The effect of carum copticum hydroalcoholic extract on fertility parameters in male rats

Introduction: Fertility regulation with plant preparations has been reported in ancient literature of indigenous systems of medicine. In this research the effects of alcoholic extract of carum copticum seeds on fertility indices, body weight and weight of reproductive organs was evaluated in male rats.Methods: 18 rats were randomly divided into 3 groups; control, group A and group B, each group comprising of six rats. Animals in control group received 2 ml of distilled water(vehicle) and test groups(A and B) received graded doses of 300 and 500 mg/kg body weight of alcoholic extract of carum copticum seeds on a daily basis for 42 days. At the end of 42 days of treatment period, fertility indices such as body and reproductive organs weight, sperm motility and count, fertility rate, epididymal sperm reserve(ESR), daily sperm production(DSP), blood testosterone concentration and fertility rate were measured. Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test.Results: There was a significant decrease in GSI (Testes weight/body weight ratio), epididymides weight, sperm count, ESR, DSP, blood testosterone concentration and fertility rate in both the lower dose group (0, p<0.01, 0, 0, p<0.01, p<0.05, and 0) and the higher dose group(p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.01, p<0.5, p<0.001, p<0.001 and p<0.05as compared to the control group.Conclusion: The results of this study showed that alcoholic extract of carum copticum seeds in higher doses could decrease fertility in male rats.

Keywords:

Carum Copticum , Fertility , Testosterone , Mice