ABSTRACT
Introduction: The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal [HPG] axis controls reproductive function. The hypothalamus secretes GnRH that is transported to the anterior pituitary gland to stimulate the release of the gonadotrophic hormones. Which act on the gonads to stimulate sexual maturation, gametogenesis and steroidogenesis. Although GnRH neurons are a key component of the HPG axis, other neurotransmitters or neuropeptides in the hypothalamus, such as glutamate, GABA, galanin, dopamine and kisspeptin have been suggested to be involved in the regulation of GnRH secretion. In addition to GnRH neurons, pituitary and gonads, some of these neuronal populations such kisspeptin are extremely sensitive to changes in the levels of steroid hormones and endocrine disrupting compounds [EDCs]. Several EDCs, such as pesticides, bisphenol A, phthalates, tamoxifen, phytoestrogens and mycoestrogens can interact with the female and male reproductive system function and lead to disruption of endocrine function. Reproductive system development and function may be susceptible to the effects of such EDCs. By far, the greatest concerns for the potential adverse effects of EDCs have focused on their deleterious impact on reproductive health. It has been demonstrated under laboratory conditions and epidemiological studies that EDCs can exert detrimental effects especially during hormonal critical periods such as fetal and neonatal periods on the reproductive system. This article reviews some evidence that EDCs can impair the HPG axis and reproductive function
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: evaluation of the importance and the effects of plant derived drugs on fertility of laboratory animals have long been recognized. In this research the effects of administration of aqueous extract of Boswellia thurifera on fertility indices, body weight and reproductive organs weight was evaluated in male rats
Materials and Methods: eighteen rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, control, group A and group B. Each group comprises of six rats. Animals in control group received 1 ml of distilled water [vehicle] and test groups [A and B] received graded doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of Boswellia thurifera respectively on daily basis for 60 days. At the end of 60 days of treatment period, fertility indices such as body weight, reproductive organs weight, sperm motility and count, fertility rate, epididymal sperm reserve [ESR], daily sperm production [DSP] and blood testosterone concentration were measured
Results: there was a significant increase in the reproductive organs and body weight, sperm motility and count, ESR, DSP, blood testosterone concentration and fertility rate especially in the group which received the higher doses of aqueous extract of Boswellia thurifera
Conclusion: the results of this study showed that aqueous extract of Boswellia thurifera could increase fertility rate in male rats