The Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Terfezia Boudieri on Sperm Parameters and Testosterone Levels in Rats

Terfezia Boudieri (TB) has been used as a sexual stimulant for men in traditional medicine. TB containing fatty acid, flavonoids, beta-carotene, minerals and antioxidants such as, catechin, therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Terfezia Boudieri on sperm and testosterone levels in male rats.
In this study, 21 adult male Wistar rats, each weighing approximately 250±20g, were randomly divided into three groups (n=7). The first group (control) with no treatment, the second group (sham group) received normal saline (extract solvent) and the third group, was injected intraperitoneally (IP) with 105 mg / kg of methanolic extract of Terfezia boudieri (TBME) (0.2 ml) for 21 days. The blood samples were collected to determine the concentration of testosterone and finally, the weight and size of the testicles and epididymis, the number and the percentage of sperm moving were evaluated Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Turkey's post- hoc tests.
The results of the present study showed that serum levels of testosterone, body weight of rat, testis weight , sperm count and sperm motility in the experimental group were significantly increased compared with the control group (p The results of this study showed that TB at 105 mg/kg dosage can increase the levels of testosterone and improve sperm parameters and therefore, TB can be used to treat sexual impotence and infertility in males.