Effects of Cynomorii Herba Extract Solution on Reproductive Capacities in Mice

쇄양(鎖陽)의 농도별(濃度別) 투약(投藥)이 수컷 생쥐 생식능력(生殖能力)에 미치는 영향(影響)

Purpose : These studies were undertaken to evaluate the effects of the Cynomorii Herba (CH) on the spermatogenic abilities such as the concentration, motility and morphological normality of sperm from the testis, and the activities of sperm hyaluronidase, testicular peroxidase and testicular catalase. Materials and Methods : We used the 2-month-old mice and administered 0.2ml extract solution of CH in the 0.1mg/ml, 1mg/ml, 10mg/ml and 100mg/ml once a day for 60days. The control group was administered the distilled water in the same way. After the administration of extract solution, we examined the number of total, motile and normal sperm from the cauda epididymis, the activities of sperm hyaluronidase, testicular peroxidase and testicular catalase. We observed the histological changes of isolated testis and compared to the testicular tissue especially seminiferous tubules between control and CH groups by histochemical method. Results : The concentration of total sperm and the motility of spermatozoa were significantly increased in the 1mg/ml, 10mg/ml and 100mg/ml CH groups, especially in 10mg/ml group, compared to the control group. The significant differences were observed in the normality of spermatozoa of the CH groups compared to the control group. In the histolocal analysis of the testicular tissues, the enlargement of testicular lobe diameter and apparent vasculogenesis between testicular lobes were observed in the CH groups compared to the control group. Also, the activity of hyaluronidase was significantly increased in the CH groups compared to the control group. In the antioxidant activity analysis, the activities of testicular peroxidase and testicular catalase were significantly increased in the CH groups compared to the control group, respectively. Conclusion : This study shows that CH has the beneficial effect on the concentration, morphology and motility of sperm, the activities of sperm hyaluronidase, testicular peroxidase and testicular catalase. We can suggest that CH extract solution be useful for the treatment of male sexual dysfunctions and infertility.