Antifertility activity of ethanolic seed extract of celery (Apium graveolens L.) in male albino rats

摘要: Objectives This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of ethanolic seed extract of Apium graveolens L.(Apiaceae)(ESEAG) on male rat fertility. Methods Two doses of the extract (425 and 213 mg/kg body weight) were administered by oral gavage for sixty consecutive days. Five days before the end of this period, each rat was cohabited with two female rats. Fertility indices, hematology, and organ weight and histology were then assessed. Results The ESEAG arrested spermatogenesis and caused a marked, dose-dependent decrease in sperm count, cauda epididymal sperm motility, blood testosterone concentration, weight of testes and seminal vesicles, testicular protein contentas well as diameter and viability of seminiferous tubules. In addition, a lower number and weight of viable fetuses was obtained for female rats which were impregnated by ESEAG-treated male rats. Hematological parameters, serum liver …