Original Contribution EFFECT OF CORNUS MAS METHANOLIC EXTRACT ON MORPHOLOGICAL AND FUNCTIONAL CHANGES IN TESTES OF WISTAR RATS

Fertility control with medicinal plants has been reported in ancient and modern medical literature. In this research, the effects of methanolic extract of Cornus mas on morphological and functional changes in testes were investigated in male wistar rats. Forty-eight rats divided into 6 groups and methanolic extract of Cornus mas was administered at four doses 400, 200, 100, and 50mg.kg-1 for 21 days. Animals in control placebo group were received normal saline for the same duration. At the end of experimental period, animals were sacrificed and their blood and testes samples were collected for the analysis. Body and testes weights, reproductive hormonal profile, and testicular histoarchitecture were assessed. The results revealed that there was no significant alteration in serum FSH, LH, and testosterone concentration between control and treated groups. However, Cornus mas treatment caused significant changes in histological appearance of the testes. Since all the tubules were not influenced equally, it cannot be concluded that Cornus mas has an antifertility effect, therefore, further studies are warranted for more clarification.