Effect of Summer Savory (Satureja Hortensis L.) on the Concentration of Gonadotropins and Testosterone in Male Rats Exposed to Chronic Immobilization Stress

Background: Summer savorySatureja hortensis L. is from Lamiaceae family and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic properties. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Summer Savory leaves on the level of LH, FSH and testosterone in male rats exposed to chronic immobilization stress. Material and Methods: This study was conducted experimentally. 48 adult male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups including: Control, Stress, Savory 200, Savory 400, Stress-Savory 200, and Stress-Savory 400. Groups 2, 5, and 6 were placed into restrainer for 6hours per day during 21 consecutive days and groups 3, 4, 5, and 6 were gavaged by hydro-alcoholic extract of Summer Savory with different doses of 200,400mg/kg during 21consecutive days. The level of LH, FSH and testosterone were measured by the end of period. Results: Chronic Immobilization caused significant decrease in serum concentrations of LH (p<0.01), FSH (p<0.01), and testosterone (p<0.001) in stress group compared with the control group and taking both doses of plant extracts inhibited the above effect. Conclusion: It is concluded that the Satureja hortensis extract may stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and prevents stress-induced reproductive damages.