title: A study on the effects of the hydroalcholic extract of the aerial parts of Alhagi camelorum on prolactin and pituitary-gonadal activity in rats with hypercholesterolemia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although endocrine disorders are not a common cause of infertility, in some cases, testing thyroid function, and hypothalamus - pituitary - gonadal axis can determine the cause of infertility. We aimed to investigate the effect of the aerial parts of Alhagi camelorum extract on prolactin, cortisol and pituitary - gonadal axis activities in rats with hypercholesterolemia.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this study, 35 male wistar rats in 5 groups (n = 7) were assigned as: control group with normal diet, the sham group with fat diet and three experimental groups of hypercholesterolaemic animals which received Alhagi camelorum extract at a minimum dose of 100 mg/kg, average dose of 200 ml/kg and maximum dose of 300 mg/kg over a period of 21 days. At the end of the period, blood samples were collected from all groups and blood factors were then measured and analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the sham group compared to the control, cholesterol levels increased and FSH levels decreased, whereas cholesterol levels reduced in the experimental groups. Alhagi camelorum extract also reduced testosterone level and increased prolactin and gonadotropins.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Alhagi camelorum extract at low and average doses reduced cortisol, testosterone and cholesterol and increased gonadotropins. So it can cause reproductive disorders in male rats. The extract at maximum dose can increase cortisol and prolactin. As these two hormones work together to produce milk, this plant can help to boost breastfeeding.
authors.affiliation: Young Researchers Club, Abadeh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Abadeh. dr.ashtiyani@arakmu.ac.ir.
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zarei
authors.forename: Saeed Changizi
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Ashtiyani
authors.forename: Gholam Hassan
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Vaezi