The Effects of Vitex Agnus Castus and Foeniculum volgare Alcholic Extract on HPG Axis and Spermatogenesis of NMRI Mice
Subject Areas : Journal of Animal Biology
راحله فاضلی
1
(دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، واحد دامغان، گروه زیست شناسی، دامغان ،ایران)
عبدالحسین شیروی
2
(دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، واحد دامغان، گروه زیست شناسی، دامغان ،ایران)
Keywords: Testosterone, FSH, LH, NMRI mice, Vitex agnus castus, Foeniculum volgare, Germ cells,
Abstract :
Vitex agnus castusand Foeniculum volgare are phytoestrogeic herbs native to the Middle East and southern Europe. They have clinical usage in so many countries. In this research, the effects of Vitex agnus castus fruit extract and Foeniculum volgare seed extract were investigated on spermatogenesis and Testosterone, LH and FSH Hormon of male NMRI mice.This is an experimental study in which adult male mice were chosen and divided into 3 groups: control, vehicle, and experimental. Animals were daily injected (i.p.) with 100 , 200 mg/kg of Foeniculum volgare seed extract and 200 , 300 mg/kg of Vitex agnus castus and synthetic dos of Vitex agnus castus (300) + Foeniculum volgare (200) for 15 consecutive days. Then the animals were weighed and eventually killed. 2 weeks after the last injection.Testosterone and LH, FSH serum hormone of animal was assayed .The caudal part of the epididymis was used for sperm counting. After macroscopic investigation (weight, diameter and volume of Testes and weight of epididymis) tissues were fixed in Buinand#39;s fixative. Tissues were cut at 5 andmu;m, stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (Handamp; E).Collected data was analyzed by the SPSS software by using one-way ANOVA. No significant differences in volume, weight and diameter of testes and weight of epididymis was seen. Significant reduction in LH, FSH and Testosterone hormon in all of experimental group was seen. Light microscopic studies showed a significant reductionin in number of germinal cells and several holes that were found scattered in the tubules and Testis also showed a general disarrangement in various germinal elements of seminiferous tubules in doses of 200 , 300 vitex agnus castus and synthetic dose. Result of sperms count indicated a significant decreasing of spermatozoa in all of experimental groups. Vitex agnus castus and Foeniculum volgare contains essential oils, iridoid, glycosides, flavonoids diterpenes, and essential fatty acids. The results suggest that its contraceptive effects is related to its flavonoids and essential fatty acids but further studies is needed to focus on the pharmacokinetics of this plants.