Effect of aqueous extract of crocus sativus L. (saffron) stigma on serum levels of gonadotropins and folliculogenesis in adult rats

Abstract

To examine the effects of aqueous extract of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) stigma on serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), leutinizing hormone (LH), progesterone and estrogen as well as folliculogenesis, 45 adult Wistar rats were equally divided into three groups. Group one received oral normal saline (5 ml / day) as a vehicle and groups two and three the extract of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) stigma at 20 and 80 mg I kg / day, respectively, for 30 d. Administration of 80 mg I kg I day aqueous extract of saffron stigma resulted in higher serum level of FSH, LH, progesterone and estrogen and increased numbers of primary, secondary and tertiary follicles as well as corpora lutea. Thus the aqueous extract of saffron can improve fertility, which may be attributed to crocetin and/or flavonoids contents of the extract. © GSP, India.