The seahorse (Hippocampus comes L.) extract ameliorates sperm qualities, testosterone level, and serum biochemistry in rats induced by depo medroxyprogesterone acetate

Abstract

Objective: The percentage of infertility cases in this world is about 50%. Seahorses ( Hippocampus spp.) are widely used in traditional medicine. Several studies suggest that seahorses have ethnopharmacological characteristics, such as fertility, antioxidants, and antifatigue. The purpose of this study was to determine whether seahorse extract (SE) ( Hippocampus comes L.) has an effect on fertility and serum biochemistry in rats induced by depo medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). Materials and Methods: All animals were induced with 1.25 mg/kg BW of DMPA. Animals were grouped into five groups: namely aquadest, 1% CMC, and SE doses of 150, 225, and 300 mg/kg BW. The rats were gavage every morning from week 7 until 18. At the end of our study, semen from the vas deferens and blood from the heart were analyzed. We analyzed with a one-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni’s post hoc tests (α 95%). Results: The concentration of spermatozoa had a significant difference in dose of 150 mg/kg BW compared to other groups ( p = 0.04). In contrast, the motility ( p = 0.012) and viability of spermatozoa ( p = 0.007) were highly significant differences ( p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) at 300 mg/kg BW. Testosterone levels were not significantly ( p = 0.162; p > 0.05), but tended to increase at 300 mg/kg BW (11.01%). Nevertheless, serum biochemistry was insignificant ( p > 0.05) in all groups. Conclusion: SE ( Hippocampus comes L.) ameliorates fertility and serum biochemistry in rats induced by DMPA.

Effect of Seahorse (Hippocampus comes L.) Extract on Population and Apoptotic of Spermatogenic and Leydig Cells in Rats After Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Induction

“…On the other hand, an HCE dose of 150 mg/kg increased testosterone levels in rats after DMPA treatment. 42 However, the ability of Leydig cells to synthesize androgens after the number of cells increases may have yet to be discovered.…”

Identification of bioactive compounds and inhibitory effects of TNF‐α and COX‐2 in the extract from cultured three‐spot seahorse (H. trimaculatus)

“…This effect mainly due to alkaline protease hydrolysate (ALC) and pepsin hydrolysate (PEP) stimulating the proliferation of mouse Leydig cells (testosterone hormone is mainly secreted and proliferated by these cells), which increases serum testosterone levels. As a result, the diverse pharmacological activities of the seahorse make it a research hotspot recently (Mundijo et al., 2023 ; Mundijo, Midoen, et al., 2022 ; Mundijo, Suyatna, et al., 2022 ).…”