The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of capparis spinosa flower buds on sex hormones in adult male rats.

Background and aims: Capparis spinosa is a plant containing phytoestrogens which have moderating influence on hormones and may effect on the pituitary-gonadal axis. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of Capparis spinosa on testosterone, FSH and LH hormones. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult male rats were randomly divided into 5 equal groups control; received distilled water, and other 3 groups received different doses of hydroalcoholic extract of Capparis spinosa flower bud (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), respectively. Rats received the extract during 28 days by gavage. They anesthetized 24 hours after the last gavage using ether, and blood samples were collected from the heart. Then, serum levels of testosterone, FSH and LH hormone were measured using Elisa kit. Results: The results showed a significant reduction in plasma concentration of testosterone hormone in the group treated with a dose of 100 mg/kg compared to control and observed groups (P<0.05). Serum concentrations of FSH and LH hormones showed no change in other experimental groups compared to control and observed groups. Conclusion: Capparis spinosa hydroalcholic extract could be effective on the function of testosterone hormone and in the treatment of pituitary-gonadal axis disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]