effect of alcoholic extract of safflower [carthamus tinctorim] on gonado hypophysis hormonal axis and testis histology in laboratory mice

ABSTRACT

Safflower [Carthamus tinctorius] has been known since ancient times and is used as purgative, sedative, anti-inflammation, diaphoretic, tumor reducer and emmenagogue. Evidence shows that the plant could be used as aphrodisiac for treatment of impotency. This study aims to investigate the effect of safflower extract on gonado-hypophysis hormonal axis and histologic changes of testis in Mobarakeh [Isfahan] in 2002-2003. In this experimental study four groups of mice containing 8 adult male in each group were divided into control, treatments I, II and III. Then safflower extract in three different doses of 0.7, 1.4 and 2.8 mg/day was injected intraperitoneally into the mice of treatment groups I, II and III, over a period of 20 days respectively. Using Tukey's test and analysis of variance each treatment group was compared with control group in terms of testis weight, histologic changes of testis, number of sperms and concentration of FSH, LH and testosterone hormones present in blood serum. Research results showed that safflower could affect the potential reproduction of males and alter reproductive activities as well as being effective on endocrine of testis. As the injection of safflower extract in doses of 1.4 and 2.8 mg/day increased the concentration of serum testosterone significantly [P=0.01] and thus causing the control of negative feedback of testosterone secretion. Injection of safflower extract did not cause remarkable change in tissue, number of sperms and testis weight. Safflower can contribute to reproductive activities by triggering the change in gonadohypophysis axis. More research is recommended