Aminoguanidine prevents testicular damage–induced‐2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) in male rats

In this study, it was aimed to determinate protective effects of aminoguanidine (AG) against reproductive toxicity caused by 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD), an environmental contaminant. Thirty‐two rats were equally divided into four groups; the first group was kept as control and given corn oil as carrier. In second and third groups, TCDD and AG were orally administered at the dose of 2 μg kg^?1 per week and 100 mg kg^?1 per day for 45 days, respectively. In fourth group, TCDD and AG were given together at the same doses. Although TCDD significantly increased the formation of TBARS, it caused a significant decline in the levels of GSH, CAT, GPx and SOD in rats. On the other hand, AG, given together TCDD, reversed TCDD effects on TBARS SOD, GSH, GPx and CAT. In addition, sperm characteristics negatively affected and histopathological deformation occurred with TCDD exposure. However, AG treatment partly prevented these toxic effects of TCDD on spermatological parameters and histopathological changes. In conclusion, TCDD exposure induces testicular damage (oxidative stress, histopathological damage and sperm parameters), and AG treatment reversed TCDD‐induced testicular damage in rats. Thus, AG may be useful for the prevention and treatment of TCDD‐induced male infertility problems.     

Quercetin prevents docetaxel‐induced testicular damage in rats

The protective effect of quercetin on docetaxel – an anticancer agent – induced testicular damage in rats was investigated. Thirty‐two rats were randomly divided into four groups: group 1 – control, carrier solutions were given; group 2 – quarcetin 20 mg kg^?1 day^?1 was given orally; group 3 – docetaxel 5 mg kg^?1 was given intraperitoneally as single dose; group 4 – docetaxel and quarcetin were given together. The histopathological changes; the specific biochemical markers, including antioxidants; and the sperm characteristics were evaluated. Docetaxel caused a significant increase in TBARS level and a significant decrease in SOD, GPX, CAT and GSH levels in the testicular tissues compared with the control group, whereas quercetin led to a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation, which was caused by docetaxel, via reducing TBARS level and increasing the levels of SOD, CAT, GPX and GSH. In addition, after docetaxel administration, sperm motility, sperm concentration, testicular and epididymis weights were significantly decreased and abnormal sperm rate and histopathological changes were increased. However, these effects of docetaxel on sperm parameters, histological changes and the tissue weights were eliminated by quercetin treatment. Our results show that the administration of docetaxel induced the testicular damage (oxidative stress, testes tissue damage and sperm parameters), and quercetin prevented docetaxel‐induced testicular damage in rats.     

Rutin ameliorates cisplatin‐induced reproductive damage via suppression of oxidative stress and apoptosis in adult male rats

Cisplatin (CP) treatment causes damage in the male reproductive system. Rutin (RUT) is a naturally occurring flavonoid glycoside that has antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate effects of RUT against cisplatin‐induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. Twenty‐one adult male Sprague Dawley rats were used. The control group received physiological saline with oral gavage during 14 days, and physiological saline was injected intraperitoneally (IP) in 10th days of study. CP Group received physiological saline during 14 days, and 10 mg kg^?1 CP was injected IP in 10th day. RUT + CP group received RUT (150 mg kg^?1) during 14 days, and 10 mg kg^?1 CP was injected IP in 10th day. Spermatological parameters (including motility, cauda epididymal sperm density, dead sperm percentage and morphological sperm abnormalities), biochemical (MDA, GSH, GSH‐px, SOD and CAT), histological (H&E dye) and immunochemistry evaluations of testicles were evaluated. CP treatment caused damage on some spermatological parameters, increased the oxidative stress and induced testicular degeneration and apoptosis when compared to the control group. However, RUT treatment mitigates these side effects when compared to the CP alone group. IT is concluded that RUT treatment may reduce CP‐induced reproductive toxicity as a potential antioxidant compound.     

Strontium fructose 1, 6‐diphosphate alleviate cyclophosphamide‐induced oligozoospermia by improving antioxidant and inhibiting testicular apoptosis via FAS/FASL pathway

This study investigated the treatment effects of a new compound, strontium fructose 1, 6‐diphosphate (FDP‐Sr), in cyclophosphamide (CP)‐induced oligozoospermia. FDP‐Sr, with extra high‐energy supply, could reverse male hypogonadism in the testis. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group (vehicle treated), CP group and CP + FDP‐Sr group. Both CP group and CP + FDP‐Sr groups were orally administered CP (20 mg kg^?1) consecutively for the first 7 days to establish CP‐induced testicular toxic models. Subsequently, CP group was given orally distilled water per day, whereas CP + FDP‐Sr group was received FDP‐Sr (200 mg kg^?1) for 49 days. Compared to the CP group, the FDP‐Sr group showed significantly increased levels of serum testosterone, testis relative weights and epididymal sperm counts in rats. In addition, rats treated by FDP‐Sr showed the recuperative activities of testicular marker enzymes and normalised levels of antioxidants in tissue. Testicular protection of FDP‐Sr was further demonstrated by enhancing expression of P450scc, reducing ability of FAS/FASL and generating cytoprotection in the histopathological study. FDP‐Sr appeared to possess an ability to attenuate CP‐induced reproduction toxicity via the activation of antioxidants and steroidogenesis enzymes, and alleviate oligozoospermia via inhibition of testicular apoptosis by FAS/FASL pathway.     

Cisplatin‐induced testicular dysfunction and its amelioration by Launaea taraxacifolia leaf extract

This study investigates the ameliorative potential of Launea taraxacifolia (LT) aqueous leaf extract on cisplatin‐induced testicular dysfunction in Wistar rats. Thirty rats were randomly divided into six groups (A–F) of 5 rats each: Group A which served as control received water; Group B was intraperitoneally (ip) injected 10 mg kg^?1 body wt cisplatin on day 21; Groups C and D were given 100 and 400 mg of LT via oral administration, respectively, for 21 days while Groups E and F received similar treatment as Groups C and D, respectively, and then exposed to ip administration of 10 mg kg^?1 body weight cisplatin on the 21st day. Exclusively, Cisplatin‐exposed Group B rats showed reduced sperm characteristics and increased sperm morphological abnormalities; distorted histological architecture of seminiferous tubules; significantly increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decreased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH)levels in the testes. These parameters in LT alone treated Groups C and D were not markedly different compared with the control group. The rats with the combined treatment in Groups E and F showed significantly improved sperm parameters, testicular histo‐architecture and antioxidant enzymatic activities. Conclusively, aqueous extract of L. taraxacifolia has protective potential against cisplatin damage.     

Hesperidin protects testicular and spermatological damages induced by cisplatin in rats

The clinic usage of cisplatin, an anticancer drug, is limited due to it has many side effects in many systems and organs. In this context, it was aimed to investigate the protective effect of hesperidin, a citrus flavonoid, on testicular and spermatological damages induced by cisplatin in rats. The rats were randomly divided into four groups. The first group was kept as a control. In the second groups, cisplatin was given at the single dose of 7 mg kg^?1 intraperitoneally. In the third group, hesperidin was orally administered at the dose of 50 mg/kg day^?1 for 14 days. In the fourth group, cisplatin and hesperidin were given together at the same doses. Cisplatin treatment caused significant reductions enzymatic (SOD, CAT and GPx) and nonenzymatic (GSH) antioxidants and significant induction level of TBARS. In addition, cisplatin treatment caused decreased sperm motility, epididymal sperm concentration, increased abnormal sperm rate and histopathological damage. In contrast, hesperidin treatment significantly attenuated the harmful effects. In conclusion, this study clearly demonstrated that hesperidin has protective effects on cisplatin‐induced reproductive system toxicity depending on its antioxidant properties. Thus, it is thought that hesperidin may be useful against cisplatin toxicity in patients with cancer in terms of reproductive system.     

Cytoprotective and anti‐apoptotic effects of Satureja khuzestanica essential oil against busulfan‐mediated sperm damage and seminiferous tubules destruction in adult male mice

We studied the protective effect of Satureja khuzestanica essential oil (SKEO) against damage caused by busulfan on testis in male mice. The NMRI mice (n = 40) were assigned to four groups including: G1: control, G2: treated with busulfan for 4 days (3.2 mg kg⁻¹), G3: receive busulfan (4 days, 3.2 mg kg⁻¹) and SKEO (28 days, 225 mg kg⁻¹) at the same time, G4: pre‐treated with SKEO (7 days, 225 mg kg⁻¹) and subsequently cotreated with busulfan (4 days, 3.2 mg kg⁻¹) and SKEO (28 days, 225 mg kg⁻¹). The histological changes of testis were analysed using H&E staining. Sperm parameters, cytotoxic and apoptotic factors were also studied by computer‐aided sperm analyzer, MTT and TUNEL assays respectively. Our results showed that SKEO pre‐administration significantly improved all parameters of epididymal spermatozoa and decreased germinal epithelium destruction following busulfan chemotherapy. We also found lower MTT levels and TUNEL‐positive cells in SKEO pre‐treated groups. In conclusion, SKEO possesses beneficial effects on sperm parameters when taken before chemotherapy and continued during and after chemotherapy for a long time, than when used short‐term coinciding with the chemotherapy. Our results support valuable data about the application of SKEO for protection against adverse effects of busulfan on male genital system in patients under chemotherapy.     

Fish oil,contained in eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid,attenuates testicular and spermatological damage induced by cisplatin in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of the fish oil (FO) supplementation on oxidative stress, sperm characteristics and histological alterations in the male reproductive system of rats against cisplatin (CP) toxicity. The rats were divided randomly into 4 equal groups (control, FO, CP and FO + CP). FO was orally administered at the dose of 1 softgel per rat per day for 14 days and CP was intraperitoneally given at the dose of 7 mg kg^?1 with a single injection. In CP + FO group, they were applicated at the same doses and times. The results showed that CP caused a significant oxidative damage via induction of lipid peroxidation and reduction in the antioxidant defence system potency in the testis tissue. In addition, sperm motility and sperm concentration significantly decreased but the abnormal sperm rate and histopathological testicular damage increased with CP treatment. On the other hand, FO treatment prevented oxidative, histopathological and spermatological effects of CP and reversed side effects of CP. In conclusion, FO supplementation had significant beneficial effects against CP toxicity on male reproductive system and toxic effects of CP can be prevented by FO treatment. Therefore, it appears that fish oil may be useful for the prevention and treatment of cisplatin‐induced reproductive system toxicity.     

Sperm abnormalities induced by pre‐pubertal exposure to cyclophosphamide are effectively mitigated by Moringa oleifera leaf extract

Moringa oleifera L. is a medicinal plant with potential antioxidant property. This study was aimed at investigating the chemoprotective effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOE) on cyclophosphamide (CP)‐induced testicular toxicity. Two‐week‐old male Swiss albino mice were intraperitoneally injected with phosphate‐buffered saline, 50 mg kg^?1 of CP and 25 mg kg^?1 of MOE. In combination treatment, mice were injected with 25 mg kg^?1 of MOE 24 h prior to CP injection, 24 h prior and post‐CP injection and 24 h post‐CP injection for 5 consecutive days (10 mg kg^?1). Six weeks later, mice were sacrificed to assess epididymal sperm parameters. MOE alone did not have any significant effect on sperm parameters. However, acute injection of CP resulted in significant decline in motility (P < 0.001), increase in head abnormality (P < 0.01) and DNA damage (P < 0.05). Combining MOE with CP increased the sperm density, motility and reduced head defect and DNA damage, irrespective of the schedule and dosage of MOE. Administration of MOE prior to CP significantly elevated the level of superoxide dismutase and catalase with concomitant decrease in lipid peroxidation in the testicular tissue. In conclusion, MOE may have potential benefit in reducing the loss of male gonadal function following chemotherapy.     

Ameliorative effect of polydatin on oxidative stress‐mediated testicular damage by chronic arsenic exposure in rats

Arsenic causes lipid peroxidation leading to alterations in antioxidant status in organisms. In this study, the reproductive effects of chronic exposure to arsenic and the protective effects of polydatin (PD) were evaluated in 35 Wistar male rats, which were divided equally into five groups. The control group received a normal diet and tap water, arsenic (100 mg l^?1, approximately 1/50 of oral LD₅₀) was given via drinking water to experimental groups except control group, and PD was orally given to the other groups at dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg kg^?1 for 60 days. Arsenic administration decreased sperm motility, glutathione level, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in testicular tissue of rats. In contrast, malondialdehyde level and DNA damage were found to be high levels in arsenic‐treated group. Histopathologically, it was observed that decreased sperm concentration and degeneration of Sertoli cells in testicular tissue. PD administration, partially 200 mg kg^?1, reversed arsenic‐induced lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, antioxidant enzyme activity and cell integrity in testis of rats. These results demonstrate that PD decreases arsenic‐induced lipid peroxidation, enhances the antioxidant defence mechanism and regenerates tissue damage in testis of rats.     

Mitigation of paracetamol‐induced reproductive damage by chrysin in male rats via reducing oxidative stress

Paracetamol (PRC) is a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug used widely as a painkiller for various diseases and as the symptomatic flu cure in several countries worldwide. PRC toxicity may occur under conditions of the overdose usage. Chrysin (CR) is a flavonoid that is naturally present in several plants, honey and propolis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CR (at the doses of 25 mg kg⁻¹ and 50 mg kg⁻¹) pre‐treatment over seven consecutive days against PRC‐induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. Our results showed that PRC toxicity decreased the sperm motility, and increased dead sperm rate, abnormal sperm cell rate, apoptosis and MDA levels in testicular tissues. Pre‐treatment with CR at the dose of 25 and 50 mg kg⁻¹ for 7 days mitigated side effects of acute PRC toxicity in male reproductive system proportionally in a dose‐dependent manner. This possible protection mechanism might be dependent on the antioxidant activity of CR. In conclusion, pre‐treatment with CR at the dose of 25 and 50 mg kg⁻¹ for 7 days can be the beneficial against PRC‐induced reproductive toxicity proportionally in a dose‐dependent manner.     

Oral administration of Moringa oleifera oil but not coconut oil prevents mercury‐induced testicular toxicity in rats

This study was conducted to compare the effects of administration of coconut oil (CO) and Moringa oleifera oil (MO) on testicular oxidative stress, sperm quality and steroidogenesis parameters in rats treated with mercury chloride (HgCl₂). After 15 days of oral administration of CO (2 ml kg^?1 body weight) and MO (2 ml kg^?1 body weight) along with intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of HgCl₂ (5 mg kg^?1 body weight) alone or in combination, we found that CO treatment did not protect against HgCl₂‐induced poor sperm quality (motility, count) as well as decreased testosterone level and 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β‐HSD) activity. Treatment with CO alone decreased glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activities and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level in rat's testis, whereas MO did not change these parameters. Cotreatment with MO prevented HgCl₂‐induced testicular catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, poor sperm quality and low testosterone level and also blocks the adverse effect of CO+HgCl₂ (2 ml kg^?1 body weight + 5 mg kg^?1 body weight) on the investigated endpoints. In conclusion, MO and not CO decreased the deleterious effects of HgCl₂ on sperm quality and steroidogenesis in rats and also strengthen the antioxidant defence of the testes. Therefore, MO is beneficial as an antioxidant in HgCl₂‐induced oxidative damage.     

Evaluation of the protective effect of quercetin against cisplatin‐induced renal and testis tissue damage and sperm parameters in rats

The protective effect of quercetin on cisplatin‐induced renal and testicular tissue damage was investigated using biochemical, histopathological and histological approaches. A total of 40 male rats were divided into 5 groups as follows: control; cisplatin alone; quercetin alone; cisplatin + quercetin; and quercetin + cisplatin. Cisplatin was administered to rats at a single dose of 7 mg kg^?1 intraperitoneal. Quercetin was administered by gavage daily for 10 days at dosage 50 mg kg^?1. At the end of the study serum, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels and total oxidant status (TOS) were determined. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and xanthine oxidase (XO) were studied separately in serum, renal tissue and testicular tissue. Renal and testicular morphological alterations were assessed, histopathologically. Epididymal sperm concentration, motility and morphology were investigated. Testicular and renal TAC and TOS values did not alter significantly. Renal CAT levels were increased by cisplatin and cisplatin plus quercetin groups that is reversed by administration of quercetin before cisplatin. MDA, CAT, SOD ve XO levels of testicular tissue did not differ significantly. Cisplatin and cisplatin plus quercetin groups had decreased sperm motility ratio and increased abnormal spermatozoa. Quercetin partially reverses some of the cisplatin‐related pathological effects on kidney and testis.     

Melatonin prevents dexamethasone‐induced testicular oxidative stress and germ cell apoptosis in golden hamster,Mesocricetus auratus

This study investigated the protective effect of melatonin on dexamethasone (Dex), an extensively used anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive synthetic glucocorticoid, induced testicular oxidative stress and germ cell apoptosis in golden hamster. Hamsters were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7): group I – control; group II – melatonin treated (10 mg kg^?1 day^?1); group III – Dex treated (7 mg kg^?1 day^?1) and group IV – combination of Dex and melatonin. All the injections were administered intraperitoneally for seven consecutive days. The histopathological changes, specific biochemical markers, including antioxidative enzymes, plasma melatonin level and the markers for germ cell apoptosis were evaluated. Dex administration decreased antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GSH‐P_X), plasma melatonin level and melatonin receptor (MT1) expression with a concomitant increase in lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and altered testicular histopathology which might culminate into increased germ cell apoptosis as evident from increased Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio and caspase‐3 expression. However, melatonin pre‐treatment enhanced enzyme activities for SOD, CAT, GSH‐P_X with a simultaneous decrease in Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio and caspase‐3 expression. Our findings clearly suggest that melatonin improved defence against Dex‐induced testicular oxidative stress and prevented germ cell apoptosis, suggesting a novel combination therapeutic approach for management of male reproductive health.     

Protective effect of Zingiber officinale extract on rat testis after cyclophosphamide treatment

Decreasing the side effects of chemotherapy in testis has been the subjects of many studies. In this study, the protective effects of Zingiber officinale extract on rat testis were investigated after chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide. Histological and biochemical parameters were compared in cyclophosphamide‐treated rats with or without ginger extract intake. Wistar male rats were randomly divided into four groups each 10. The control group received a single injection of 1 ml isotonic saline intraperitoneally. The Cyclophosphamide (CP) group received a single dose of cyclophosphamide (100 mg kg^?1 BW) intraperitoneally. CP + 300 and CP + 600 groups received orally 300 or 600 mg of ginger extract, respectively, for a period of 6 weeks after cyclophosphamide injection. The morphologic and histological structure of the testis was compared in different groups of the rats. Also, factors like malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species, total antioxidant capacity and testosterone level were assessed in blood serum as well. Our results showed that although ginger extract could not change testis weight, malondialdehyde (MDA) and ROS, but antioxidant and testosterone levels in serum were increased significantly. Also, an obvious improved histological change was seen in CP + 300 and CP + 600 groups in comparison with CP group. These protective effects of ginger on rat testis after cyclophosphamide treatment could be attributed to the higher serum level of antioxidants.     

Effects of Cuminum cyminum L. essential oil on some epididymal sperm parameters and histopathology of testes following experimentally induced copper poisoning in mice

Copper overload can cause sperm cell damage by inducing oxidative stress. On the other hand, cumin has a good antioxidant potential. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cumin on sperm quality and testicular tissue following experimentally induced copper poisoning in mice. Forty‐eight mature male mice were divided into four equal groups as follows: group Cu which received 0.1 ml copper sulphate at dose of 100 mg kg^?1, group Cc which received Cuminum cyminum at dose of 1 mg kg^?1, treatment group which received copper sulphate (100 mg kg^?1) and treated with Cuminum cyminum (1 mg kg^?1), and control group which received the same volume of normal saline. Six mice in each group were sacrificed at week 4 and week 6. The results showed that sperm concentration, motility and viability in group Cu were significantly decreased at weeks 4 and 6, and severe degenerative changes were observed in testicular tissues in comparison with the control group. In treatment group, significant improvement in the sperm count, motility and viability, and normal architecture in most seminiferous tubules with organised epithelium was observed compared to the group Cu. The sperm quality parameters in the treatment group approached those of the control group.     

Dose‐dependent effects of ethanol extract of Salvia haematodes Wall roots on reproductive function and copulatory behaviour in male rats

This study was aimed to investigate the dose‐dependent effects of Salvia haematodes Wall roots (SHW) extract on male reproductive function and copulatory behaviour in rats. Sexually mature males were assigned to four groups: control and treated (5, 50 and 300 mg kg^?1 day^?1 for 30 days). At the end of treatment regimes, the reproductive activity viz. body/organ weights, testicular spermatogenesis, daily sperm production rate (DSP) and epididymal sperm counts, and sexual behaviour including mounting latency (ML), mounting frequency (MF), intromission latency (IL), intromission frequency (IF), ejaculation latency (EL), post‐ejaculatory interval (PEI) and penile reflexes (PE) were assessed. Results showed significant increase in body weight (at 300 mg kg^?1), testis/epididymis weights (at 50 and 300 mg kg^?1), testicular spermatids, DSP, tubular diameter and epididymal sperm counts (at 50 and 300 mg kg^?1doses) in treated compared with control rats. It also produced dose‐dependant changes in sexual behaviour. The 5 mg kg^?1 dose of extract increased MF and PE, whereas 50 and 300 kg^?1 doses caused significant increase in MF, IF, PE, EL (but less than sildenafil citrate treatment), hit rate and seminal plug weight. It is concluded that SHW extract enhances anabolic activity, testicular function and sexual behavioural performance in a dose‐dependant manner.     

Gallic acid protects against cyclophosphamide‐induced toxicity in testis and epididymis of rats

The protective role of gallic acid (GA) on reproductive toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide (CPA), an antineoplastic drug, was investigated in male Wistar rats. Sixty rats were grouped into 10 rats per group. Group 1 (control) received distilled water. Rats in groups 2 and 3 received GA alone at 60 and 120 mg kg^?1 for 14 consecutive days, respectively. Group 4 received a single intraperitoneal dose of CPA at 200 mg kg^?1 on day 1. Groups 5 and 6 received a single dose of CPA (200 mg kg^?1) intraperitoneally on day 1 followed by treatment with GA at 60 and 120 mg kg^?1 for 14 consecutive days, respectively. In testes and epididymis of the treated rats, CPA administration resulted in significant elevation (P < 0.05) in malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite and hydrogen peroxide levels. There was a significant decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione‐S‐transferase. Furthermore, there were significant reductions in plasma luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulation hormone (FSH) and testosterone levels, which were accompanied by significant decrease in sperm motility and viability in CPA‐treated rats. Histological examination revealed marked testicular and epididymal atrophy in CPA alone treated rats and these aberrations were reversed by GA. In conclusion, GA has capacity to protect against reproductive toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide.     

Effectiveness of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) bark oil in the prevention of carbon tetrachloride‐induced damages on the male reproductive system

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the likelihood of detrimental effects of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) on male reproductive system through oxidative stress mechanism and also protective effects of cinnamon bark oil (CBO). For this purpose, 28 healthy male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, seven rats in each. Group 1 received only olive oil daily; group 2 was treated with 100 mg kg^?1 CBO daily; group 3 was treated with only 0.25 ml kg^?1 CCl₄ weekly; and group 4 received weekly CCl₄ + daily CBO. All administrations were made by intragastric catheter and maintained for 10 weeks. Body and reproductive organ weights, sperm characteristics, testicular oxidative stress markers and testicular apoptosis were examined. CCl₄ administration caused significant decreases in body and reproductive organ weights, testicular catalase (CAT) activity, sperm motility and concentration, and significant increases in lipid peroxidation (LPO) level, abnormal sperm rate and apoptotic index along with some histopathological damages compared with the control group. However, significant improvements were observed in absolute weights of testis and epididymis, all sperm quality parameters, LPO level, apoptotic index and testicular histopathological structure following the administration of CCl₄ together with CBO when compared to group given CCl₄ only. The findings of this study clearly suggest that CBO has protective effect against damages in male reproductive organs and cells induced by CCl₄.     

Reproductive and toxic effects of methanol extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaf in male rats

Alchornea cordifolia leaf is traditionally used for the treatment of venereal diseases and for the enhancement of fertility throughout its area of distribution in Africa. The effect of oral administration of the methanol extract of the leaf was evaluated on some reproductive and haematological parameters of male rats at 0 (control group), 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1600 mg kg^?1. The toxicity study revealed nonsignificant alterations (P > 0.05) in the values of total and differential white blood cell count, but the erythrocyte count, packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and haematometric indices were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) at 1600 mg kg^?1 dose. Markers of hepatic damage (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) and renal damage (urea and creatinine) were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) at 800 and 1600 mg kg^?1. The bioactivity (reproductive) study revealed significant increases (P < 0.05) in testicular weight, sperm count and motility, and serum testosterone levels, at the 200 and 400 mg kg^?1. The study concludes that the extract of Alchornea cordifolia leaves has toxic potential at 800 mg kg^?1 and 1600 mg kg^?1 doses, but is safe and has beneficial effects on male reproduction when used at doses equal to or lower than 400 mg kg^?1.