Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Matricariachamomilla on Serum Testosterone and Estradiol Levels, Spermatozoon Quality,and Tail Length in Rat

Background: matricaria chamomilla (chamomile) is a herbused to treat various human illnesses. the present study wasconducted to investigate the effects of chamomile extract onspermatozoon quality, serum levels of estradiol and testosterone,and sperm tail length in male adult rat.methods: male sprague-dawley rats received extract ofchamomile (400 mg/kg once daily, orally) during an 8-weekperiod, while the control animals received water. after thisperiod, the animals were sacrificed and the blood sampleswere obtained. the serum levels of testosterone, estradiol, andthe number, motility, and morphology of spermatozoon wereassessed. the spermatozoon tail length was assessed by arapid stereological method.results: the body weight, and weight, and volume of thetestis in the control and experimental rats did not changesignificantly. serum testosterone level was decreased (~76%,p<0.005) and the serum estradiol level was increased (~16%,p<0.04) in the experimental animals. the spermatozoon countand motility were decreased in the experimental group butspermatozoon morphology did not show significant changes.the mid-piece and total tail length were reduced in theexperimental group (~22%, p<0.001).conclusion: matricaria chamomilla extract can decreasespermatozoa count and motility, spermatozoon tail length, serumtestosterone level and increase serum estradiol level inmale adult rat