| Abstract: | We investigated the effects of Cistanches herba (CH) on the male reproductive system in mice, assessing CREM gene expression and spermatogenesis. Our results demonstrate
that CH treatment lead to a significant decrease in sperm count dose-dependently, 298.3 ± 48.9 vs. 296.6 ± 102.4 (250 mg/kg),
236.7 ± 75.1 (500 mg/kg), 223.0 ± 48.7 × 106 (1000 mg/kg), respectively. Additionally, serum testosterone levels decreased following CH treatment to as low as ~57% compared
with the vehicle-treated group. CREM gene expression was also down-regulated following CH treatment and histological examination
of the testicular seminiferous tubules showed severe damage on CH treatment. These results suggest that CH induces cytotoxicity
in the male reproductive system, through the inhibition of spermatogenesis, testicular damage, and limited hormonal function. |
