The Effect of Nettle (Urtica dioica L.), Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.), and Chaste (Vitex agnus-castus L.) Plants on Fertility in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effects of different concentrations of water extract of Nettle (Urtica dioica L.), Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.), and Chaste (Vitex agnus-castus L.) plants, which are traditionally used in the treatment of infertility among the people, on fertility in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), which is a model organism. Scope of work; 0.1%, 0.05%, 0.02%, and 0.01% concentrations of the water extracts of the plants were applied to the C. elegans standard medium and egg counts were made for 3 days according to the Koelle protocol. In addition, one day after each egg count, uncracked eggs were determined, and egg productivity was calculated. The analyses were performed in triplicate, the averages were determined and the differences between the groups were statistically compared with the SPSS program. According to the results obtained from the study, it was determined that Nettle, Carob, and Chaste plants have positive effects on fertility. Among the plants, it was determined that the plant that affected fertility the most was Nettle, followed by Chaste and Carob plants, respectively. In addition, in terms of dosage applications, the best effect in all three plants has been observed at the highest dose of 0.1%.