Changes in the Spermatogenesis and Histology of Testis in Rat Treated with Matricaria recutita

The present study investigates the anti-spermatogenic potential of ethanolic extract of Matricaria recutita a plant belonging to Asteraceae family. The effects of an ethanolic extract of the Matricaria recutita on spermatogenesis, histology of testis and level of testosterone were examined in control and experimental groups. Results showed that Matricaria recutita extract did not cause any changes in body weight, but significantly decreased the testis weight (p<0.05). The sperm motility and the epididymal sperm counts and serum testosterone levels of rats treated for 56 days were significantly reduced (p<0.05). There were various degrees of damage to the seminiferous tubules including; disorganized germinal epithelium, degenerated and necrotic cells and reduction in the diameter of seminiferous tubules. It can be concluded that that alcoholic extract of Matricaria recutita has antispermatogenic properties in adult male rats through its compounds and it may be useful to regulate spermatogenesis and male fertility.