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Effect of lyophilized Azadirachta indica leaf powder on biochemical parameters of testis and epididymis in albino rats
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of lyophilized A. indica leaf extract (125, 250 and 375 mg in suspension of 1 mL Propylene Glycol, respectively / kg body weight) on androgen-dependent biochemical parameters such as cholesterol and glycogen in the testis, total protein, total free sugar, enzymes like acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the testis and epididymis of both control and treated groups. Results indicated no significant difference in their body weight. However, testis and epididymis showed a significant decrease in their weights. The biochemical analysis showed a general decrease in the total protein content and the activity of
ACP and, an increase in the total free sugar, glycogen, cholesterol contents and the activities of ALP and LDH in the dose-dependent treated rats. Since it is known that the accumulation of cholesterol and glycogen in the testis and epididymis are indicators of androgen deprivation. In this study such effects may have resulted from the deficiency in the level of circulating androgen, probably due to androgen deficiency resulting to the anti-androgenic property of the carbohydrate-rich nature of lyophilized A. indica leaf extract.
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Keywords: Lyophilized A. indica leaf extract, Testis, Epididymis, Biochemical parameters, Albino rats.