| This study was conducted to evaluate the Salvia officinalis hydroalcoholic extract on
fertility capacity and behavioral features in rats exposed to immobilization stress.
Male rats were randomly divided into five groups; Control; Stressed rats; and Stressed
rats received 50, 100 and/or 200 mg/kg bw S. officinalis hydroalcoholic extract. To
induce stress, rats were immobilized for 49 days and received S. officinalis extract
orally. On day 56, we analyzed behavioral tests and evaluated reproduction capacity
by measuring LH, FSH, and testosterone. Sperm parameters such as motility, viability,
and total count were also determined. Bodyweight changes were also calculated on
day 56. Male rats from different groups were mated with healthy female rats. Data
showed that the use of 100 and 200 mg/kg bw S. officinalis extract in stressed rats
increased bodyweight gain and improved behavioral disorders compared to controlmatched groups (p < .05). Besides, administration of 100 and 200 mg/kg bw S. officinalis extract had the potential to improve sperm parameters and fertility capacity
in stressed rats (p < .05). Decreased testosterone levels were blunted in the stressed
rats that received plant extract coincided with the reduction of LH and FSH compared to control-matched stressed rats (p < .05). We found neutral effects in stressed
rats that received 50 mg/kg bw plant extract. Collectively, the hydroalcoholic extract
of S. officinalis could improve the fertility capacity and behavioral features under
stressful conditions in a dose-dependent manner. |