Heydari O, Mortazavi SA, Zhaleh M, Abdollahzad H

Abstract

Background: The traditional texts designate animal ghee are known as nutritionally important functional food and have health beneficial effects on human health, due to its composition. Objective: Our objective was to determine the effects of ghee on the serum lipids, sex hormones and spermogram of Wistar rats. Methods: Sixteen adult rats were divided into two groups. The experimental groups for 90 days were as follows; 1) standard diet (Control), and 2) Ghee rats group (treated): orally received 35% of heated ghee (100-120 °C) without restriction. One day after the last treatment, spermatozoa were recovered from epididymis, and blood serum samples were processed for lipid profiles (cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL)) and sex hormone concentrations (Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone). Results: Results showed that serum levels of cholesterol (p=0.025) in traded group was significantly higher than those in the control group, meanwhile DHEA and testosterone concentrations were lower (p<0.01). Compared with control group, the administration of ghee reduced (p>0.05) LDL and TG, and increased HLD (p>0.05). Sperm count was significantly lower (p<0.001) in ghee supplemented rats compared to control group, whereas the motility rate was significantly higher (p<0.01). In treated animals did not show significant changes in normal/abnormal sperm morphology (p>0.05). In summary, animal ghee is clearly detrimental for spermatogenesis and overall sexual hormone functions, whereas lipid profiles can be modified.