Effect of the alcoholic extract of Terfezia boudieri on reproductive hormones in male rats

Terfezia boudieri is a desert truffle belonging to the Pezizaceae family that enters into mycorrhizal associations with its hosts. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Terfezia boudieri extract in male rat's fertility. Adult male rats weighing 180–230 g were divided into four groups of six rats each. The experimental groups (1 and 2) were administered (by intraperitoneal injection) the alcoholic extract of Terfezia boudieri in two doses, 200 and 300 mg/kg for 21 days. The placebo group (3) received distilled water for the same duration. The control group (4) did not receive anything. Animals were sacrificed and their blood was collected for biochemical analyses. The levels of LH and testosterone significantly increased in the experimental group (1 and 2), as compared with placebo group (p<0/05). The levels of FSH reduced significantly in the experimental group (p<0/05). The study indicates efficacy of Terfezia boudieri extract in doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg on pituitary-testis axis in rat.