Testicular effect of Dr. Aladdin's seven keys herbal mixture in male Wistar rats

Background: Dr. Aladdin’s seven keys herbal mixture is widely used to relieve feverish conditions, and skin rashes especially in measles, chickenpox, viral infections, malaria, diarrhoea, ulcers, bacterial infections and other conditions. Objective: The present study examined the testicular effect of Dr Aladdin's seven keys herbal mixture on male Wistar rats. Materials and methods: A total of 20 adult male. Wistar rats weighing between 140– 240 grams were divided into five groups (1-5) of 4 rats each. Group 1 served as control, while Groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 received via oral route 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg of the herbal mixtures respectively for 28 days. At the end of the drug administration, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected to determine serum levels of testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The testes were harvested and prepared for semen analysis and light microscopic study. Results: The sperm count and sperm motility were significantly reduced with marked alteration in morphology in a dose-dependent manner. The hormonal assay showed testosterone levels were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Histological findings also showed mild focal areas of haemorrhage, mild infiltration of inflammatory cells, moderate significant harmful effect on the seminiferous tubules/testicular functions, and clumping of cells in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: This herbal mixture has shown to cause moderate to severe effects on the testes, serum level of testosterone and alteration in semen parameters, thus may predispose addicted consumers to infertility. The consumption should strictly be based on the prescription of qualified medical personnel.