The impact of beetle cocoon (Larinus maculates F.) extract on the functional and biochemical parameters of testes and epididymides of mice

Abstract

The current study was conducted to reveal the effect of administration beetle cocoon extract BCext. (which is commonly used to treat certain diseases in traditional medicine) on the functional and biochemical of some organs of male reproductive system in mice. Adult male mice were divided into 3 groups (10 mice each) as follows: G1: animals were gavaged with 0.1 ml of tap water for 4 weeks.G2: animals were gavaged with 0.1 ml "200mg. k^-1 b.w. " of BCext. for 4 weeks. G3: animals were gavaged with 0.1 ml "400 mg. k ^-1b.w^. "of BCext. for 4 weeks.

Dosage with BCext. resulted in a significant (P≤0.001, P≤0.05) decrease in the mean weight of testes and caudal epi., sperm parameters , serum T hormone, FSH, and LH levels, CAT activity, while, the concentration of MDA was increased significantly (P≤0.05) in treated mice compared to control. Also, a significant (P≤0.001) reduction was observed in testicular and caudal epi.total protein concentration in G2 and G3. These results reflect the systemic toxic effect of beetle cocoon extraction on the male reproductive system.