The effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Aloe vera gel on spermatogenesis of adult male rats

Abstract

Aloe vera is a perennial plant of the Liliaceae family. Its leaves possess anti-microbial and anti-cancerous properties. The present study investigates the probable effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Aloe vera gel on testosterone, LH and FSH, sperm count and motility in adult male wistar rats. In this experimental study, 24 adult male wistar rats were used that weighed an average of 170-240 grams. Randomly, they were assigned to 4 groups of 6 including: G1: control group, and G2, 3 and 4. The control group received 1 ml of distilled water. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th group received respectively 100, 150 and 200 (mg/kg) of hydroalcoholic extract of Aloe vera gel orally for 52 days. In the end, a ventricular blood testing was performed. Its serum was separated; the serum concentration of testosterone, LH and FSH were measured through ELISA, and the status of sperms was examined. Serum concentration of testosterone and LH was significantly increased in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups as compared to G1. The serum concentration of FSH hormone showed a significant rise in the 3rd and 4th groups as compared to the control group. The number and motility of sperms indicated a significant increase in all the experimental groups as compared to the control group. The hydroalcoholic extract of Aloe vera gel, in dosages used in this study, have fertilizing and stimulating impact on spermatogenesis of adult male wistar rats.