Introduction: Extracts of rosemary “Rosmarinus officinalis” have been used in folk medicine as a diuretic, antioxidant, antispasmodic and anti inflammatory effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of rosemary extract on male reproductive tract in rats.
Methods and Material: The twenty four male Wistar rat were selected and randomly divided in control (n=6) and experimental (n=12) groups. The experimental groups split into two groups. The first and second experimental groups were received 50 and 100 mg/kg doses of rosemary aqueous extract (RAE) made with leaves, flower and stem daily by gavage during 2 months period, respectively. However, the control group received only water. Blood samples were evaluated for testosterone level at 3 times before treatment, at mid period and the end of study by chemiluminescence. Sperm parameters and histological evaluation were studies at the end of study.
Result: The result of study showed that there was no significant difference in sperm count, viability and motility in all of experimental groups when compared with control group. In histological evaluation, there was a significant difference in the number of spermatogonia and spermatocytes in all of experimental groups when compared with the control group. The number of leydig cells was increase in group received 100 mg RAE when compared to other groups. The testosterone level were significantly decreased in both experimental groups when compared to the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: It was concluded that rosemary extract have antiandrogenic effect.