Effect of Anise (Pimpinella Anisum L.) as Phytoestrogen on Some Sex Hormones and Biochemical Parameters.

Background: Phytoestrogen is a plant derived compound which have estrogenic effect similar to estrogen. Aim of work: The present study was carried out to investigate some pharmacological and biochemical effects of anise oil on male albino rats. Materials and methods: twelve animals were divided randomly into two groups. Group A: Control. Group B: treated rats. The treated rats were given an oral dose of 1 ml/kg body weight/day anise oil once daily for one month. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Results: The anise oil induced highly significant decrease (p<0.01) in TC, TG, LDL, VLDL, LDL/HDL. In addition, significant increase (p<0.05) in HDL and highly significantly decreased in FSH, LH, testosterone and sperm count compared to normal control group. Conclusion: This study showed that high levels of anise intake cause hormonal disturbance and decrease sperm count. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]