The histomorphological of seminiferous tubules and prostat gland of rats (Rattus Norvegicus) and concentration of androgen hormone after given purwoceng extract (Pimpinella alpina Molk.)

Abstract

Indonesia is one of the countries which has many kinds of herbal plants. Pimpinella alpina Molk. well known as purwoceng is one of Indonesian herbal plants which have aphrodisiaca actions may enhance libido in males. Moreover, it has been reported that an increase the levels of LH (lutheinizing hormone) and testosterone in blood serum of male rats given the purwoceng extract. The increase of the LH and testosterone level thought to affect the primary and secondary organs in males and level of androgens hormones (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone or DHT). The objective of these experiment was to determine the spermatogenesis, prostate glands activity and the production of androgen hormone (testosterone and DHT) of rats after given of purwoceng extract and it influence of dose and age. The treatment were given orally for 14 days in three age groups (puberty, adult and old) of male rats by received the dose of 25 mg and 50 mg and 0 mg as control. The results shows an increase of the stage of spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules after all age groups received purwoceng extract with 50 mg dose of purwoceng was the best since it had the highest response. In addition, these experiment shows there has been an increase of the percentage of prostate glands activity producing prostate fluid. The animals who received the 50 mg purwoceng extract showed the highest response at any age. The effect of the purwoceng extract on the concentrations of androgens (testosterone and DHT) was higher and lower in some age group, but has not perfomed significant effects (p> 0.05). In conclusion of these experiment shows the stage of spermatogenesis, prostate glands activity and the production of androgen hormones increases at all ages, while at the age of puberty the DHT hormone production decreases after giving purwaceng extract.