The Effects of Boswellia Thurifera Aqueous Extract on the Structure of Testis Tissue and Sexual Hormonal Changes Following Administration of Endosulfan Toxin in Immature Male Rats

Endosulfan toxin is an organochlorine pesticide reduces the ability of reproductive system. In traditional medicine, herbs are used for treatment of infertility. Boswellia thurifera herb is used to treat various diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Boswellia thurifera aqueous extract on the structure of testis and sexual hormonal changes following administration of endosulfan toxin.

Forty immature male rats (aged 4-5 weeks) weighting 100-150 g, divided randomly to five equal groups. First group received only distilled water; the second group received 500 mg/kg/day Boswellia thurifera aqueous extract for 4 weeks; the third group received 10 mg/kg endosulfan pesticide for 2 weeks; and group IV and V received 10 mg/kg endosulfan pesticide for the first 2 weeks and then for 4 weeks 250 and 500 mg/kg/day aqueous extract of frankincense. The endosulfan pesticide and plant extract were administered once per each three days and daily via oral gavage, respectively. At the end of the experiment, the rats were anaesthetized with ether and blood sample was taken from the heart. Following luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone levels were measured. The testis were removed and stored in 10% formalin solution. The tissue samples were fixed and dehydrated with alcohol. Serial sections of 5 µm in thickness were cut using a microtome and stained using the Hematoxilin-Eosin method.

The mean seminiferous tubular diameter, germinal layer, testosterone and FSH significantly increased in group IV compared to the group II (P < 0.05). Besides, the spermatogonias cells and Sertoli and Leydig cells significantly increased in groups III and IV compared to the group II (P < 0.05).

The administration of aqueous extract of Boswellia thurifera probably decreased endosulfan effects; so that, significantly increased the activity of pituitary-testicular axis and improved the testis structure.