Progen” Herbo-Mineral Formulation Modulates Spermatogenesis in Experimentally Induced Infertile Rats

Abstract

The present study was designed to evaluate the fertility potential of Ayurvedic proprietary medicine ‘progen’—a herbo-mineral formulation—in experimental rats. A total of 24 male wistar rats were rendered infertile by administration of tetracycline (22.5 mg/kg p.o) and restraining stress (2 h a day) for 7 weeks. At the end of 7th week, six animals were sacrificed. Blood serum was analysed for triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (T-CHO), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone. Epididymal semen was examined for sperm count, %motility and %viability. Testes were dissected out and anti-oxidant as well as histopathological studies were performed. The results obtained showed chronic abnormalities in sperm parameters, serum hormonal level, antioxidant profile, and histopathology in untreated infertile rats when compared with normal control rats which confirmed successful induction of infertility. Infertile rats were further divided into three groups (six rats in each) and treated with progen 45 mg/kg and 90 mg/kg as well as Clomifene Citrate 2.5 mg/kg for 4 weeks in continuation with tetracycline and restraining stress. At the end of 11th week, all the animals were sacrificed and analysed for various parameters mentioned above. Treatment with progen at the dose of 45 mg/kg and 90 mg/kg showed significant (p<0.0001) dose-dependent improvement in sperm parameters, serum hormonal level, anti-oxidant profile as well as significant (p<0.0001) decrease in elevated fasting blood glucose level (BGL) and TG level when compared with untreated infertile control rats. Histopathological studies showed normal architecture of testis. It was concluded that progen—herbo-mineral formulation—exhibits significant potential to revert chronic male infertility which can be attributed to the various phytochemical constituents present in it. However, further study is required to establish its exact mechanism of action and responsible phytoconstituents.

Keywords: “Progen” formulation, tetracycline, restraining stress, male infertility