Ameliorating effects of fennel and cumin extracts on sperm quality and spermatogenic cells apoptosis by inducing weight loss and reducing leptin concentration in diet-induced obese rats.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether fennel, alone or combined with cumin, could reverse obesity-related reproductive dysfunction and improve sperm quality in obese male rats.
Results Summary
Fennel treatment (100 and 200 mg/kg) improved sperm quality and reduced testicular apoptosis in obese rats, alongside weight loss and decreased leptin levels. The effects were dose-dependent and comparable to cumin.
Population
Obese male rats (high-fat diet-induced obesity model)
Effective Dosage
100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg daily
Duration
8 weeks (intervention period, weeks 9-16)
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
high-fat diet | increase | body weight | Male rats | 25% | increased | #1 |
high-fat diet | increase | body weight | OB rats | - | increased | #2 |
high-fat diet | increase | body mass index (BMI) | OB rats | - | increased | #3 |
high-fat diet | increase | leptin concentration | OB rats | - | increased | #4 |
high-fat diet | increase | apoptosis indices | OB rats | - | increased | #5 |
high-fat diet | decrease | sperm parameters | OB rats | - | decreased | #6 |
fennel and cumin treatment | increase | sperm quality | obese animals | - | improved | #7 |
fennel and cumin treatment | decrease | spermatogenic cells apoptosis | obese animals | - | improved | #8 |
fennel and cumin treatment | decrease | leptin concentration | obese animals | - | decreased | #9 |
fennel and cumin treatment | decrease | food consumption | obese animals | - | decreased | #10 |
fennel and cumin as supplements | increase | sperm quality | obese animals | - | may ameliorate | #11 |
This study was established a model of obesity to estimate the impact of fennel and cumin as anti-obesity extracts on body weight, body mass index (BMI), food consumption, leptin concentration, sperm quality and testis architecture to determine the reversibility of reproductive function of obese animals. Male rats were randomly assigned to either a normal or high-fat diet for 8 weeks. Then, we divided 56 adult rats into seven groups: control (CO); obesity (OB); fennel 100 and 200 mg/kg; cumin 50 and 100 mg/kg; and fennel 100 mg/kg plus cumin 50 mg/kg. From weeks 9-16, the animals treated extracts by gavages daily. We analysed leptin concentration, sperm quality and apoptosis of testis along with evaluating changes in body weight. Body weight of animals increased 25% at week 8. However, body weight, BMI, leptin concentration and apoptosis indices of OB rats increased at the end of study. However, the relative sperm parameters decreased. Nevertheless, fennel and cumin treatment improved sperm quality, and spermatogenic cells apoptosis following weight loss. Concomitant with weight loss, leptin concentration and food consumption decreased. In conclusion, fennel and cumin as supplements may ameliorate sperm quality of obese animals following weight loss and reduction in leptin concentration.