effect of a hydro-alcoholic extract of olive fruit on reproductive argons in male sprague-dawley rat

Olive [Olea europea], from the Oleaceae family, is known as a phytoestrogen plant compound, containing Lignans and phenolic compounds. Some studies have shown phytoestrogens to have spermatogenesis-decreasing effects. The present study investigated the effects of a hydro-alcoholic extract of olive fruit on reproductive argons in male rats. The hydro-alcoholic olive [Olea europaea] extract was given orally to three experimental groups of rats in 50, 150, and 450 mg/kg in 48 days. The vehicle group was fed with normal saline and nothing was given to the control group [each group with 8 rats]. After 49 days reproductive indicators i.e., sperm count, sperm motility, the weight of prostate, testis, epididymis, and seminal vesicle were measured. The results showed a significant decrease in the weights of the left testicle, seminal vesicle, testosterone hormone, sperm count and sperm motility but there was no significant difference with regard to the weights of prostate and epididymis, and estradiol hormone. This study suggests that olive extract may have deleterious effects on fertility factors; therefore, after further studies, it may be used as a contraceptive in males

Clinical trial of a herbal ointment in reduction of hair density in hirsutism

Hirsutism can result in cosmetic and psychological problems in women. Because of diverse etiological factors, treatment with a single drug is not usually successful. On the other hand, treatment of hirsutism can be associated with adverse effects. To evaluate the efficacy of a herbal ointment consisted of Leguminosea spp. and Zingiberaceae spp. extracts in reduction of hair density in hirsute women. In an open clinical trial 10 hirsute women were treated with a herbal ointment 3 times a day for two weeks in three consecutive months. Pre- and post-treatment assessments of number, length, and diameter of hairs were done in individual patients. Paired t test was used for statistical analyses. After three treatment courses the mean number of the hairs showed significant reduction in comparison with pre-treatment values. Some patients mentioned that treatment resulted in softer, thinner, and lighter hairs. The studied herbal ointment was effective in hair density reduction in hirsute patients.It was also a simple, inexpensive and safe treatment for hirsutism