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Effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca) roots on spermatogenesis of male rats
G F Gonzales1, A Ruiz, C Gonzales
1Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru. iiad@upch.edu.pe
Aim:
To determine the effect of oral administration of an aqueous extract from the roots of Lepidium meyenii (maca) on spermatogenesis in adult male rats.
Methods:
Male rats received an aqueous extract of the root (66.7 mg in one mL) twice a day for 14 consecutive days.
Results:
Treatment with Lepidium meyenii resulted in an increase in the weights of testis and epididymis but not the seminal vesicle weight. The length and frequency of stages IX-XIV seminiferous tubules, where mitosis occurred, were increased and stages I-VI were reduced in rats treated with Lepidium meyenii.
Conclusion:
The Lepidium meyenii root invigorates spermatogenesis in male rats by acting on its initial stages (IX-XIV).
Insights
Maca root extract (Lepidium meyenii) significantly improved male rat fertility by enhancing sperm production. This study shows maca root invigorates spermatogenesis, particularly in its early stages.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Ethnobotany
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Spermatogenesis is crucial for male fertility.
- Lepidium meyenii (maca) is traditionally used to enhance male virility.
- Scientific evidence on maca's effects on spermatogenesis is ongoing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of oral maca root extract on male rat spermatogenesis.
- To determine if maca influences reproductive organ weights and sperm production parameters.
Main Methods:
- Adult male rats were administered an aqueous maca root extract (66.7 mg/mL) twice daily for 14 days.
- Changes in testis, epididymis, and seminal vesicle weights were recorded.
- Seminiferous tubule morphology and the frequency of specific stages were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Maca treatment significantly increased testis and epididymis weights.
- No significant change was observed in seminal vesicle weight.
- Increased length and frequency of seminiferous tubule stages IX-XIV (mitotic activity) and reduced stages I-VI were noted.
Conclusions:
- Lepidium meyenii root extract demonstrates a positive effect on spermatogenesis in male rats.
- Maca appears to invigorate sperm production by influencing the initial stages of spermatogenesis (stages IX-XIV).
- Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms of maca's action on male reproductive health.
