Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Their Effects on the Reproductive Hormones of Male Rats

Abstract

Effect of Ashwagandha (powder, extract and their mixtures) on feed intake, body weight gains, feed efficiency ratio, lipid profile, liver enzymes, kidney functions and fertility hormones in rats were examined. Forty-two adult male rats weighing (115±5 g) were divided into 2 main groups. The first main group fed on basal diet as a (negative control group) consisted of (7) rats, while the second main group consisted of (35) rats divided into five similar subgroups were injected with sodium valproate to induce testicular injury at a dose (500 mg/kg) body weight. The first subgroup was then maintained as positive control (+Ve), the second subgroup was fed on basal diet plus Ashwagandha powder (100 g/kg diet), the third subgroup was fed on basal diet plus Ashwagandha extract (10 mg/kg b.w/rat) orally, the fourth subgroup was fed on basal diet plus L-carnitine (150 mg/kg b.w/rat) orally, the fifth subgroup was fed on basal diet plus Ashwagandha powder and (Ashwagandha extract & L-carnitine/rat orally) for one month. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected from each rat and separate the serum which used for determination of some biochemical analysis. Tests specimens were taken for examination. The results of Ashwagandha powder, extract and combination orally to rats revealed that non-significant differences in body weight gains, feed efficiency ratio, feed intake and decreased serum lipid profile and increased in HDL-c. It also decreased in liver enzymes, kidney functions and fertility hormones serum Testosterone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Lutenizing Hormone in induced rats which feed on combination of Ashwagandha powder, extract and Lcarnitine. So this study recommended using Ashwagandha in improving fertility for patients.