Ethanolic Extract of Triganella Foenum- grcacum L. (Fenugreek) Mitigates Hypothyroidism-Induced Male Reproductive Dysfunction in Rats

Fouad Ziedan Hamza Al-Quraishi ^1*, Bassam Abdulameer Mohammed Al-Madany ^1*, Mohammed Abdaljaleel ¹, Fadhel Al-Kraawi ¹, Zainab Mohammed Kadhim Hirzuldeen ¹, Karrar Talib Salman Al-Ibrahimi ¹

The study showed fenugreek’s potential to improve male fertility by enhancing sperm characteristics in hypothyroid conditions.

Abstract

Background: Hypothyroidism, a common endocrine disorder, adversely affects various physiological processes, including male reproductive health. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), a traditional herbal remedy, is known for its therapeutic properties but also exhibits potential protective effects on reproductive function. This study aims to evaluate the protective effect of ethanolic extract of fenugreek seeds on sperm characteristics in hypothyroid male albino rats. Methods: Forty adult male albino rats (200–250 g) were divided into four groups, each containing ten rats. The negative control group received normal saline daily. Hypothyroidism was induced in the remaining three groups using 0.05% 6-propyl-thiouracil (PTU) for 30 days. Post-induction, the groups were treated as follows: the positive control group received normal saline, the third group received ethanolic extract of fenugreek seeds (15 mg/kg body weight), and the fourth group received levothyroxine (L-T4, 0.1 mg/kg/day). Hormonal levels of TSH, T3, and T4 were measured using the ELISA method, and sperm characteristics were analyzed from left caudal epididymis samples. Results: Hypothyroid positive control rats showed significantly increased TSH levels and decreased T3 and T4 levels compared to the negative control group. Treatment with either L-T4 or fenugreek extract significantly reduced TSH levels and increased T3 and T4 levels compared to the hypothyroid positive control group. Sperm analysis revealed that hypothyroidism significantly reduced sperm count, general motility, progressive motility, viability, and morphology. Both L-T4 and fenugreek treatments significantly improved all sperm parameters compared to the hypothyroid positive control group. Conclusion: Hypothyroidism impairs sperm characteristics, underscoring the importance of thyroid function in male fertility. The ethanolic extract of fenugreek seeds demonstrated a protective effect on sperm characteristics in hypothyroid rats, comparable to the effects of levothyroxine. These findings suggest that fenugreek may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for mitigating hypothyroidism-induced reproductive dysfunction. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and clinical applications.

Keywords: Hypothyroidism, Fenugreek, Male fertility, Thyroid hormones, Sperm quality

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