Abstract

Objective: These studies were undertaken to evaluate the effects of the different administration duration of Morindae Radix extract solution on the spermatogenic abilities such as concentration, motility and morphological normality of sperm from the testis and the activities of sperm hyaluronidase. Materials and Method: We used the 8-week-old ICR mice and administered 0.3㎎/g extract solution of Morindae Radix once a day for 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. The control group was administered the normal saline in the same way and duration. We examined the number of total, motile and normal sperm from the cauda epididymis. And we compared the testicular tissue especially seminiferous tubules between control and treated groups by histochemical methods. At the end we observed the difference of sperm hyaluronidase activities between control and treated groups. Results: The significant administration duraiton-dependent differences were observed in the concentration of total sperm, the motility and normality of spermatozoa of the Morindae Radix extract solution administered groups compared to the control group, respectively. In the histological analysis of the testicular tissues, the enlargement of testicular lobe diameter and apparent vasculogenesis between testicular lobes were observed in the Morindae Radix extract solution administered groups compared to the control group, respectively. Also, the activity of hyaluronidase was significantly increased in the Morindae Radix extract solution administered groups compared to the control group. Conclusion: This study shows that the more beneficial effect has Morindae Radix extract solution on the concentration, motility and morphology of sperm, the testicular tissues and the activities of sperm hyaluronidase, for the more duration the mice administer it. We can suggest that Morindae Radix will be useful for the treatment of male sexual dysfunction and infertility.