Effects of Anethum graveolens L. on fertility in male rats

ABSTRACT

Objectives The effects of Anethum graveolens seed extract on fertility of male rats were investigated.

Methods Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups according to the treatment they received during 42 days: control, low dose (0.5 g/kg) and high dose (5 g/kg) of aqueous extracts, and low dose (0.045 g/kg) and high dose (0.45 g/kg) of ethanol extracts of Anethum graveolens seed. Sperm count and motility and testosterone concentration were measured. Sections of the testes, epididymis, and seminal vesicles were stained with peroxidase-conjugated lectins of Ulex europaeus agglutinin, peanut agglutinin, Dolichos biflorus agglutinin, soy bean agglutinin and concanavalin A. The treated male rats were mated with females and the crown-rump lengths and weights of their newborn pups were measured.

Results No significant differences in sperm count, sperm motility or testosterone concentration were observed in the experimental groups. However, female rats did not become pregnant after mating with rats given the high dose of the ethanol extract. The distribution of terminal sugars on the epithelial surface of the reproductive structures decreased in the experimental groups.

Conclusion Anethum graveolens extract decreased fertility rate by modifying some terminal sugars on the cell surface of male reproductive organs involved in sperm maturation, capacitation and oocyte recognition.

KEYWORDS:

• Anethum graveolens
• Infertility
• Lectin histochemistry
• Male reproductive system
• Male contraception

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This study was financially supported by the Vice-Chancellory for Research of Shiraz University.

All authors participated in the design and interpretation of the study and the analysis of the data. The authors thank the Medicinal & Natural Products Chemistry Research Centre, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, for help in extract preparation, and K. Shashok for editorial assistance.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and the writing of the paper.