Evaluation of the effects of Salvia hypoleuca on the cAMP-responsive element modulator (CREM) gene expression and spermatogenesis in rat

Objective: Salvia species which are medicinal herbs have been used to improve male reproductive functions in traditional medicine. They also, have been used to treat several diseases. In this present study, effects of Salvia hypoleuca on male rat reproductive function were investigated by sperm analysis and assessment of CREM expression at mRNA and protein levels. Materials and methods: Two hundred and fifty mg/kg/day of S. hypoleuca as treatment was given to 10-week old male wistar rats for 56 consecutive days. Sperm analysis, RT-PCR and western blot were carried out to investigate rat reproductive function. Results: Results indicated significant increase in the weights of testis, epididymal sperm counts, and sperm motility compared to control group. RT-PCR and western blot showed an increase in the expression of both CREM mRNA and protein levels. Conclusion: The findings in this study showed S. hypoleuca induced spermatogenesis by CREM activation in testis and improved male fertility.