The comparison of dill seed and leaf aqueous extracts (Anethum graveolens L.) on histomorphometrical changes of rat uterus and ovaries

Our previous research confirmed the effects of dill seed aqueous extract on sex hormones therefore at the present study, histological changes of uterus and ovaries are compared in rats treated with dill seed and leaf aqueous extracts that use widely as food. 21 female Wistar rats were divided into three groups of control, dill seed and leaf aqueous extracts treated groups (n=7). Experimental groups were received 1ml of 0.5g/kg of extract for 25 days. At the end of experiment, blood sample were taken from dorsal aorta and estrogen, progesterone, LH and FSH concentrations were measured. Uterus and ovaries were removed and their tissue sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Histomorphometrical changes in uterus and ovary were measured by ocular micrometer. Progesterone level, uterine epithelium, the total diameter and uterine glands lumen, the number of uterine glands and myometrial thickness increased only in rats treated with dill seed aqueous extract compared to the control group. Corpus luteum granulosa cells diameters and their nuclear diameter increased significantly in both experimental groups compared to the control group. Granulosa cells elongation represented their higher production of steroid hormones. Vice versa to the dill leaf aqueous extract, dill seed aqueous extract caused uterine growth. Therefore, dill seed affected reproductive system of female rats but dill leaf had less effects.