Volkan Koşal - Department of Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary, Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey.
Ömer Faruk Keleş - Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey.

Background: Tarantula cubensis (theranekron), obtained from the poison of Cuban Tarantula, is a homeopathic drug frequently used in animal health. Objectives: The effect of theranekron on reproductive parameters in male animals is unknown. In this study, the effect of theranekron on male reproductive parameters was investigated. Methods: Three different groups of rats were created: control (n=۸) (no application), theranekron I (n=۸) (subcuteneous injection of ۰.۳ mg/kg on days ۰, ۵, and ۱۰), and theranekron II (n=۸) (subcuteneous injection of ۰.۳ mg/kg on days ۰, ۵, and ۱۰). Control and theranekron I groups were sacrificed at the end of the ۴ weeks, and the theranekron II group was sacrificed at the end of the ۶ weeks. Sperm motility, density, abnormal rate, DNA damage, and testicular histopathology were examined. Results: No statistical difference was observed in the parameters examined between the study groups (P>۰.۰۵). It was determined that the theranekron did not change sperm motility, density and spermatozoa ratio, also no histopathological changes, and sperm DNA damage.Conclusion: There is no harm in using theranekron in male animals during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons.

Tarantula Cubensis, Theranekron, Sperm, testis, rat