The effect of hydro-alcoholic extracts of Citrus aurantifolia (bark) on the spermatogenesis and pituitary- gonadal axis hormones in adult male rats

Citrus aurantifolia is one of the important herbs which are used in the treatment of various diseases. This investigation was carried out to evaluate the effects of Citrus aurantifolia bark on the pituitary-gonadal axis hormones and spermatogenesis in adult male rats. The control animals received food and drinking water. The experimental groups were divided into two periods: treatment (by two weeks injection) and post treatment (one week without injection). The hydro-alcoholic extracts Citrus aurantifolia at different dose of 50,100 and 150 mg/kg body weight, were injected intraperitoneally for two weeks in the treatment animals. The control group was untreated. After the last injection, the number of Sertoli and Leydig cells was calculated. Also, the hormonal changes were analyzed by ELIZA technique. Statistical analysis of the results revealed a significant decrease (p≤0.05) on the number of Sertoli and Leydig cells. In addition, the results showed a significance decrease in the level of LH in the treatment group; while the level of testosterone and FSH hormone didn’t indicate significant change in the treatment group with respect to the control group. According to the results of this study, the hydro-alcoholic extract of Citrus aurantifolia may affect on the pituitary-gonadal axis activity and decrease the level of LH hormone and the number of Leydig cells in adult male rats.