P-23: The Protective Effect of ZiziphoraTenuior Hydro Alcoholic Extract on Spermatogenesis in Mice

Background: Spermatogenesis is the major factor of male fertility which is pendent on hormones specially testostrone. Testostrone signalling leads to activation of some kinases which are required for progression and maintaining of spermatogenesis. On the other hand, oxidative stress, as the most prevalent factor, influences on fertility. Also, it was shown that chronic oxidative stress in rat testis is irreversible. Ziziphora tenuior extract has anti- oxidant, anti- inflammation and anti- tumorgenic properties. Therefore, in the present study the protective effect of Ziziphora tenuior extract on sperm quality and serum testosterone level were evaluated. Materials and Methods: Thirty NMRI male mice were categorized to five random groups (n=6) including negative and positive controls which received IP injection of distilled water and formaldehyde, as an oxidative stress inducer factor, respectively. The other experimental groups were received IP injection of formaldehyde plus 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg of Ziziphora tenuior hydro-alcoholic extract, respectively. This trial were continued for 35 days. Then sperm evaluation parameters (count, viability and motility) and serum testosterone level were assessed. Results: Ziziphora tenuior extract with dose of 50 and 100 mg/ kg increased testosterone level in comparison with group which had received formaldehyde. Also, sperm count, motility and viability were improved. Although the extract with the dose of 150 mg/kg, caused to more testosterone secretion and better results than negative control group, its effects were lower than the other experimental groups, so this dose may result to some adverse effects. Conclusion: Ziziphora tenuior extract with lower doses can provide protective effects against oxididative stress of testis and results to more testosterone secretion and improved spermatogenesis but with higher dose although it is effective but it is not so safe.