ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: The spathe of phoenix dactylifera contains protein, fatty, fiber, sugar, moisture, furfural, coumarin, organic compounds of camphor family, phytosterols, 1, 2-Di methoxil 1, 4-Di methyl benzene. This study was done to evaluate the effect of alcoholic extract of phoenix dactylifera spathe on seminiferous tubules and spermatogenesis in adult male rats
Methods: In this experimental study, 50 adult male rats were randomly allocated into five groups including: control, sham and expermintal groups 1, 2 and 3. Animals in control group did not receive any treatment. Animals in sham group were received 0.2 ml normal saline intraperitoneaily. Animals in experimental group 1, 2 and 3 were received 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 g/kg/bw of alcoholic extract of phoenix dactylifera spathe intraperitoneaily, respectively. After 14 days of study, the testis was removed and the sections of tissue were prepared. Testosterone hormone measured by y-counter method
Results: Serum levels of testosterone and the spermatozoa count were significantly reduced in the experimental groups in compared to control and sham groups [P<0.05]. The count spermatogonia, primary spermatocyte, spermatid, sertoli and leydig cells and seminiferous tubules structures did not reduce in the experimental groups in compared to control and sham groups
Conclusion: Phoenix dactylifera Spathe alcoholic extract at doses of minimum and medium in adult male rats reduces sera level of testosterone and spermatozoa number