Effect of Vitex Agnus-Castus Ethanolic Extract on Sex Hormones in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Objective: Diabetes mellitus is recognized as one of the serious global health problems. There are evidences regarding the high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in diabetic patients. Experimental studies revealed a positive effect of Vitex agnus-castus (Vitex), on sexual function and behaviors. In this research, the effect of Vitex on sexual hormones in streptozotocin-(STZ) induced diabetic rats was investigated. Materials and methods: A Thirty adult female Wistar rats were divided into five groups. 1-control group (non-diabetic), 2- diabetic group (received normal saline) and three induced diabetic groups treated with different doses (400, 200 and 100 mg/kg) of Vitex. Treatment groups received Vitex fruit extract by gavage for 7 days. The levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone and estrogen in serum were measured. Results: Levels of LH, FSH, estrogen and progesterone and average body weight was lower in diabetic group compared to control group (p 0.010). Animals received high dose of Vitex fruit extract (400mg/kg) had significantly higher levels of serum LH, FSH, estrogen and progesterone compared to diabetic group (p 0.010). In animals receiving minimum dose (100mg/kg) of Vitex, no difference was observed compared to diabetic group (p 0.010). Conclusion: It can be concluded that Vitex fruit extract probably has regulatory effect on diabetes-induced change in the levels of sex hormones in female rats. Vitex fruit extract can improve serum levels of sex hormones in an animal model of STZ-induced diabetes.