Title
Effect of alcoholic extract of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on testicular function in male rats
Date Issued
01 December 2003
Access level
metadata only access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the effect of the alcoholic extract of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on the spermatogenesis in male rats. Methods: In Holtzman rats, Maca alcoholic extract (5%) was given by oral route at doses of 48 mg/day or 96 mg/day for 7 days, 14 days and 21 days. Testicular function was assessed by measurements of lengths of different stages of seminiferous epithelia and by epididymal sperm count. Results: Ethanolic extract of Maca increased the length of stages IX-XI of seminiferous epithelium at treatment day 7, day 14 and day 21. Progression of spermatogenesis was evident only after day 21 when lengths of stages XII-XIV of seminiferous epithelium were increased; at day 7 and day 14, no important change in spermatogenesis was observed. Epididymal sperm count was increased with 48 mg/day at all times. With 96 mg/day an increase in sperm count was observed at day 7, but it was reduced at day 14 and day 21 of treatment. Serum testosterone levels were not affected. Conclusion: The alcoholic extract of Maca activates onset ant progression of spermatogenesis at 48 mg/day or 96 mg/day in rats.
Start page
349
End page
352
Volume
5
Issue
4
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Medicina integral, Medicina complementaria
Biología reproductiva
Subjects
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-0346656584
PubMed ID
Source
Asian Journal of Andrology
ISSN of the container
1008682X
Sources of information:
Directorio de Producción Científica
Scopus