Effects of Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) Diet on Rat Reproduction and Sex Ratio of Offsprings

Apple (Malus domestica Borkh. from Rosaceae family), a rich source of phytoestrogenes has not been thoroughly tested for its reproductive effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of apple diet on rat's reproduction. Nine groups of NMRI rats (n= 10 females + 2 males) with different apple diets (free- apple diet and apple diet in every other day and every tow days intervals) were studied for pregnancy outcome (number of offsprings and sex ratio). Statistical analysis was done by one way ANOVA. Sex ratio of offsprings in none of the groups changed, but the total number of offsprings in the group that had apple diet every other day, showed a significant increase in comparison to the control group (p <0.05). The obtained results show that parents, every other day apple diet causes significant increase in the total number of offsprings without any change on sex ratio.