음양곽(Epimedicum Koreanum nakai)은 예부터 생식기 장애치료를 위해 사용되어 왔다. 본 연구에서는 2-브로모프로판(2-bromopropane; 2-BP)으로 유발된 생식기 장애에서 음양곽 물추출물의 생식기장애 치료효과를 평가하였다. 2-BP를 체중kg당 1,355 mg씩 28일간 피하로 투여하여 생식기 장애를 유발하였으며, 음양곽 추출물은 용량별(10, 100, 500 mg/kg)로 4주간 경구투여 하였다. 그 결과 일일정자생성(daily sperm production)은 대조군에 비하여 증가하였으나 용량의존적 감소를 나타내었으며, 정세관과 부고환관에서는 조직학적 유의한 변화를 나타내었다. 이러한 결과는 음양곽물추출이 2-BP로 유발된 생식기장애의 치료에 도움이 될 것으로 생각된다.
Epimedium koreanum nakai (EKN) has been used for treatment of reproductive disorders. In this study, we evaluated the effects of EKN water extract on the 2-bromopropane (2-BP) induced reproductive dysfunction. The daily sperm production (DSP), sperm counts and histological changes of reproductive organs were investigated after 4 weeks of EKN administration in 2-BP induced reproductive damaged rats. Although the weights of epididymis and seminal vesicle were increased dose-dependently, they were lower than control group. DSP of EKN-dosing groups were increased compared to control group. In EKN-dosing groups, the number of degenerative seminiferous tubules and the number of epididymal tubules showing epithelial cell vacuolation and decreased spermatozoa in the lumen were significantly (p < 0.01) decreased compared to control group dose-dependently. Significant (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) increases of the number of sertoli cells, spermatogonia, patchytene spermatocytes, round spermatids and elongated spermatids were observed in EKN-dosing groups compared control group. Consequently, based on the results, EKN water extract could treat 2-BP induced reproductive damages dramatically.
