Testosterone like Activity of Ethanolic and
Aqueous Extracts of Mucuna pruriens Seeds and its Effects on Serum Biochemical Metabolites
in Immature Male Rats
Nazir Ahmad*, Zia-ur-Rahman1, Nafees
Akhtar and Shujait Ali
Department of Theriogenology, 1Department
of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of
Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan
*Corresponding author:profnazir53@hotmail.com
Abstract
Testosterone like activity of seeds of
Mucuna pruriens and its effects on
serum biochemical metabolites in immature male rats were investigated. Forty
eight immature male rats were divided
into four equal groups. Rats of groups A and B were orally given ethanolic and
aqueous extracts of Mucuna pruriens
seeds daily at the dose rate of 500 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 14
days. Rats of group C were injected with testosterone at the dose rate of 2.5
mg/kg body weight daily, while rats of group D served as controls. After 7 days,
six rats from each group were euthanized, while the remaining six rats from each
group were euthanized after 14 days of treatment. Rats given ethanolic
extract gained higher weight compared to controls (P<0.05). Testis weight was
the highest in rats treated with testosterone. The effect of treatments on the
weight of the liver and the kidneys was non significant. Rats given ethanolic or
aqueous extract had higher serum testosterone concentration than controls.
Similarly, rats given ethanolic or aqueous extract had higher serum total
proteins, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol compared to controls. Moreover,
ethanolic extract treated rats also had higher total cholesterol and HDL
cholesterol than aqueous extract treated rats. However, differences in serum
total proteins, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol between control and
testosterone injected rats were non significant. Serum triglycerides, LDL
cholesterol and ALT activity did not differ among rats of four groups. Serum AST
activity and urea were lower in rats treated with ethanolic or aqueous extract
compared to controls. Thus, seeds of Mucuna pruriens had testosterone like activity and increased serum
total proteins, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol, with no adverse effects
on the serum LDL cholesterol, liver or kidney functions.