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Background & Objectives: Matricaria recutita is one of the most ancient and well- known medicinal plants, and its role in the treatment of a wide range of diseases has been studied . The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Matricaria recutita on spermatogenesis and the pituitary-gonadal axis in male adult rats. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, the animals were divided into two groups: the control group, which received 1 ml of distilled water orally, and the experimental group, which received 100 mg/kg of Matricaria recutita extract via gavage feeding once daily for an 8-week period. After the treatment period, several fertility indices such as the weight of the reproductive organs, sperm count, sperm motility and vitality, and testis histological changes as well as blood serum levels of testosterone, estrogen, FSH, and LH were measured. Results: Our statistical analysis showed a significant increase in the weight of the reproductive organs, sperm count, and blood testosterone in the group which received 100 mg/kg of Matricaria recutita hydroalcholic extract . Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that hydroalcholic extract of Matricaria recutita could increase the function of the hormonal pituitary-testis axis and spermatogenesis in male rats.

Quinazolinones are heterocyclic and water insoluble compounds with various pharmacological and biological characteristics (antibacterial, antiswelling, antifungal, parkinson and etc.). They are used for treatment HIV and cancer. This study investigated the effects of 4(3H) quinazlonones-2-ethyl-2-phenyl ethyl (QEPE) as a new quinazolinons compounds on the spleen and immunocompetent cells of newborn Balb/C mice. Pregnant mice were divided into 3 groups (n=10) of control, sham and experimental, received distilled water, methyl cellulose %0.05 (the solvent) and 100 mg/kg body weight (ip) of QEPE (most effective dose), respectively, on days 8 to 15 of gestation. Examinations indicated an increase in weight of spleen in experimental group. Pathological studies showed increase in capsule thickness and number of macrophage cells of experimental group. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in morphological studies between experimental, sham and control groups. The statistical data on capsule thickness and number of macrophage cells indicated significant differences between groups. Detailed observations showed an increase in the volume of monocyte, neutrophile and eosinophile, in response to QEPE, but the volume of lymphocyte and basophile were similar in experimental, control and sham groups. The damages caused by this dose of QEPE could have been the reason for the increase in the number of immonucompetent and macrophage cells. Some studies showed damages to the organs such as livers and hearts would lead to the increase in the thickness of spleen capsule, consequently, increase in its weight and leading to splenomegaly. So, QEPE can not be an appropriate candidate for drug development. QEPE in lower doses might be an appropriate candidate for increase of immune system resistance.