Dissertation Discussion
The College of Science for Women, University of Baghdad, discussed the dissertation entitled” The Potential Effects of Aqueous Extract of Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii ) and Flaxseed Oil (Linum usitatissimum) on the Fertility of Male Albino Mice Treated with Danazol” submitted by the student Eman Jabbar Qasim as a partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biology/Zoology, under the supervision Asst. Prof. Dr. Zainab Karim Khurabit.
The objectives of this study are summarized as follows:
1. Study of the protective effect of the aqueous extract of Maca root and flaxseed oil against the harmful effects caused by Danazol, through improving sperm parameters, restoring hormonal balance, reducing oxidative stress, and maintaining the integrity of the DNA genetic material.
2. Determining the relationship between oxidative stress and genetic material damage as a central mechanism in the effects of Danazol, and evaluating the extent to which plant extracts intervene in breaking this pathological cycle.
The dissertation included an evaluation of the potential effects of both Maca root aqueous extract and flaxseed oil in preventing reproductive damage caused by Danazol administration. This study utilized an adult male albino mouse model. The study included forty (40) male albino mice, assigned to four equal experimental groups .The scope of the study included :
• Reproductive Hormones: Measuring key hormone levels (FSH, LH, and testosterone).
• Oxidative Stress & Antioxidants:
-Assessing oxidative stress marker (malondialdehyde / MDA).
-Evaluating antioxidant enzyme activity (CAT and GSH).
• Fertility Parameters: Analyzing sperm count, motility, and morphology (abnormalities).
• Histological Examination: Evaluating tissue changes and structural integrity in the testes.
• DNA Integrity: Assessing the extent of DNA damage or integrity.
The most important recommendations of this study:
• Expanding studies to evaluate the effects of Maca extract and flaxseed oil on female reproductive parameters and tracking potential transgenerational impacts on offspring.
• Assessing the safety profile of Maca extract on liver, kidney, and blood parameters, alongside comparing its clinical efficacy against standard infertility treatments (such as Clomiphene).
• Testing the treated male mice in real mating trials with females to measure actual conception rates, pregnancy outcomes, and live birth rates.
• Synthesizing bio-based nanomaterials from Maca root to enhance its therapeutic potential and advance novel applications in reproductive medicine.
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