Comparative study between the effect of licorice extract of roots and seeds on fertility of male rats

ABSTRACT

The use of herbs as an adjutant form of medical treatment is gaining popularity all over the world. This study was performed to investigate the effects of liquorices roots and its seeds extracts on male rats fertility. Forty-two rats divided into seven groups were used in this study. Varying doses of the extracts 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg B.W. were used. Parameters used in the methodology were weight of testis. Malonildiahidehyde concentration, histological study. Hormonal assay and sperm analysis. Results of liquorices roots revealed no significant change in weight of testes, inhibition of testicular tissue peroxidation, improve testosterone levels, parameters of sperm analysis such as sperm concentration and motility in comparison to the negative control. Obvious cellular changes were also observed in the liquorice seed extract treated groups. These changes were brought back to almost near or less pre-treatment values in the reversal groups. The changes observed in groups treated with liquorices roots were minimal and statistically in significant. In addition, the results showed that oral administration of liquorices roots at 200 and 400 mg/kg B.W. to male rats for 12 weeks kept the weight of testes and seminal vesicles; improved semen quality and quantity and testosterone levels in the opposite of the results of the same levels of liquorices seeds extract. The roots extract ameliorated the degenerative lesions which may be occurred in the male testes while, the seed extract reduced the activity of hormones quality and quantity and of sperm which can use as infertility agent. This study recommends that intake of liquorices roots as a drink may be beneficial for patients who suffer from sexual impotency as their extracts enhance male fertility in rats and the seed extract of liquorice has a negative effect on the fertility potentials of the male rats