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Background: Clinical research suggest a relationship between epilepsy and hypogonadism. The aim of this study is to identify the impact of epilepsy induced by kindling with pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) on hormones and some reproductive parameters in male rats. Materials and Methods: Adult male rats (NMRI strain) were divided into control and kindling groups. Kindling was induced by 40 mg/kg PTZ with a 48 hour interval through intraperitoneal injection. Each animal received 13 doses. At the end of the thirteenth dose, animals were weighed and uthenaized with ether and blood samples, collected from their hearts, were used for testosterone, prolactin and FSH, LH assay. In order to examine motility and morphology of sperms, tissue samples from epidydimis were isolated and minced in DMEM/F12 culture medium and were incubated for 15 minutes. Then sperm morphology and motility were studied. Testis were also isolated and weighed. Results: Kindling with PTZ decreased serum levels of testosterone and LH, but it increased rolactin. However, there was no difference in serum level of FSH between the two groups. Sperm motility in kindling group decreased significantly. There were no significant differences in testis weight, but the amount of animal weight losses in the kindling group was more than that of the control group. Conclusion: By changing the serum level of sexual hormones and decreasing sperm motility, PTZ kindling induced epilepsy exerts diminishing negative effects on reproduction.

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Background:Noticing the side effects associated with chemical drugs, using natural medicinal plants has gained more prominence recently. Physalis alkekengi extract is a medicinal plant belonging to Solanaceae family which similar to most drugs used in traditional medicine, despite possessing a multitude of medicinal properties, has not received sufficient attention. The aim of the present study was to briefly review the effects of Physalis alkekengi extract on the concentration of thyroid hormones, blood cholesterol, some plasma biochemical factors, liver function, immune system, and sexual hormones. Due to the extensive usage of Physalis alkekengi extract in traditional medicine, determining its advantages and possible side effects is of great physiologic and pharmacologic significance. Physalis alkekengi extract due to the presence of such effective substances as alkaloids, lycopene, glucocorticoids, alcoholic agents, and a large amount of vitamin C as well as antioxidant properties can play a significant role in changes in body homeostasis. This study dealt with the function and effect of Physalis alkekengi extract on different body organs through using proper keywords and extensive online search through electronic databases and credible sources. The results of this mini-review showed that Physalis alkekengi extract can bring about various significant changes in different body organs that have not been properly recognized. Therefore, further and more extensive studies should be done on this plant.