Effect of Allium cepa Seed Extract on Serum Testosterone in Rats

Allium cepa has been used throughout history as a medicinal drug. It has many compounds mostly containing sulfur, such as dialkyl disulfide (Alicin), diallyl disulfide (DAS), that are the cause of its antioxidant and protective properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of this extract on serum testosterone in rats. In the present study, 30 male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups; control group (n = 10), extract group 1 (n = 10), and extract group 2 (n = 10). Extract group 1 and 2, respectively, received 0.5 cc and 1 cc Allium cepa seed extract for 60 consecutive days using gavage method. On the 60th day of study, 5 cc blood samples were obtained from the tail vein of each rat for analyses of serum testosterone. The results show that serum testosterone level increased in the extract groups. Allium cepa seed extract has beneficial effects on serum testosterone; however, further research is necessary in order to gain more knowledge on the mechanism of action of this extract.