Ameliorating effects of fennel and cumin extracts on sperm quality and spermatogenic cells apoptosis by inducing weight loss and reducing leptin concentration in diet-induced obese rats

Abstract

This study was established a model of obesity to estimate the impact of fennel and cumin as anti-obesity extracts on body weight, body mass index (BMI), food consumption, leptin concentration, sperm quality and testis architecture to determine the reversibility of reproductive function of obese animals. Male rats were randomly assigned to either a normal or high-fat diet for 8 weeks. Then, we divided 56 adult rats into seven groups: control (CO); obesity (OB); fennel 100 and 200 mg/kg; cumin 50 and 100 mg/kg; and fennel 100 mg/kg plus cumin 50 mg/kg. From weeks 9-16, the animals treated extracts by gavages daily. We analysed leptin concentration, sperm quality and apoptosis of testis along with evaluating changes in body weight. Body weight of animals increased 25% at week 8. However, body weight, BMI, leptin concentration and apoptosis indices of OB rats increased at the end of study. However, the relative sperm parameters decreased. Nevertheless, fennel and cumin treatment improved sperm quality, and spermatogenic cells apoptosis following weight loss. Concomitant with weight loss, leptin concentration and food consumption decreased. In conclusion, fennel and cumin as supplements may ameliorate sperm quality of obese animals following weight loss and reduction in leptin concentration.

Possible ameliorating effects of Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) on the sperm parameters in rats under high fat diet

“…Considering the adverse effects of high-fat diet on male reproductive characteristics (Ghanayem et al 2010;Fernandez et al 2011;La Vignera et al 2012), we conducted this study to elucidate whether an anti-obesity substance, Glycyrrhiza Glabra extract, can boost sperm parameters through affecting the leptin, BMI, and serum lipid profile. Many studies have shown positive effects of herbal medicine in reducing weight and normalizing sperm parameters (Rahimi and Ardekani 2013;Monton et al 2015;Nejatbakhsh et al 2017). We also reported correlation between leptin, BMI, serum lipid profile, and sperm parameters.…”

The Association Between Fennel Extract, Serum Lipid Profile, and Leptin Receptor Expression

“…Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) report, in 2016, nearly 650 million adults were obese and it's projected to rise to 1.12 billion by 2030 [1]. Therefore, the rising prevalence of obesity and its related diseases soon will turn into a great challenge for health systems [2], particularly concerning cardiovascular diseases [3], cancer [4], type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension [5]. Central or abdominal obesity accelerates several major risk factors for our health, including disturbances in plasma glucose, resistance to insulin, cholesterol level, low-density lipoprotein, and apolipoproteins [6].…”

“…It's well proved that herbal medicine has positive effects on some metabolism-related disorders [2], including regulating the appetite and improving hyperlipidemia [15], mainly through influencing the expression of insulin and leptin receptor [16]. One of these herbals is Fennel (Foeniculum vulgar) extract, in which some studies have investigated its effects on metabolic pathways [17].…”

“…Fennel is a plant with strong antioxidant activities [18] that can influence (increase) satiety and (reduce) food intake [19]. Fennel contains phytosterols that are known to reduce cholesterol solubilization that in turn decreases its absorption [2]. Capasso et al showed that fennel could delay gastrointestinal transit and reduce fat and sugar absorption [20].…”

Protective effect of fennel oil on cyclophosphamide inhibited spermatogenesis and induced oxidative stress in albino rats

“…Fennel extracts was found to increase male fertility and is consider as a novel medicine for treatment of infertility (12,13). In view of these considerations, the present work investigated the effect of fennel oil on cyclophosphamide-induced testicular toxicity in albino rats.…”