P-109: Effect of Chaste Tree Essential Oil on Sperm In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Index in Mice

Background: Chaste tree is a phytoestrogenic herb and has a long tradition as a herbal remedy and was used in ancient times as an aphrodisiac. This study was conducted to evaluate in vitro fertilization ability and cleavage rate of sperm in chaste tree essential oil treated male mice. Materials and Methods: In this study, 10 adult male mice were divided in to two groups: group 1 as control and group 2 which received 75 mg/kg essential oil via gastric gavage for seven consecutive days. Animals were housted at a controlled condition in accordance with humane care and animal welfare. After this time, animals sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The epididymes dissected out and spermatozoa expressed out by cutting the distal end of the cauda epididymidal tubule. For in vitro fertilization (IVF), superovulation induced by hMG and hCG (10 IU) in normal female and oocytes recovered from ampulla. Results: Results revelved that fertilization ability and IVF index decreased significantly in treated males (p<0.05). However pronucleus formation was not different between groups but results showed that cleavage rate has a reduction in the sperm of mices received chaste tree essential oil. Conclusion: It can be concluded that chaste tree essential oil can reduce fertilization capacity of sperm.