The Effects of Anacyclus pyrethrum Alcoholic Root Extract on FSH, LH, Testosterone and Sperm Count in Diabetic Male Rats

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known as a worldwide growing metabolic disorder which reduces fertility. Objectives: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of alcoholic root extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum (AP) on FSH, LH, testosterone and sperm count in diabetic male rats. Methods: This study was conducted on 60 Wistar-Albino male rats divided into six groups: control group (C), and diabetic groups including: control group (DC), placebo receiver (P) which received 50 (DA1), 100 (DA2) and 150 (DA3) mg/kg alcoholic AP root extract during trial period. Diabetes was induced with an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 60mg/kg). At the end, animals were anesthetized and blood samples were collected from cervical vessels. Serum FSH and LH were determined by ELISA methods. Serum testosterone was measured by standard laboratory method. Sperm count in epididymis and vas deferens was determined using a hemocytometer. The data were analyzed using SPSS V.11 via ANOVA and Tukey tests. Results were expressed as mean ± SD. Statistical differences were considered significant at P < 0.05. Results: Results showed that the serum FSH, LH, testosterone, epididymis, testis, and body weight in all groups which received AP alcoholic root extract significantly increased compared to groups DC and P. Conclusions: AP alcoholic root extract improved FSH, LH and testosterone hormones and body weight gain in STZ diabetic male rats.