Effect of alcoholic extract Citrullus Colocynthis fruits in testes function

Abstract

Effect of ethanolic extract of Citrullus colocynthis (CCT) was investigated on testes function ,testosterone ,LH and FSH hormone in albino mature male rats. Twenty four (24) rats weighting (220-280) g were grouped in to 4 groups by (6) animals / day group and treated as follows for (42) days. first group considered control received 2 ml distilled water orally. While the experimental group second group(T1)were received 25 mg/kg B.W. ethanolic extract of CCT,and third group(T2) received50mg/kgB.W.,while fourth group(T3)received 75mg/kg B.W. The result the animals treated with 75 mg of ethanolic extract of CCT affected the testes by decrease of weight and decrease in hormone testosterone ,LH and FSH .also showed histological change completetly absent of spermatogenic cells in certain seminiferous tubules which replacement by large multiple vacuoles and lining by only by Sertoli cells , and marked thickness of interstitial tissue The results showed the presence of a significant decrease (P <0.05) in the proportion of the testicular weight to body weight when compared with the control group. while testes histological study showed (T2, T3) thickness Tunica albuginea ,congested blood vessels with thickness of basement membrane of seminiferous s tubules and vaculation of their spermatogenic cells layer without presences sperms in their lumen. In conclusion the result of this study documented that CCT induced harmful effect on testes functio(50,75 mg/kg B.W.)at 4,6 week of treatment.