The histomorphometrical effects of Alfalfa on rat seminal vesicle

Phytoestrogenic plants have different effects on the reproductive system. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is a phytoestrogenic herb which is used in human and animal nutrition. There are many reports about widely effects of alfalfaon reproductive system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the alfalfa effects on histomorphometrical of the rat seminal vesicle. For this purpose, 30 adult male Wistar rats were divided into control and treatment groups and each group were divided into three subgroups (5 rats in each). Control rats were fed only by 140 g concentrate (plate). The treatment groups were fed by 80 g of concentrate (plate) and 300 g alfalfa. In the end of each period (30, 45 and 60 days), the seminal vesicles were removed and examined macroscopically. ­­After that, 5-6 µm sections were made using paraffin embedding method. The sections were stained by H&E and PAS. Seminal vesicle weight in the treatment group 1 and 2 were decreased significantly (P