Introduction: Spermatogenesis is significantly influenced by the thyroid gland. Thyroid disorders can be caused by a variety of factors. Traditionally, Ellettaria cardamomum has been used to treat a variety of ailments. The effects of E. cardamomum extract (ECE) on spermatogenesis in hypothyroid mice were investigated in this study.
Methods: In this study 42 male mice, weighing (25-35 g) were randomly divided in six groups: control group (taking normal saline, 0.5 mL/day, by oral gavage [P.O.]), hypothyroid group (taking 0.1% propylthiouracil in drinking water for 2 weeks), hypothyroid groups treated by levothyroxine (15 mg/kg/day, P.O.) and hypothyroid groups treated by ECE (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day, P.O.). After the end of experiments the mice were anaesthetised and blood samples were collected for hormonal analysis.
Results: The sperm count and microscopic studies of testes were done also. Our results showed that the T3 , T4 , testosterone levels and spermatogenesis in hypothyroid animals decreased and thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone increased compared with control group. Treatment by ECE reverse these effects in comparison with hypothyroid group.
Conclusions: According to our findings, the ECE may stimulates thyroid gland function and increases testosterone and spermatogenesis.
Keywords: Elettaria cardamomum; hypothyroidism; spermatogenesis.
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