Histological and quantitative study of the effect of Eruca sativa seed oil on the testis of albino rat

ABSTRACT

Eruca Sativa [E.S] or Gargir seed oil is widely used in folk medicine. This study was conducted to investigate its possible effect on male rat fertility. Histological changes of the testis, level of testosterone hormone and sperm count were determined. The results revealed that administration of low dose of E.S. seed oil caused dilatation of the seminiferous tubules, proliferation of spermatogenic cells and increase of its mitotic activity. Increased number of sperms and epididymis weight, elevated level of testosterone hormone and hyperplasia of interstitial Leydig cells have also been noticed. DNA analysis revealed an increase of the percentage of haploid and decrease of diploid and tetraploid cells. Administration of E.S. seed oil at higher dose showed. decreased diameter of the seminiferous tubules, reduced spermatogenic activity and number of sperms . Also testosterone hormone level decreased and the interstitial cells appeared few. DNA analysis showed a reduction of the percentage of the haploid and increase of the percentage of diploid and tetraploid cells