The effect of aqueous extract of Salep Tubers on the structure of testis and sexual hormones in male mice

Salep tubers have been used in traditional medicine as a drug for improving sexual function and vigor. We did not find sufficient scientific evidence to support it. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of Salep tuber extract on the structure of testis and sexual hormones in adult male mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, we used 18 adult male mice (mean age of 4 weeks) and randomly divided them into three groups: the control group did not receive anything, the placebo group received only 200 μl deionized water, and the experimental group received 40 mg salep extract/200μl deionized water intraperitoneally for 7 days. Two weeks after the last injection, we took blood sample for biochemical analysis of LH, FSH and Testosterone and removed the testis of animals for histopathological study. Results: The results showed a significant increase in LH (ng/ml) in the experimental group (0.6 ± 0.09) compared to the placebo (0.39 ± 0.006) and control (0.38 ± 0.007) groups (p<0.05). Also, the level of testosterone hormone (ng/ml) showed a significant difference in the experimental group (0.38 ± 0.52) compared to placebo (0.37 ± 0.03) and control (0.36 ± 0.02) groups (P<0.05). The number of germinal and leydig cells revealed a significant difference in the experimental group compared to the placebo and control groups (P<0.01). Amongst the other parameters, no significant differences were observed in all groups. Conclusion: Injection of salep tuber extract could significantly be effective on spermatogenesis and concentration of LH and testosterone hormones.