A COMPARATIVE STUDY on the EFFECTS of the FENUGREEK SEEDS' POWDER and ITS AQUEOUS and OIL EXTRACTS on the MALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM in ALBINO RATS

Abstract

Trigonella foenum-graecum has long been used as a medicinal plant for the treatment of nutritional, metabolic and sexual dysfunction in both genders.Objectives: our study aimed at evaluating the possible effects of different dosage forms of fenugreek seeds on the male reproductive system in animals.Methods: In a randomized controlled study, 40 male albino rats weighing 180 to 260 gm. were equally divided into four groups, one control and the other three groups were treated by the administration of either powder (200 mg/kg), aqueous (500mg/ml) or oily extract (200mg/ml) forms, 3 times weekly for 8 weeks. Serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels were evaluated, as well as histological examination & sperm analysis. Results: Concerning the oily extract dosage form, a highly significant decrease (P< 0.01) in FSH was recorded in comparison to other groups. LH was reduced significantly (P< 0.05) in the three treated comparative groups. However, progesterone and estrogen levels were significantly increased (P<0.05) after the administration of the oily form. Testosterone level was detected higher only in the aqueous form with a significant increase (p< 0.05) in sperm count, unlike the other 2 forms. The results have revealed a significant (p< 0.05) decrease in all sperm evaluated parameters as well as destructions in testicular tissues after the administration of the oily form. Conclusion: The effect of the aqueous form on the male hormonal levels have been significantly noticed with remarkable changes in the sperm vitality as well the sperm count. The oily form showed a devastating action on all the evaluated parameters.