Effect of a diet supplemented with Lepidium meyenii Walpers "maca" on androgenic activity on androgenic activity in castrated castrated Rattus rattus var.albinus

Abstract

The goal of this thesis was to observe the effect that has a diet with Lepidium meyenii Walpers “maca” as supplement on the androgénic activity in Rattus rattus var. albinus castrated. 2 groups were worked: 1 castrated group and 1 group without castrating both divided in 3 subgroups of 6 rats each one, with the following treatments: the first group control corn + purina + vehicle; the second group corn + “maca” + vehicle; and the third group corn + purina + testosterona so much for castrated as without castrating. When comparing the results of the weight of seminal vesicle, prostate and muscle elevator of the anus, we find that so much the group castrated as the group without castrating presents significant difference to the treatment with “maca”. A marked effect of castration exists with a decrease of the weight of these organs in comparison with the group without castrating of the subgroups control. On the other hand in the castrated subgroups the “maca” counteracts this effect significantly. It is concluded, that the “maca” the weight increases in seminal vesicle and muscle elevator of the anus of castrated rats and without castrating, while the weight of the prostate is increased in castrated rats and it diminishes in rats without castrating.