Background and Objectives: Lead exposure exerts extremely damaging effects over reproduction system. Elettaria cardamomum has several medicinal properties. This study was aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Elettaria cardamomum L. (dried fruit) hydroalcoholic extract on serum levels of gonadotropins and testosterone among lead acetate-induced adult male wistar rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 36 adult male wistar rats (220-250 gr) were randomly allocated equally into 6 groups. Animals in control group received 0.5 ml normal saline, while the other groups were; extract group 400 mg/kg, the group receiving lead acetate 500ppm in drinking water and experimental group receiving orally lead acetate 500ppm + extract group 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg. The duration of the test was 28 days. Treatment with the extract lasted for a week. In the end of examination, after anaesthetizing, blood samples were collected directly from heart and serum levels of testosterone, FSH and LH hormones were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and one-way ANOVA P-values lower than 0.05 were considered to be significant.
Results: The mean serum level of testosterone in experimental groups receiving lead acetate 500ppm + Elettaria cardamomum L. hydroalcoholic extract was significantly increased in all three doses and the mean serum levels of LH and FSH was significantly decreased in comparison to the group receiving lead acetate. The effectiveness was markedly dose-dependent.
Conclusion: The present study showed that Elettaria cardamomum L. hydroalcoholic extract have significant effects on the serum levels of testosterone and gonadotropins. However, more precise studies are needed to investigate the involved mechanisms.
