Effects of asphaltum (Shilajit) combined with vitamin E and selenium on the reproductive parameters of female rabbits

Aim of this study was to find out the effects of asphaltum alone and in combination with vitamin e and se,on reproductive parameters of female rabbits. female rabbits (n=30) were divided into five groups (a,b,c,d and e). group a was kept as a control,while group b,c,d and e were given asphaltum (50 mg/kg/bw),se with asphaltum (0.45+50 mg/kg/bw),vitamin e with asphaltum (150+50 mg/kg/bw) and asphaltum,se and vitamin e (50+0.45+150 mg/kg/bw),respectively for 32 days. clinical signs were observed twice daily. three animals from each group were euthanized at 12th day and the remaining at 24th day of gestation,serum samples were collected for progesterone concentration determination. ovaries of each animal were examined for the presence of cl,while uterus was observed for number of implantation sites and viable fetuses. weight of embryo,placental fluid and total (embryo+placental fluid) were also recorded. in group e,a significant (p<0.05) increase was observed in the number of cl,implantation sites,recovered fetuses,fetal weight,placental fluid and total weights at 12th and 24th day of gestation as compared to all other groups. in group c,a significant (p<0.05) increase was observed only in the number of implantation sites and recovered fetuses as compared to control group. however,significantly higher concentrations of serum progesterone were observed in all treated groups as compared to group a at 12th as well as at 24th day of gestation. it was concluded that the asphaltum has no toxic effects on reproductive parameters,however,if asphaltum is used in combination with vitamin e and se,it potentiates female reproduction. © 2016 pvj.