Effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on daily sperm production, epididymal transit and sperm morphology of pubertal Wistar rats
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14295/bjs.v1i11.192Keywords:
Trigonella foenum-graecum, Fertility, Aphrodisiac, Male ratAbstract
Herbal medicines are active plant materials that have played an important role in folk medicine, as they favor the treatment of various diseases in different regions of the world. Different societies report improvement in sexual function with various aphrodisiac herbal medicines, even without scientific proof. Aphrodisiacs are generally considered substances that increase sexual desire and/or sexual pleasure. One herbal medicine popularly used as an aphrodisiac is fenugreek. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is an annual herb that belongs to the Leguminosae family. The aphrodisiac potential of fenugreek is still contradictory and little established in the literature. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fenugreek on male reproductive parameters of Wistar rats. Thirteen pubescent male rats were divided into two experimental groups (7 treated and 6 controls). Fenugreek dry extract was purchased commercially and administered daily to the treated group (3mg/animal-1, diluted in 500 µL of water) for a period of 40 days. The control group received 500 µL of distilled water for the same period. The following parameters were analyzed: daily sperm production; transit time of sperm through the epididymal duct; and sperm morphology. The results of the treated group and the control group were then compared using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney statistical test. In our study, there was no change in absolute and relative body weights of reproductive organs and accessory glands, as well as in sperm morphology. However, pubescent rats treated with 3 mg/animal-1 for 40 days tended to decrease daily sperm production and increase epididymal transit time, suggesting a possible negative effect on the production and maturation of male gametes, which may lead to reduced fertility. Therefore, further studies with higher dosage and/or treatment time should be performed to evaluate the effects of fenugreek on a complete spermatogenic cycle.
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