Protective effect of Cymbopogon citratus on hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in the reproductive system of male rats

Cymbopogon citratus (C. citratus) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemoprotective properties. This study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of C. citratus aqueous extract against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)–induced oxidative stress and injury in the reproductive system of male rats. The twenty-five rats used in this study were divided into five groups, comprised of five rats each. The control group received standard food and drink. The H₂O₂ group received standard food and water with 0.5% H₂O₂. The rats in the H₂O₂?+?C. citratus group and H₂O₂?+?vitamin E group received standard food, H₂O_2, and C. citratus [100?mg·kg^?1 body weight (bw)], or vitamin E as an antioxidant reference (500?mg·kg^?1 bw), respectively. The C. citratus group was given C. citratus (100?mg·kg^?1 bw) in addition to the standard food and drink. The treatments were administered for 30 days. The H₂O₂ treatment significantly (P?2O₂ exhibited testicular degeneration and significant reduction in sperm viability, motility, count, and rate of normal sperm. The C. citratus, vitamin E, and H₂O₂ treatment significantly (P?2O₂-treated rats. The C. citratus aqueous extract reduced oxidative stress and protected male rats against H₂O₂-induced reproductive system injury.