 (201 3 ) Res. J. Recent. Sci. International Science Congress Association 9 Lonchocarpus cy anescens (Schum. and Thonn.) Benth . Fabaceae West African Indigo Awa Leaf Leaves are washed and put in a pot of water then boiled. Two shot thrice daily. Low sperm count Musa paradisciaca L . Musaceae Plantain Ukom, Mbrinyon Root unripe. Fruit, Sucker juic e The root are soaked in palm wine or dry gin. The juice from the stem is taken orally. The unripe fruit can also be roasted and taken orally. Two shot twice for root tincture, one glass of juice once every three days. Two roasted unripe plantain fruit dai ly. Weak erection, low sperm count and aphrodisiac Musa sapientum L . Musaceae Banana Mboro Root The roots are soaked in palm wine or dry gin. Two shot twice daily. Weak erection and aphrodisiac Newbouldia laevis (P. Beauv) Seeman ex Bureau. Bignoniaceae Boundary tree, chieftaincy tree Itumo, Oboti, Oniok Stem bark The bark of the stem is soaked in dry gin and allowed for few hours. Two shot twice a day General infertility ailments Piper guineense Schum and Thonn . Piperaceae Guinea black pepper Etinkene, Odusa Root, leaves and fruits Decoction of the leaves and roots. A tincture fruits and seeds are also very essential or the seeds could also be used also in preparing pepper soup yam. Half glass cup daily for leaves and root decoction. One shot daily for the tincture. Weak Erection and Impotency Raphia hookeri Mann and Wendland. Arecaceae Wine palm Ukod Root The remedy is prepared by making a tincture of the root of the plant using gin or palm wine. Two shot twice daily Weak erection and as an aphrodisia c. Sesamum indicum L. Pedaliaceae Sesame, Beniseed Etekhede, Udot Iyeiye Seeds The seeds are eaten or the seeds extract taken orally. Two teaspoonful daily General infertility ailments. Spondias mombin L . Anacardiacea e Hog plum, yellow mombin Nsukakara L eaf The remedy is prepared by boiling the leaves One glass thrice daily General infertility ailments Sorghum bicolor L. Poaceae Guinea corn Straw Guinea corn straw, guava roots, coconut root, male pawpaw root, ginger and green leafy onion are soaked in gin, (brandy) or Soda water. One shot thrice daily (gin). Half glass thrice daily (soda water). General infertility ailments Tapinanthus bangwensis (Engl. and K. Krause) Loranthaceae African Mistletoe Ndot eyong Leaves, Roots and Stems The leaves, stems and roots are boiled and allow to cool down. Two glass twice daily General infertility ailments Telfaira occidentialis Hook. F . Cucurbitaceae Fluted pumpkin Ubon, ikon ubon Leaf The Leaves of fluted pumpkin and that of Solanum melongena are squeezed in w ater to extract juice and little honey added. One glass twice daily It is used to treat general infertility ailments Terminalia catapa L. Combretaceae Indian almond Mansang mbakara Fruits No preparation Eat fruit as long as necessary. Weak erection, prem ature ejaculation, low sperm count. Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich. Annonaceae African pepper, Ethiopian pepper, Guinea pepper. Ata Fruits, seeds, Bark The fruits, barks and seeds are soaked in palm wine. The fruits and seeds can also be used to pre pare pepper soup for the patient. One glass daily General infertility ailments Zingiber officinale Roscoe . Zingiberaceae Ginger Rhizome The juice extracted from ginger is mixed with honey. Three table spoonful thrice daily Weak erection Zea mays L. Po ceae Maize, corn Akpakpa, abakpa, ibokpod. Seeds Two cups of maize grains or seeds powdered) are mixed with adequate palm wine and filtered. The filtrate is taken orally. One glass twice daily. General infertility ailments Research Journal of Recent Sciences ______ _ _ _______________________________ ______________ _ ________ ISSN 2277 - 2502 Vol. 2 ( ISC - 2012 ), 5 - 11 (201 3 ) Res. J. Recent. Sci. International Science Congress Association 10 Table - 2 Distribution of spe cies among the family of plants collected Family Number of species Acanthaceae 1 Anacardiaceae 1 Annonaceae 1 Arecaceae 2 Bignoniaceae 1 Caricaceae 1 Combretaceae 1 Cucurbitaceae 2 Euphorbiaceae 1 Fabaceae 1 Guttiferae 1 Irvingiaceae 1 Liliace ae 2 Loganiaceae 1 Lorantaceae 1 Malvaceae 1 Musaceae 2 Pedaliaceae 1 Piperaceae 1 Poaceae 3 Polygalaceae 1 Sterculiaceae 1 Vitaceae 1 Zingiberaceae 2 Table - 3 Frequency of plant parts used Plant Parts used Frequency Root 9 Leaf 9 Seed 7 Fr uit 5 Bark 4 Bulb 1 Coconut liquid 1 Pericarp 1 Rhizome 1 Sucker Juice 1 Table - 4 Number of Respondents No. of Respondents Male Female 20 19 1 Conclusion Nigeria has a vast heritage of medicinal and traditional knowledge. 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