P-38: Effect of Saffron on Spermatogenesis Index in Stress Induced Rats

Background: Saffron is widely used as a food flavor and has well known medicinal effects which have an effect on steroid and sexual hormones. The aim of present study was investigation of saffron orally administration on spermatogenesis index in stress induced rats. Materials and Methods: In present study, 160 male adult rats divided to four groups with 10 rats per each cage and with four replicate for each group. Solvent of saffron was prepared by soaking 1 g of saffron in 40 ml of distilled water. The groups followed of: 1. control group (Normal saline 10 ml/kg, orally), 2. saffron (50 mg/kg, orally), 3. saffron (100 mg/kg, orally), 4. saffron (200 mg/kg, orally) and 5. saffron (200mg/kg orally with excessive noise stress). In point of spermatogenesis indexes which includes tubular differentiation index (TDI), spermatogenesis index (SI), repopulation index (RI) were studied. Results: The results showed rats that received 200 mg/kg dosage of saffron without stress significantly decresed (p<0.05) RI, SI and TDI indexes compared to control group. In rats treated by 200mg/kg saffron with excessive noise stress RI, SI and TDI significantly decreased (p<0.05) Compared to rats received 200 mg/kg saffron without noise stress. Conclusion: Our results showed RI, SI and TDI were significantly changed after saffron orally administration. These results can cause by reducing of serum testosterone concentration. It suggested the effect of saffron on spermatogenesis index at strees condition in human can be more investigation.