The inhibitory effects on adult male reproductive functions of crude garlic (Allium sativum) feeding.
OBJECTIVE
to investigate the effects of crude garlic on adult male rat reproductive functions.


METHODS
Thirty male rats were divided into five groups: group 1 (untreated) and groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were fed for 30 days with 5%, 10%, 15% and 30% crude garlic, respectively. Testes and accessory organs were weighed and some markers were assessed. Light and electron microscopy observations were also performed.


RESULTS
A significant decrease was observed in the body weight of groups 4 (14%; P < 0.01) and 5 (20%; P < 0.01); of the prostate weight in group 5 (29.1%; P < 0.05) and of seminal vesicle weight in groups 3 (14.4%; P < 0.01), 4 (18.3%; P < 0.01) and 5 (27.3%; P < 0.01). In contrast, testis and epididymis weights were unchanged. In epididymis tissue, the alpha glucosidase activity and the spermatozoa density were unchanged. The treatment resulted in a significant decrease in testosterone serum levels in groups 3 (77.3%; P < 0.01), 4 (77.3%; P < 0.01) and 5 (90.9%; P < 0.01), associated with a significant increase in LH serum levels (P < 0.01). Testicular histology showed a dose-dependent increase in the percentage of empty seminiferous tubules. Moreover, testicular function was affected; a significant decrease in phosphatase acid activity (P < 0.01) and testosterone (P < 0.05) contents were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Crude garlic consumption during 1 month reduced testosterone secretion and altered spermatogenesis at 10%, 15% and 30% doses.
Hammami
Imen
I
Research Unity 01/UR/08-07, Faculty of Medicine, Tunis, Tunisia.
Nahdi
Afef
A
Mauduit
Claire
C
Benahmed
Mohamed
M
Amri
Mohamed
M
Ben Amar
Awatef
A
Zekri
Semy
S
El May
Ahmed
A
El May
Michele Veronique
MV
D000818:Animals; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004822:Epididymis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D005737:Garlic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011467:Prostate / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D012669:Seminal Vesicles / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D013076:Sperm Count; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D013737:Testis / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D028321:Plant Preparations; D013739:Testosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone