Abstract:

Introduction: Ziziphus spina-christi (Sidr) is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory properties. While its systemic effects have been documented, limited studies have examined its impact on endocrine function in rabbits. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Z. spina-christi leaf supplementation on blood plasma hormone levels in male rabbits. Materials and Methods: Ten healthy male rabbits were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group receiving distilled water and a treatment group receiving Z. spina-christi leaf extract orally for six weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from the marginal ear vein, and serum was separated. Plasma concentrations of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, and cortisol were measured using commercial ELISA kits. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Administration of Z. spina-christi leaves significantly increased plasma testosterone, LH, and FSH levels compared to the control group, while estrogen and cortisol levels remained unchanged. These findings indicate a selective effect of Z. spina-christi on male reproductive hormones, without influencing stress-related or estrogenic pathways. Conclusion: Ziziphus spina-christi leaf supplementation effectively enhanced key reproductive hormones in male rabbits, suggesting its potential as a natural agent for supporting male reproductive endocrine function. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore translational applications.

Keywords: Ziziphus spina-christi, male rabbits, hormones.