Effect of Silybum marianum (L.) Geartn extract on in vitro fertilization in mice

Abstract

Composition of Silybum marianum (L.) Geartn extract rich with flavonoid sylimarin which have antioxidant properties. Aim of this project study the effects of sylimarin on In vitro fertilization (IVF) and cleavage stages of embryos in mice. Fifteen adult males and females mice were divided into three groups , each group containing 5 mice , first and second groups were treated with (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight) of Silybum marianum (L.) Geartn extract (IP) while the third group treated with normal saline as control group . After 35 days of treatment the animals (male and female) were sacrificed and sperms isolated from tail of epidydymis were used for the following tests: Sperm motility, dead / live sperm, sperm abnormalities and serum was collected to assay testosterone. Isolation of oocyte from oviduct and serum blood to hormonal assay (FSH and LH) . Sperm and matured ova were incubated in TCM-199 media for insemination. The results showed increase in body weight and testes weight in groups treated with Silybum marianum (L.) Geartn. Significant increase in sperm activity and decrease in percentage of dead sperm and abnormalities in groups treated with Silybum marianum (L.) Geartn. The male testosterone and female FSH, LH increased significantly in groups treated with Silybum marianum (L.) Geartn. IVF study showed significant increase in percentage of maturation, fertilization and cleavage (2-4 cells). In conclusion sylimarin have benefits effect on IVF and cleavage stages of embryo development when injected before IVF by improve fertilization of males and females.