www.jocpr.com Available online Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, 2016, 8(2):701-704 Research Article ISSN : 0975-7384 CODEN(USA) : JCPRC5 701 The effects of hydro alcoholic extract of Boswellia carteri on reproductive hormones in male mice Nooshin Noktedan 1 , Mehrdad Modaresi 2* , Akbar Karimi 1 and Aliasghar Pilevarian 1 1 Department of Biology, Payam e Noor University, Isfahan Center, Isfahan, Iran 2 Department of Animal Science, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT Frankincense resin is used for treating many diseases in traditional medicine. This resin is prepared from Boswellia carteri plant. The goal of this study was evaluating the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Frankincense on pituitary- gonadal axis of mice. Mice were divided into five groups including control, placebo, and three experimental groups with 10 members in each group. Control group did not receive any drug and experimental groups received intraperitoneal injections of 50, 100, and 200 mg/mg of the extract for 20 days every other day. Blood samples were taken at the end of injection period. FSH, LH, estrogen and progesterone hormones were measured. Obtained results were analyzed using SPSS program in a one way analysis of variance and means were compared using Duncan test at 5% probability level. According to results, Frankincense decreased the testosterone hormone in 200 mg/kg dose. FSH amount was increased in 100 and 200 mg/kg groups. Considering the results, frankincense extract can reduce reproductive potential by reducing sexual hormones in male mice dose dependently. Keywords: Frankincense’s extract, sexual hormones, male mice _____________________________________________________________________________________________ INTRODUCTION Frankincense is a strong disinfectant and fragrant which is used frequently together with wild rue. This resin is used for treating many diseases including pain, swelling, bone damage, neurological and rheumatic diseases, urinary tract disorders, skin diseases, parasitic diseases, worms, jaundice, diarrhea, dysentery, indigestion, hemorrhoids and nipple ulcers [1]. Oleo Gum resin is a natural product and combination of essences, resins, and gums which is extracted from various parts of plants with different methods. The stems are scratched to secrete oleo gum resin [2]. This material is initially in liquid form which is hardened gradually in presence of air. Frankincense is formed in various shapes: sheets, wires and small or large pieces with various colors and pleasant smell. Frankincense resin has boswellic acid and other pentacyclic triterpenoids which has a chemical structure similar to steroids. This plant is used in many countries as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-arthritis drug. It is also used for treatment of allergy, inflammation of bronchi (bronchin), tumors, sores, fever, diarrhea and vomiting and to enhance memory [3]. Singhet et al. (2008) reported that boswellic acid is a natural compound obtained from frankincense which has four kinds of acids which are used as anti-inflammatory, immune booster, anti-tumor, anti-asthma and in the treatment of Cornwall. Anti-inflammatory effects of frankincense have been ascribed to its triterpenoids4 Beta boswellic acid and its derivatives [4]. Anti- inflation properties of frankincense have been proven in laboratory animals and anti-arthritis effects of it have been reported in laboratory mice. A mixture of boswellic acid plus its derivatives is used in India as anti-arthritis [5].