Propolis protection from reproductive toxicity caused by aluminium chloride in male rats

Different forms of aluminium (Al) are environmental xenobiotics that induce free radical-mediated cytotoxicity and reproductive toxicity. Propolis has been reported to be important antioxidant. Therefore, this study aimed at elucidating the protective effects of propolis against reproductive toxicity of aluminium chloride (AlCl₃) in male rats. The first group served as control. Group 2 received 34 mg AlCl₃/kg bw (1/25 LD₅₀). Group 3 was administered 50 mg propolis/kg bw/day. Group 4 was treated with AlCl₃ plus propolis. Treatment was continued for 70 days. AlCl₃ caused a decrease in testes, seminal vesicle and epididymis weights, sperm concentration, motility, testosterone level and the activities of 17-ketosteroid reductase, CAT and GST, and GSH content. While, dead and abnormal sperm and testes TBARS concentrations were increased. In the AlCl₃-treated group, histopathologic examinations revealed apparent alterations in the testes, where it induced marked lesions in seminiferous tubules. Propolis alone decreased dead and abnormal sperm and TBARS, and increased testosterone, GSH, 17-ketosteroid reductase, CAT and GST. Results showed that propolis antagonized the harmful effects of AlCl₃. This was proved histopathologically by the great improvement in testes. In conclusion propolis could be effective in the protection against the reproductive toxicity of AlCl₃.