Effects of Colocynth (Citrullus colocynthis) Pulp on Serum Levels of Testosterone and Changes in Reproductive Organs in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Introduction: Investigating the effects of colocynth pulp on levels of testosterone and changes in the reproductive system organs in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: In this study, ۳۲ Wistar rats were divided into four groups of normal (N), normal+colocynth pulp (N+C), diabetic control (D), and diabetic+colocynth pulp (D+C). Groups N and D received orally ۲ mL normal saline for two weeks, and groups N+C and D+C received orally ۱۰ mg/kg colocynth pulp for two weeks. Diabetes was induced in rats through intraperitoneal injection of ۶۵ mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). Results: Group D showed a significant increase in glucose levels compared with Group N (P<۰.۰۰۰۱), and testosterone levels, body weight, and reproductive organs weight ratio of group D decreased significantly compared with Group N (P<۰.۰۰۰۱). In addition, a significant reduction in glucose level (P<۰.۰۱) and a significant increase in testosterone level and reproductive organs weight ratio (P<۰.۰۱) were observed in Group D+C in comparison to Group D. Conclusion: This study showed that consumption of ۱۰ mg/kg colocynth for two weeks relatively improved glucose and testosterone levels as well as reproductive system damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats.