Androgenic properties of “Dong Trung Ha Thao Sapa” hard capsules on experimental animals

Abstract

“Dong trung ha thao Sapa” (DTHT) hard capsules prepared from Cordyceps militaris powder are intended to treat male hypogonadism. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the androgenic properties of this product on experimental animals. Weanling male rats and castrated peripubertal male rats were used for the study. Weanling male rats were divided into 5 groups: group I (saline-treated); group II (testosterone undecanoate-treated); group III (low dose DTHT capsules); and group IV (high dose DTHT capsules). Castrated peripubertal male rats were also divided into 5 groups: group I without castration (saline-treated); groups II to V were surgically castrated, group II (saline-treated); group III (testosterone undecanoate-treated), group IV (low dose DTHT capsules) and group V (high dose DTHT capsules). The potential effect was evaluated on five androgen-dependent tissue weight (seminal vesicles, ventral prostate, Cowper’s gland, glans penis, levator ani-bulbocavernosus - LABC muscle and the serum testosterone level in castrated rats. Five tissue weights and testes, epididymis weights were examined in weanling rats. A positive androgen agonist result should be a statistically significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in any two or more of the five targets’ androgen-dependent tissue. The results suggest that capsules show androgenic properties in castrated male rats by increasing weight of 3 tissues (seminal vesicles, ventral prostate, LABC muscle). DTHT hard capsules appear to be an effective therapeutic drug for treating hypogonadism.