Effect of Tilia platyphyllos L. extract on the sex hormones levels and histopathology index in varicocele-induced infertile rats

Varicocele is one of the most common causes of infertility in men. Various studies have been performed on the treatment of varicocele and hormonal changes in the testicles. One of the non-invasive treatments for varicocele is treatment with Tilia platyphyllos L. as a medicine used to treat stomach ulcers, spasms and sedatives. Chemical compounds such as terpenoids and flavonoids have been identified in the linden. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of linden extract on testicular pathology of healthy and varicocele rats.

In this study, 48 rats were randomly divided into 8 groups: healthy control, healthy groups receiving linden extract (50, 100 and 200 mg / kg intragastrically, daily) alone, infertile control (varicocele surgery), varicocele groups together with linden extract (50, 100 and 200 mg / kg intragastrically, daily). After 60 days, serum was obtained and hormonal assays and histopathological examinations were performed and the data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance.

The results showed that the level of testosterone decreased and levels of LH and FSH increased significantly in varicocele control animals compared with healthy controls. Also, administration of linden extract has prevented hormonal changes and has significantly improved the sex hormones level and histological index in varicocele rats.

The linden extract acts as a potent antioxidant against varicocele-induced damage in rats.