Toxic effects of Carthamus tinctorius L. (Safflower) extract on mouse spermatogenesis

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of Carthamus tinctorius L., also named safflower, on mouse spermatogenesis. Methods Sixteen adult male NMRI mice were used. Experimental group received Carthamus tinctorius L. extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg for 35 consecutive days and control group received only distilled water. Testicular histopathology, morphometric analysis and spermatogenesis assessments were performed for evaluation of the Carthamus tinctorius L. extract effects on testis.Results Histopathological criteria such as epithelial vacuolization, sloughing of germ and detachment were significantly decreased in Carthamus tinctorius L. treated mice (p<0.001). Carthamus tinctorius L. extract induced formation of multinucleated giant cells in the germinal epithelium. Carthamus tinctorius L. extract also caused a significant decrease in seminiferous tubule diameter, seminiferous epithelium height and maturation arrest (p<0.001). Conclusion Carthamus tinctorius L. extract has toxic effects on mouse testicular tissue, and recommended to use it with caution if there is a reproductive problem.

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Toxicity of Subacute Oral Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Testes and Prostate of Adult Albino Rats and Role of Recovery

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Safety Assessment of a New Pigmented Safflower Seed Coat (A82) by a Feeding Study on Rat

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