Potential androgenic activity of FU Plus tablet in castrated male rats
Main Article Content
Abstract
FU Plus tablet is a multi-component herbal and micronutrient formulation. This study aimed to evaluate the androgenic activity of FU Plus tablets in castrated male Wistar rats using the Hershberger bioassay in accordance with OECD Test Guideline 441. Peripubertal male Wistar rats were bilaterally orchiectomized, except for a group of intact biological controls. Animals were randomly allocated to five groups (n = 10 per group): biological control, model control, positive control (testosterone, 19.2 mg/kg/day), FU Plus low dose (0.24 tablet/kg b.w/day), and FU Plus high dose (0.72 tablet/kg b.w/day). Treatments were given orally for 10 days, and then androgen-responsive tissues were excised and weighed to assess androgenic activity. Our results showed that FU Plus significantly increased the weights of the ventral prostate and glans penis at both doses (p < 0.05 vs. model) and significantly improved seminal vesicle weight at the higher dose (p < 0.05). In conclusion, FU Plus tablets were demonstrated to have androgenic activity in castrated male rats, as evidenced by their stimulatory effects on select androgen-responsive tissues.
Article Details
Keywords
FU Plus tablets, androgenic activity, Hershberger bioassay, Wistar rats
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