title: Effects of Anethum graveolens L. on fertility in male rats.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The effects of Anethum graveolens seed extract on fertility of male rats were investigated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups according to the treatment they received during 42 days: control, low dose (0.5 g/kg) and high dose (5 g/kg) of aqueous extracts, and low dose (0.045 g/kg) and high dose (0.45 g/kg) of ethanol extracts of Anethum graveolens seed. Sperm count and motility and testosterone concentration were measured. Sections of the testes, epididymis, and seminal vesicles were stained with peroxidase-conjugated lectins of Ulex europaeus agglutinin, peanut agglutinin, Dolichos biflorus agglutinin, soy bean agglutinin and concanavalin A. The treated male rats were mated with females and the crown-rump lengths and weights of their newborn pups were measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No significant differences in sperm count, sperm motility or testosterone concentration were observed in the experimental groups. However, female rats did not become pregnant after mating with rats given the high dose of the ethanol extract. The distribution of terminal sugars on the epithelial surface of the reproductive structures decreased in the experimental groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Anethum graveolens extract decreased fertility rate by modifying some terminal sugars on the cell surface of male reproductive organs involved in sperm maturation, capacitation and oocyte recognition.
authors: Biology Department, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran. monsefi@susc.ac.ir
authors: Malihezaman
authors: M
authors: Monsefi
authors: Maryam
authors: M
authors: Zahmati
authors: Mojtaba
authors: M
authors: Masoudi
authors: Katayoun
authors: K
authors: Javidnia
mesh_terms: D000116:Acetylgalactosamine / Q000032:analysis; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D028524:Anethum graveolens; D000818:Animals; D004822:Epididymis / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000187:drug effects*; D005643:Fucose / Q000032:analysis; D005690:Galactose / Q000032:analysis; D008098:Litter Size / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008358:Mannose / Q000032:analysis; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012639:Seeds; D012669:Seminal Vesicles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects; D013737:Testis / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts; D005643:Fucose; D013739:Testosterone; D000116:Acetylgalactosamine; D008358:Mannose; D005690:Galactose