Effects of Citrullus Colocynthis pulp on serum testosterone and LH levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Introduction: Diabetes drastically increases the risk of developing reproductive system disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Citrullus Colocynthis pulp on testosterone and LH levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups as follows (n = 8 in each group): 1) normal, 2) pulp, 3) diabetic, and 4) treatment groups. Normal and diabetic groups orally received 2 ml normal saline for 2 weeks, while pulp and treatment groups orally received 30 mg/kg BW Citrullus Colocynthis pulp for 2 weeks. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg BW). Results: The diabetic group showed a significant decrease in blood testosterone (p<0.001) and LH (P<0.01) levels as compared to the normal group. However, treatment group had a significant increase (p<0.01) in testosterone and LH levels as compared to the diabetic group. Conclusion: The data suggested that Citrullus colocynthis pulp administered at 30 mg/kg BW for 2 weeks may have beneficial effects on the damages in reproductive system, serum glucose impairment and loss of weight of testes caused by diabetes in rats through hypothalamus– pituitary–testis axis.