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Background: Phytoestrogens are non-estradiol molecules categorized as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which means they can alter the hormonal equilibrium and cause reproductive problems. Studies suggested Hibiscus sabdariffa (H. sabdariffa) possible use as alternative to hormone replacement therapy in ovarian hypofunction patients. Salvia officinalis (S. officinalis) contains phytoestrogen steroids and isoflavonoids. The purpose of this research was to examine the estrogenic effects of H. sabdariffa and S. officinalis aqueous extracts on male reproductive hormones and testicular histology and function. Methods: Three groups of six male rats each were utilized as follows: control (distilled water), H. sabdariffa (500 mg/kg aqueous extract), and S. officinalis (500 mg/kg aqueous extract). Blood, epididymis. Testis and serum samples were gathered after 30 days for biochemical analysis, sperm characteristics, and histological evaluations. Results: Compared to the control and S. officinalis groups, H. sabdariffa caused a significant reduction in body weight (BW) and percent BW gain (%BWG). Relative to the control rats, the two extracts dramatically reduced testicular weight, sperm motility, concentration, and viability while raising abnormalities. Furthermore, the herbal extract groups demonstrated a significant decrease in blood testosterone levels while increasing serum prolactin, FSH, and LH levels. Consumption of both herbs also caused testicular histological changes such as degenerated seminiferous tubules, with a diminished number of mature spermatozoa in the tubular lumen, reduced diameter of seminiferous tubules, and the presence of exfoliated cells in the tubular lumen. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that the aqueous extracts of H. sabdariffa and S. officinalis may negatively impact male fertility. However, more research is needed to validate these findings and investigate the mechanistic components of these impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phytoestrogens are estrogen analogues of plant origin, allowing them to act as agonists at estrogen receptors. Objectives: This study was done to discover the effects of flaxseed and turmeric oils on male rats' fertility. Methodology: Eighteen male albino rats are divided into three groups (6 rats each). Group 1 (Control group) rats received distilled water 1 mL/kg orally); group 2 (Flaxseed oil group) rats received 1 mL/kg flaxseed oil orally;group 3 (Turmeric oil) rats received 1 mL/kg turmeric oil orally. After 30 days, blood samples, epididymis, and testis were collected for biochemical analysis, sperm characteristics and histological examinations. Results: Flaxseed oil induced a significant decline (p<0.05) in % of body weight change relative to the control group. Flaxseed and turmeric oils groups showed significant declines (p<0.05) in gonadosomatic index and sperm motility, concentration, and viability, with a significant increase in sperm abnormalities. Besides, Flaxseed and turmeric oils groups showed significant decreases (p<0.05) in the serum testosterone levels with significant increases (p<0.05) in serum prolactin, FSH, and LH levels. Flaxseed and turmeric oils consumption significantly decreased (p<0.05) plasma CAT and SOD while they significantly increased (p<0.05) plasma MDA relative to the control group. The testis of rats ingested flaxseed and turmeric oils showed degenerated seminiferous tubules, with a diminished number of mature spermatozoa in the tubular lumen, reduced diameter of seminiferous tubules and intact basement membrane. Conclusion: Feeding flaxseed and turmeric oils consumption to adult male rats induced hormonal disturbances with non-uniformities in sperm characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]