Effect of alcoholic extract Citrullus Colocynthis fruits in testes function

Abstract

Effect of ethanolic extract of Citrullus colocynthis (CCT) was investigated on testes function ,testosterone ,LH and FSH hormone in albino mature male rats. Twenty four  (24) rats weighting (220-280) g were grouped in to 4 groupsby (6) animals / day group and treated as follows for (42) days. first group considered control received 2 ml distilled water orally. While the experimental group second group(T1)were received 25  mg/kg B.W. ethanolic extract of CCT,and third group(T2) received50mg/kgB.W.,while fourth group(T3)received 75mg/kg B.W.The result the animals treated with 75 mg of ethanolic extract of CCT affected the testes by decrease of weight and decrease in hormone testosterone ,LH and FSH .also showed histological change completetly absent of spermatogenic cells in certain seminiferous tubules  which  replacement  by large  multiple  vacuoles  and lining by only by Sertoli cells , and  marked thickness of interstitial tissueThe results showed the presence of a significant decrease (P <0.05) in the proportion of the testicular weight to body weight when compared with the control group. while testes histological study showed (T2, T3) thickness Tunica albuginea ,congested blood vessels  with thickness of   basement membrane of seminiferous s tubules  and  vaculation of their spermatogenic cells  layer without  presences  sperms in their lumen. In conclusion the result of this study documented that CCT induced harmful effect on testes functio(50,75 mg/kg B.W.)at 4,6 week of treatment.