Decrease in the number of sperm associated with decreased blood testosterone levels in male rats treated with extracts from seven plants consumed by natives of northern Thailand

Citation
S. Wanichacheewa et al., Decrease in the number of sperm associated with decreased blood testosterone levels in male rats treated with extracts from seven plants consumed by natives of northern Thailand, ENV TOX PH, 10(1-2), 2001, pp. 1-4
Citations number
21
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Journal title
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
ISSN journal
1382-6689 → ACNP
Volume
10
Issue
1-2
Year of publication
2001
Pages
1 - 4
Database
ISI
SICI code
1382-6689(200105/06)10:1-2<1:DITNOS>2.0.ZU;2-3
Abstract
Natives of northern Thailand believe that certain plants preserved in alcoh ol provide sexual elevation although there is no scientific proof. To ascer tain whether these plants have any biological effects on reproductive activ ity, we administered the extracts from seven kinds of plants to male rats. Treatments with these extracts resulted in a decrease in the number of sper m associated with decreased serum testosterone levels and an elevation of s erum prolactin levels. The circulating levels of follicle stimulating hormo ne were only slightly affected by all extracts, although some extracts sign ificantly decreased the luteinizing hormone levels. Thus, the extracts may contain a biologically active substance such as phytoestrogen and lead to a hormonal imbalance. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.