The Effect of Cuminum Cyminum Alcoholic Extract on Serum Testosterone Level and Its Contraceptive Effects on Adult Male Rats

Background and Objectives: One of the complications arising from the consumption of Cuminum Cyminum is reproductive system disorders in humans and animals. Since there has been no comprehensive research on the effect of this herbal medicine on spermatogenesis and production of testosterone in males, the present study was carried out with the aim of determining the effect of Cuminum Cyminum alcoholic extract on spermatogensis and testosterone production in adult male wistar rats in Kazeroon in ۲۰۰۴. Materials and Methods: In this experimental research ۵۰ male wistar rats were divided into ۵ groups of ۱۰. Following the bioassay LD۵۰ (lethal dose) of the compound was determined to be ۱۲۰ mg/kg and concentrations of ۳۰,۶۰ and ۱۰۰ mg/kg as sublethal doses were injected into peritoneum every other day for ۲۱ days in three treatment groups. The two remaining groups received the solvent (distilled water) and no compound. The results were analysed through one-way analysis of variance and t-test. Results: The results showed that ۱۰۰ mg/kg of Cuminum Cyminum alcoholic extract reduced serum testostrone level by ۷۱.۵% (P=۰.۰۵), while it had no significant effect on serum FSH and LH levels. Histological investigations of testis showed a decline of ۱۹.۷%, ۴۸.۳% and ۸۹.۵% sperm cells in doses ۳۰, ۶۰ and ۱۰۰ mg/kg respectively. However, no adverse effect was observed owing to the injection. Conclusion: According to the research results it can be stated that Cuminum Cyminum alcoholic extract at ۱۰۰ mg/kg of rats has probably caused the weakened function and reduced testosterone level and spermatogenesis through direct effect on testicular tissues. Research concerning the ultra structure studies of testis and the effect of the plant on hormone level in hypothalamus and fetus growth is recommended.

Keywords:

Cuminum cyminum , Spermatogenesis , Testosterone , Contraceptive agents , Rats