title: Effect of green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) extract on morphological and functional changes in adult male gonads of albino rats.
abstract: Green tea, prepared from the steamed and dried leaves of the shrub Camellia sinensis, is known for its antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic effects. However, its effects on male gonadal functions have not been explored adequately and the present investigation has been undertaken to evaluate the effect of green tea extract on gonads of adult male albino rats. Results of in vivo studies showed that green tea extract (GTE) at mild (1.25 g%, identical to 5 cups of tea/day), moderate (2.5 g%, identical to 10 cups of tea/day) and high (5.0 g%, identical to 20 cups of tea/day) doses, for a period of 26 days, altered morphology and histology of testis and accessory sex organs. A significant dose-dependent decrease in the sperm counts, inhibited activities of testicular delta(5)3beta-and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (delta5-3beta3-HSD and 17beta3-HSD respectively) and decreased serum testosterone level were noticed. Significant increase in serum LH level was observed after moderate and high doses; serum FSH level also increased but not significantly. Histopathological examination showed inhibition of spermatogenesis evidenced by preferential loss of matured and elongated spermatids. Results of this study showed that GTE at relatively high dose may cause impairment of both the morphological and normal functional status of testis in rodents and thus its consumption at relatively high doses raises concern on male reproductive function in spite of its other beneficial effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, University College of Science and Technology, University of Calcutta, 92, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata 700 009, West Bengal, India. amark_chandra@yahoo.co.in
authors.forename: Amar K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Chandra
authors.forename: Shyamosree Roy
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Choudhury
authors.forename: Neela
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: De
authors.forename: Mahitosh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sarkar
mesh_terms: D015067:17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000378:metabolism; D015096:3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D028241:Camellia sinensis / Q000737:chemistry*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013076:Sperm Count; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000187:drug effects; D013662:Tea / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts; D013662:Tea; D013739:Testosterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D015067:17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; D015096:3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; C031954:delta(5)-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase