Honey increases sperm count in male albino rats by enhancing testosterone production.

Abstract

We investigated the effects of different doses of honey (H) and testosterone (T) on sperm count and reproductive hormones in male albino rats. Thirty-five male albino rats were randomly divided in a blinded fashion into 7 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 (control) was given 0.2 ml of distilled water. Groups 2, 3 and 4 were given 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of H orally respectively. Groups 5, 6 and 7 were given 2.5 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg and 7.5 mg/kg of T intraperitoneally respectively. All doses of H significantly (P<0.05) increased sperm count in rats, while all the doses of T significantly reduced sperm count in rats. Plasma T was increased and FSH was reduced (P<0.001) by all the three doses of H. On the contrary, LH was significantly reduced (P<0.05) by 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of H but not by 400 mg/kg of H. All the three doses of T reduced the plasma T and LH in rats. Lastly, 5 mg/kg and 7.5 mg/kg but not 2.5 mg/kg of T reduced FSH in rats. The results suggest that honey enhanced sperm count in rat by increasing testosterone production.

Keywords: Gonadotropins, Honey, Sperm count, Testosterone.