Toxic effects of . (Safflower) extract on mouse spermatogenesis

To evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of ., also named safflower, on mouse spermatogenesis. Sixteen adult male NMRI mice were used. Experimental group received . extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg for 35 consecutive days and control group received only distilled water. Testicular histopathology, morphometric analysis and spermatogenesis assessments were performed for evaluation of the . extract effects on testis. Histopathological criteria such as epithelial vacuolization, sloughing of germ and detachment were significantly decreased in . treated mice ( < 0.001). . extract induced formation of multinucleated giant cells in the germinal epithelium. . extract also caused a significant decrease in seminiferous tubule diameter, seminiferous epithelium height and maturation arrest ( < 0.001). . extract has toxic effects on mouse testicular tissue, and recommended to use it with caution if there is a reproductive problem.