THE EFFECTS OF ANETHUM GRAVEOLENS L. ON FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM OF RATS

Effects of Anethum graveolens L. (dill) extracts on female reproductive system were studied in fifty four wistar female rats with regular estrous cycle in 6 groups. The experimental groups were fed 0.045 g/kg and 0.45 g/kg of aqueous extract and 0.5 g/kg and 5 g/kg of ethanol extract for 10 days. The sham group was fed with solvent and controls received no treatment. The estrus cycle changes were determined by daily vaginal smear changes. At the beginning and at the end of experiment blood samples were withdrawn to determine the blood estradiole and progesterone concentration. The ovaries were removed and granulosa lutein cells were studied under transmission electron microscopy. Treatment with high dose of the extract resulted in a significant increase in duration of the estrous cycle and diestrus phase and the progesterone concentration. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and mitochondria were increased in granulosa lutein cells in high dose groups. While more studies are required to clarify the properties of this herb, results of this investigation show that dill can be used as an either regulatory agent of menstrual cycle of women with irregular cycle or as an antifertility agent.