Sweta Kumari* and Nayni Saxena
University Department of Zoology, Ranchi University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
Received :12th July, 2019 ; Revised : 25th August, 2019
Abstract : Daidzein is a phytoestrogen found in many plants consumed by humans and animals. The influence of isoflavone, daidzein on blood testosterone hormone level was studied in sexually mature male Wistar rats. Rats were divided into three groups: Control (received no daidzein), Sham control [received vehicle as ethanol: saline water (1:9)] and Experimental group [received daidzein 15mg/kg body weight (bw)]. Daidzein was administered intragastrically, i.e. by using a cannula inserted via oesophagus into the stomach once a day for 30 continuous days. In animals treated with daidzein blood testosterone hormone level was significantly reduced as compared to the controls after 15 and 30 days. This effect was probably due to the direct inhibitory influence of daidzein on testosterone hormone secretion from testis. Results obtained in the study indicate that daidzein affects testosterone hormone secretion and may therefore be responsible for infertility, cryptorchidism and reduced sperm concentration in Wistar rat.
