The effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Actinidia chinensis on sperm count andmotility, and on the blood levels of estradiol and testosterone in male rats

Foods contain nonnutritional phytochemicals that may affect human health. The effect of phytochemicals on sperms is controversial. To determine whether kiwi (Actinidia chinensis) extract can change sperm quality and the blood level of sex hormones. 40 male rats were divided into 4 groups; 3 experimental groups were fed with 75, 100, or 150 mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extract of kiwi and the control group was fed with the solvent for 50 days each. Blood samples were taken and the levels of estradiol and testosterone were measured. The number of sperms and the percentage of motile sperms in semen samples were also calculated. The level of testosterone and sperm count were decreased significantly in groups treated with 150 mg/kg of kiwi extract. The estradial level also was decreased in groups treated with 100 and 150 mg/kg at the extract. It seems that hydroalcoholic extract of kiwi has deleterious effects on spermatogenesis. It is therefore, recommended to use it with caution if there is a reproductive problem.