Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of pumpkin seeds on start of oogenesis and change of hormone-pituitary-ovarian axis in immature rats

Introduction: Pumpkin seed has been used in traditional medicine as a drug for improving sexual function and vigor. We did not find sufficient scientific evidence to support it. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of pumpkin seeds on hormone-pituitary-ovarian axis and oogenesis in immature rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, we used 30 immature female Wistar rats (weight range 100 to 80 g and 35-30 days old) were randomly selected and divided into five groups of six, three experimental groups, control and sham groups. The experimental group was injected 200,100,50 mg/ kg dose of pumpkin seed extract intraperitoneally for 21 consecutive days. One day after the last injection, blood was taken from the rats to investigate the sex hormones, and then their ovaries were removed for histological studies. Results: The results showed a significant increase in the mean serum FSH, estrogen and progesterone in the experimental groups compared to the sham and control (P<0.05). Secondary follicles in the experimental group compared to the sham and control groups showed a significant increase (P<0.05). Body weight and weight of the right and left ovaries in the experimental group increased (P<0.05). Amongst the other parameters, no significant differences were observed in all groups. Conclusions: Injection of hydroalcoholic extract of pumpkin seeds could significantly be effective on oogenesis and concentration of FSH, estrogen and progesterone hormones.