The effect of Saffron extract on testis tissue

It is desirable to use of point out to herbal components to avoid undesirable effects of chemical drugs. Saffron is used widespread as food colorant, flavor and reputes in folk medicine as a drug. Recent studies have revealed that components of saffron may have a number of physiological effects on different organs of body. The aim of the present study was to clarify the efficacy of saffron on the histological properties of testis in mice. Four groups, including eight adult male Balb/C mice weighing 30 5g were used in this study. Saffron extract in doses of 25, 50 and 100 were injected intraperitoneally for 20 days to the experimental groups. Control group received normal saline as placebo. Histological properties as seminiferous tubules scattering, testis weight and the number of primary spermatocytes, were compared with the placebo controlled group. The number of primary spermatocytes increased significantly compared to with placebo but no significant differences were observed in histological properties and testis weight between experimental groups and placebo controlled group. The results of this study indicate that saffron extract can modify the reproduction activities in male mice.