SVU-International Journal of Veterinary Sciences (Feb 2021)
Impact of Aloe Vera gel aqueous extract-supplemented yogurt on reproductive performance of male rats
Abstract
Anciently, Aloe Vera (AV) is used as a medicinal plant for the treatment of various health problems. Recently, AV is considered as a functional raw material in the food technology of dairy products. The current study aims to investigate the effect of AV gel aqueous extract and/or yogurt consumption on male reproductive performance represented by gonadosomatic index (GSI), sperm quality, serum testosterone levels and testicular histology. The plain yogurt was prepared using fresh cow's milk and starter cultures. Aloe vera yogurt was prepared to contain AV (10 or 20 %). Twelve groups of rats orally fed with distilled water or AV gel aqueous extract and/or yogurt for 7 and 14 days separately. After 7 days of feeding, GSI percent has been decreased after feeding AV gel aqueous extract and recovered after 14 days. However, after 7 days, sperm concentration has been increased in rats received AV gel aqueous extract 10% and declined significantly after administration of AV gel aqueous extract and yogurt mixture but this decline has been recovered after 14 days. Rats received yogurt alone showed significant decrease of sperm motility percent as well as disturbance of sperm morphology represented by high abnormal sperm percent. On the other side, level of testosterone is declined significantly in all 7 days-treated groups and recovered after 14 days except in rats received AV gel aqueous extract 20% and yogurt mixture. Further, histological examination of the testes showed deleterious changes in normal testicular architecture after 7 days administration in rats received AV gel aqueous extract 10 and 20% as well as rats treated with AV gel aqueous extract 10% for 14 days however, rats treated with AV gel aqueous extract 20% showed partial recovery after 14 days. On contrary, mixture AV gel aqueous extract 10 or 20% with yogurt disclosed recovery of deteriorated testicular tissue after 7 and 14 days. Therefore, it can be concluded that the AV gel aqueous extract and/or yogurt has dose- and time dependent effect on male reproductive performance.
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