Decrease in the number of sperm associated with decreased blood testosterone levels in male rats treated with extracts from seven plants consumed by natives of northern Thailand

• Main Authors: Wanichacheewa S., Singtripop T., Sassa S., Sakamoto S., Mori T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Online Access: http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-0034994297&partnerID=40&md5=3b2e5c1c4260ff5c5219f79d00253752; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11382551; http://cmuir.cmu.ac.th/handle/6653943832/4938
• Institution: Chiang Mai University

Natives of northern Thailand believe that certain plants preserved in alcohol provide sexual elevation although there is no scientific proof. To ascertain whether those plants have any biological effects on reproductive activity, we administered the extracts from seven kinds of plants to male rats. Treatments with these extracts resulted in a decrease in the number of sperm associated with decreased serum testosterone levels and an elevation of serum prolactin levels. The circulating levels of follicle stimulating hormone were only slightly affected by all extracts, although some extracts significantly decreased the luteinizing hormone levels. Thus, the extracts may contain a biologically active substance such as phytoestrogen and lead to a hormonal imbalance. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V.