423. Effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack on spermatogenesis and sperm counts of male rats treated with oestradiol

Abstract

Eurycoma longifolia has been known for its aphrodisiac effects in male. Our previous study showed that with the dosage of 8 mg/kg bodyweight (BW) Eurycoma longifolia root extract increased plasma total testosterone levels in male rats when given for 14 days. Oestrogen is a potent inhibitor for testosterone production and spermatogenesis. The aim of the present study is to determine the effects of Eurycoma longifolia (8 mg/kg BW) on the spermatogenic cell count and sperm count of testosterone-suppressed male rats. Adult male Sprague-Dawley healthy male rats weighed 200–250 g were treated with, either control vehicle (no active ingredients given), oestradiol (500 mg/kg BW), Eurycoma longifolia (8 mg/kg BW) or combination of Eurycoma longifolia and oestradiol for fourteen consecutive days. Results showed that sperm count and spermatogenic cell count were increased in Eurycoma longifolia treated group compared with control group (P < 0.05) and to oestradiol treated group (P < 0.05). While in oestradiol treated group, sperm count and spermatogenic cell count were reduced significantly (P < 0.05) compared with control group. Combination of Eurycoma longifolia and oestradiol did not affect sperm count and spermatogenic cell count when compared with control group but they were significantly increased compared with oestradiol treated group (P < 0.05). Thus, the study has shown that Eurycoma longifolia is potentially capable to suppress harmful effects of oestradiol on spermatogenesis and sperm counts in healthy male rats when given for fourteen consecutive days.