Effect of Achillea millefolium L.extract on spermatogenesis and H-G axis in adult Balb/C mice

Background: By the respect of some difficulties that were produced by high population we must have some information about methods that can control population. Materials and methods: In this investigation the effects of Achillea millefolium L.extract on spermatogenesis in adult Balb/ C mice were studied. The alcoholic (ethanolic) exract of flowers was prepared. The lethal (LD50) and sublethal dose was determined 1.7 g/kg/bw and 1.2g/kg/bw respectively and it was injected to the 28-32 g mice for 5 days. Inspite of experimental group we used intact and sham (received only vehicle) groups. The mice were sacrificed under light ether anesthesia two weeks after the last dose. Blood samples were taken. The testes and epididymis wer excised, weighed and fixed in Bouin s fixative. The tissues were prepared for histological experiments. Results: In this investigation no difference significant in body weight or in testis weight, volume and diameter was seen. Microscopic studies of testis showed a significant reduction in primary spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa but no changes in seminiferous tubules diameter, Sertoli and Leydig cells were seen (P< 0.05). Histological examination of seminiferous tubules revealed a general dearrangement and severe reducation in the number of germinal cells. Apoptosis was seen in seminiferous tubules. Many immature spermatids were visualized in the lumem of the ductus epididymides of treated animals. This was accompained by a concomitant reduction in the levels of the LH and testosterone. Conclusion: The results of this work suggest that the extract of this plant may have a temporary antifertile activity in adult male animals.