The Effect of Hydro-alcoholic Extract of Leaves of Vitex on the Gestation Indices of Male Rats

Journal Title: Journal of Pharmaceutical & Health Sciences - Year 2017, Vol 5, Issue 1

Abstract

Background: Phytoestrogens are some plant compounds with estrogenic biological effects which are found in many nutritional sources as soybean, flaxseed, and sesame. Vitex agnus-castus, also called Vitex, owns phytoestrogen properties. Studies have shown that phytoestrogens have different impacts on the gestation process and reproduction indices. Objective: The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of Vitex extract on the gestation indices in the male rat as well as studying its histological properties in the rat testicles. Materials and Methods: The hydro-alcoholic extract of Vitex (in three doses of 165, 265 and 365 mg/kg), vehicle (normal saline) and the hydro-alcoholic powder of soybean (120 mg/kg) were respectively given to understudy, vehicle and positive control groups for 49 days. After weighing the rats in the 1st and 49th days, the blood samples of all groups were taken and tested for estradiol levels, testosterones, FSH and LH. Moreover, such reproductive indices as sperm count, sperm motion, and prostate and testicle weight were studied and samples were collected for histological studies. Results: Prescription of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Vitex (in three doses of 165, 265 and 365 mg/kg) did not change the rat’s weight, significantly (P-value= 0.06). Hormonal studies reduced the progesterone, LH, and FSH compared to the vehicle group, significantly (P-value<0.05). In addition, the amount of estradiol was significantly more than the vehicle group and the most effect was observed at a dose of 365 mg/kg (P-value=0.02). Histological studies showed a reduction in existing spermatozoa in the seminiferous ducts. Conclusions: This study had shown that the Vitex extract had inhibiting effects on the gestation indices in male rat and due to its destructive effects on the testicle tissues, more studies were required.

Authors and Affiliations

Fereshteh Ramezanloo, Parvaneh Najafizadeh, Tahereh Naji, Gholamreza Amin, Zahra Mousavi, Gelareh Vahabzadeh

Keywords

Related Articles

Levels of Mercury in Persian Gulf Frozen Fish Species

Severe discharge of sewage and industrial effluents into the Persian Gulf leads to the deposition of various types of heavy metals, especially lead and mercury, in the muscles of fish. Total mercury and methylmercury con...

Antifungal Screening of Bridelia ferruginea Benth (Euphorbiaceae) Stem Bark Extract in Mouthwash Formulations

The plant Bridelia ferruginea Benth (Euphorbiaceae) has been known for its use in the management of oral thrush ethnomedicinally in various parts of Africa, a practice which has been justified by results of certain scien...

The Effect of Hydro-alcoholic Extract of Leaves of Vitex on the Gestation Indices of Male Rats

Background: Phytoestrogens are some plant compounds with estrogenic biological effects which are found in many nutritional sources as soybean, flaxseed, and sesame. Vitex agnus-castus, also called Vitex, owns phytoestr...

Antifungal effects of crude extract and fractions of Euphorbia splendida Mobayena gainst Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans and Candida krusei

The significant decline in infectious diseases was owed to the development of the antibiotic industry. Due to the prevalence of drug-resistant organisms alongside the other problems, scientists have been focused on med...

Comparison the effect of carboxymethyle cellulose films containing Thymus vulgaris and Zataria multiflura on shelf life of chicken meat

Poultry meat is a kind of perishable food. The growth of pathogenic microorganisms may occur in chicken meat during storage in the refrigerator. Microbial growth causes a serious hazard to the safety of the food consumer...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP215196
  • DOI -
  • Views 143
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Fereshteh Ramezanloo, Parvaneh Najafizadeh, Tahereh Naji, Gholamreza Amin, Zahra Mousavi, Gelareh Vahabzadeh (2017). The Effect of Hydro-alcoholic Extract of Leaves of Vitex on the Gestation Indices of Male Rats. Journal of Pharmaceutical & Health Sciences , 5(1), 61-69. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-215196