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
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.음양곽(Epimedicum Koreanum nakai)은 예부터 생식기 장애치료를 위해 사용되어 왔다. 본 연구에서는 2-브
로모프로판(2-bromopropane; 2-BP)으로 유발된 생식기 장애에서 음양곽 물추출물의 생식기장애 치료효과를 평가하였
다. 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 증가하
였으나 용량의존적 감소를 나타내었으며, 정세관과 부고환관에서는 조직학적 유의한 변화를 나타내었다. 이러한 결과
는 음양곽물추출이 2-BP로 유발된 생식기장애의 치료에 도움이 될 것으로 생각된다.