Open AccessThe inhibitory effects on adult male reproductive functions of crude garlic ( Allium sativum ) feeding
Author(s) -
Hammami Imen,
Nahdi Afef,
Mauduit Claire,
Benahmed Mohamed,
Amri Mohamed,
Amar Awatef Ben,
Zekri Semy,
May Ahmed El,
May Michele Veronique El
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
asian journal of andrology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.701
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1745-7262
pISSN - 1008-682X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-7262.2008.00358.x
Subject(s) - epididymis , allium sativum , testosterone (patch) , endocrinology , biology , medicine , spermatogenesis , seminal vesicle , reproduction , acid phosphatase , histology , prostate , sperm , andrology , botany , biochemistry , enzyme , ecology , cancer
Aim: 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. Conclusion: Crude garlic consumption during 1 month reduced testosterone secretion and altered spermatogenesis at 10%, 15% and 30% doses.