Reproductive effects of lipid soluble components of Syzygium aromaticum flower bud in male mice.
BACKGROUND
The flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) have been used in indigenous medicines for the treatment of male sexual disorders in Indian subcontinent.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of Syzygium aromaticum flower bud on male reproduction, using Parkes (P) strain mice as animal model.


METHODS
Mice were orally administered lipid soluble components of Syzygium aromaticum flower bud in doses of 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg body weight for 35 days, and several male reproductive endpoints were evaluated.


RESULTS
Treatment with lower dose (15 mg) of Syzygium increased the motility of sperm and stimulated the secretory activities of epididymis and seminal vesicle, while higher doses (30 and 60 mg) had adverse effects on sperm dynamics of cauda epididymidis and on the secretory activities of epididymis and seminal vesicle. Libido was not affected in treated males; however, a significant decrease in litter in females sired by males treated with higher doses of Syzygium was recorded.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment with Syzygium aromaticum flower bud causes dose-dependent biphasic effect on male reproductive indices in P mice; lower dose of Syzygium appears stimulatory, while the higher doses have adverse effect on male reproduction. The results suggest that the lower dose of Syzygium may have androgenic effect, but further studies are needed to support this contention.
Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India ; Department of Zoology, Smt Chandibai Himathmal Mansukhani College, Ulhasnagar, Thane, Maharashtra, India.
Raghav Kumar
RK
Mishra
Shio Kumar
SK
Singh
Biphasic effect; Syzygium aromaticum; epididymis; fertility; seminal vesicle