Preventive effects of Aframomum melegueta extracts on the reproductive complications of propylthiouracil‐induced hypothyroidism in male rat

Recent studies have demonstrated that hypothyroidism is associated with infertility. This work was undertaken to evaluate the protective effects of Aframomum melegueta on testicular functions and fertility of hypothyroid male rats. Male rats were orally treated with propylthiouracil (PTU: 10 mg/kg) in combination with plant aqueous or methanol seed extract (20 and 100 mg/kg) for 56 days. Vitamin E and clomiphene citrate served as positive controls. On day 47 of treatment, each male was mated with two adult females for fertilization potential evaluation. At the end of the treatment, genital sex organ weights, sperm characteristics, testicular histology, oxidative status, plasmatic hormones and fertility potential were evaluated. Results indicated that PTU created hypothyroidism characterised by a significant increase in TSH with reduction of T3 and T4. PTU also lowered genital sex organ weights, sperm count, viability and motility, plasmatic levels of luteinising hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone and testosterone, and increased prolactin, cholesterol and testicular oxidative stress. Alteration in sperm morphology, testis and epididymis histology, and fertilization potential was also noticed. Co‐administration with A. melegueta extracts successfully reversed PTU‐induced infertility without any effect on thyroid hormones. These results provide evidence that A. melegueta has a protective effect on fertility in hypothyroid condition.     

Biphasic effect of Syzygium aromaticum flower bud on reproductive physiology of male mice

The flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) have been used for the treatment of male sexual disorders in indigenous medicines of Indian subcontinent. Therefore to evaluate the efficacy of Syzygium aromaticum on the male reproductive health, chronic oral exposure of aqueous extract of flower buds of Syzygium in three doses (15 mg, 30 mg and 60 mg kg^?1 BW) were studied for a single spermatogenic cycle (35 days) in Parkes (P) strain mice. Lower dose (15 mg) of Syzygium aromaticum flower buds increased serum testosterone level and testicular hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) activities and improved sperm motility, sperm morphology, secretory activity of epididymis and seminal vesicle, and number of litters per female. On the other hand, higher doses (30 and 60 mg) of the treatment adversely affected above parameters. Further, higher doses of the extract also had adverse effects on daily sperm production, 1C cell population and on histology of testis. In conclusion, Syzygium aromaticum flower buds extract exhibits biphasic effect on reproductive physiology of male mice. Lower dose of Syzygium aromaticum flower bud extract is androgenic in nature and may have a viable future as an indigenous sexual rejuvenator, while higher doses adversely affected functional physiology of reproductive organs.     

Effect of rutin on diabetic‐induced erectile dysfunction: Possible involvement of testicular biomarkers in male rats

The present study aimed to investigate effects of rutin on diabetic‐induced impairments of sexual behaviour, spermatogenesis and oxidative testicular damage. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of STZ (65 mg/kg) in male adult Wistar rats. Two weeks later, rutin (50 and 100 mg kg^?1 day^?1) was treated to normal and diabetic rats for 5 weeks. Sexual behaviour of the animals was observed by taking stimulus females. At the end of the study, sperm count, motility and viability were recorded. Serum levels of glucose, inflammatory markers and testosterone were also estimated. In penile tissue, cGMP levels were measured, while lipid peroxidation and antioxidant molecules and enzyme activities were determined. Finally, histopathological changes were evaluated in a cross‐section of testis. Diabetic‐induced alterations in male sexual behaviour and sperm count, motility and viability were markedly corrected following 5 weeks of rutin treatment to the diabetic animals. Rutin also attenuated the inhibited serum testosterone and penile cGMP content, while improved diabetic‐associated inflammation and testicular lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. Histopathological evaluation revealed damaged testicular tissues in diabetic rats, which was protected following rutin treatment. In conclusion, treatment with rutin improved sexual functionality and also protects against diabetic‐induced testicular damage.     

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.     

Protective role of Diospyros lotus on cisplatin‐induced changes in sperm characteristics,testicular damage and oxidative stress in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Diospyros lotus (DL) on cisplatin (CP)‐induced testicular damage in male rats. Twenty‐eight male rats were randomly divided into four groups: group 1 – control, given isotonic saline solution; group 2 – CP 7 mg kg⁻¹ given intraperitoneally as single dose; group 3 – DL 1000 mg kg⁻¹ per day given orally for 10 days; group 4 – CP and DL given together at the same doses. CP caused a significant increase in thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) level and a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) levels in rats testis tissues compared to the control group. CP caused a significant increase in lipid peroxidation in testis tissues compared to the control group, whereas DL led to a significant increase in SOD and GSH levels. However, there were no statistically significant changes in GPx and CAT levels. In addition, serum testosterone levels, sperm concentration and sperm motility were significantly decreased, but abnormal sperm rate and histological changes were increased with CP. However, these effects of CP on sperm parameters, histological changes and the tissue weights were eliminated by DL treatment. In conclusion, our study showed that the reproductive toxicity caused by CP may be prevented by DL treatment.     

Effect of kolaviron,a biflavonoid complex from Garcinia kola seeds,on the antioxidant,hormonal and spermatogenic indices of diabetic male rats

The antihyperglycaemic effect of kolaviron (KV), a biflavonoid from Garcinia kola has been established in previous studies. In this study, we investigated the effect of KV (200 mg kg^?1) on the antioxidant, hormonal and spermatogenic indices of alloxan‐diabetic male rats, and metformin hydrochloride (MET) (30 mg kg^?1) served as standard drug. The results showed that KV and MET significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the fasting blood glucose of the diabetic rats. Also, untreated and MET‐treated diabetic groups had significantly (P < 0.05) lower body‐weight gain and relative weights of testes. In addition, epididymal sperm abnormalities were increased, whereas sperm count, motility, testicular protein and sialic acid were decreased in untreated diabetic group. Also, antioxidant parameters, reduced glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione‐S‐transferase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in the testes with a concomitant increase in lipid peroxidation in untreated diabetic group. Furthermore, untreated diabetic group had significantly (P < 0.05) lower levels of testosterone, luteinising and follicle‐stimulating hormones relative to controls. Treatment with KV restored the relative weights of testes, activities of antioxidant enzymes, sperm and hormonal indices of the diabetic animals. This study demonstrated the role of KV to promote fertility in diabetic male rats by enhancing the hormonal and antioxidant status of the rats.     

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.     

Standardised extract of safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) increases aphrodisiac potential besides being safe in male Wistar rats

The standardised extract of root of safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) was evaluated for its aphrodisiac potential and safety profile on reproductive system. Wistar albino rats were trained to provide sexual experience under a dim red light (10 W) in a glass tank. Male and female rats were placed periodically in the glass tank in a particular order, that is male followed by introduction of the receptive female. Dosing of extract was carried out for 54 days at 125 and 250 mg kg^?1 p.o to male rats. On 14th and 28th days, the animals were observed from the cage side for sexual behaviours. Safed musli at both dose levels enhanced sexual vigour and libido which might be useful for treatment of sexual dysfunction in male till 28th day. Safety profile was assessed after 54 days of drug treatment, where both doses showed an increase in sperm count and increase in sperm motility. Thus, it can be stated that both doses possessed the spermatogenic potential, which would be highly beneficial in treating oligospermia or low sperm count. After 54 days of study, there was increase in sperm abnormality (%) at both doses, but not more than 10%, which indicated that this formulation will not induce infertility.     

Protective effects of Fumaria parviflora L. on lead‐induced testicular toxicity in male rats

In recent years, the clinical importance of herbal drugs has received considerable attention in reducing free radical‐induced tissue injury. Oxidative stress has been proposed as a possible mechanism involved in lead toxicity that causes reproductive system failure in both human and animals. Fumaria parviflora L., a traditional herb, has been used to cure various ailments in Persian folk medicine. This study was carried out to investigate whether ethanolic extract of F. parviflora leaves could protect the male rats against lead‐induced testicular oxidative stress. Adult Wistar rats were treated with 0.1% lead acetate in drinking water with or without 200 mg kg day^?1 F. parviflora extract via gavage for 70 days. Lead acetate treatment resulted in significant reduction in testis weight, seminiferous tubules diameter, epididymal sperm count, serum testosterone level, testicular content of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Moreover, significant elevation was observed in content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in lead‐treated rats. However, co‐administration of F. parviflora extract showed a significant increase in selected reproductive parameters in lead‐treated rats. The results indicated that ethanolic extract of F. parviflora leaves has a potential to restore the suppressed reproduction associated with lead exposure and prevented lead‐induced testicular toxicity in male Wistar rats.     

Bioefficacy of hydromethanolic extract of tuber of Chlorophytum borivilianum (Safed Musli) for the management of male infertility in cyproterone acetate‐treated albino rats

Increase in male sexual dysfunction, and its treatment with conventional aphrodisiac drugs with side effects lead to investigate the spermatogenesis and androgenesis augmentative efficacy of hydromethanolic (40 : 60) extract of root of Chlorophytum borivilianum (family – Liliaceae) against cyproterone acetate‐induced subfertility in Wistar strain male albino rat. For this purpose, experimental rats were divided into three treatment groups: vehicle (received distilled water), cyproterone acetate (gastric intubation at 250 mg kg^?1 twice daily for 35 days) and cyproterone acetate plus root extract of C. borivilianum (gastric intubation at 250 mg kg^?1 plus 400 mg kg^?1 with an interval of 20 min twice daily for 35 days). After 35‐day treatment, all rats were euthanised. Reproductive deviations towards negative side were investigated by screening the spermatogenic and steroidogenic biosensors. Oxidative stress profile in reproductive organs and sperm pellet was evaluated by biochemical assessment of antioxidative enzyme activities and level of end products of the lipid peroxidation. Apoptosis profile was evaluated by Western blot study, TUNEL assay and DNA fragmentation study of testicular tissues. Evaluation of toxicity profile was included for experimental investigation. After cyproterone acetate treatment, the pituitary–testicular axis was deviated towards the negative side and its tuning system was affected by oxidative stress and apoptosis‐mediated process, which reduced the quality of semen and finally led to subfertility. Co‐administration of C. borivilianum root extract enhanced male reproductive potentiality and prevented the negative deviations after the treatment with cyproterone acetate by means of increasing oxidative defence and maintaining homeostasis in testicular apoptosis process.     

Ethanol‐induced male infertility: Effects of aqueous leaf extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum

This study investigated the effects of Tetracarpidium conophorum leaf extract on infertility induced by ethanol in male rats. Thirty rats were randomly divided into six groups of five animals each: Group 1 (positive control) received 0.9% saline only; Group 2 (ethanol alone) were given only 30% ethanol orally at 7 ml/kg body weight per day, thrice in a week; groups 3, 4 and 5 were given ethanol and co‐treated with 50, 500 and 1,000 mg/kg body weight of leaf extract, respectively, while Group 6 was given ethanol and co‐treated with a fertility drug, clomiphene citrate. Ethanol treatment resulted in significant (p < .05) decrease in LDH activity, G‐6PDH activity, glycogen content, 3β and 17β HSD activities and testicular and epididymal Zn and Se contents and furthermore decrease in testicular sperm count, viability and marked increment in total sperm abnormalities, rate of sperm analysis parameters and consequently decreased reproductive hormone levels. Interestingly, co‐administration of ethanol with either T. conophorum extract or drug almost ameliorated the toxic assault imposed by ethanol on reproductive organs and improved seminal qualities of the rats.     

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.     

Recovery of lead‐induced suppressed reproduction in male rats by testosterone

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of testosterone in recuperation of lead‐induced suppressed reproduction in adult male rats. Lead acetate was administered orally to adult male rats (95 ± 5 days) at dosage level of 0.05 and 0.15% for 55 days through drinking water and injected intraperitoneally with either testoviron depot at a dose of 4.16 mg kg^?1 body weight or vehicle alone on days 1, 7 and 14 respectively. At the end of treatment, control and treated males were cohabited with untreated normal‐cycling females. After cohabitation for 5 days, all the male rats were killed and weights of reproductive organs were determined. Significant increase in the indices of testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles, vas deferens and prostate glands was observed in testosterone (T)‐treated rats when compared to those of lead‐exposed rats. Testosterone treatment significantly increased epididymal sperm count, motile spermatozoa, viable spermatozoa and HOS tail‐coiled spermatozoa and also the activity levels of testicular 3β‐ and 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases when compared to those of lead‐exposed males. From the results, it can be hypothesised that supplementation of testosterone mitigated lead‐induced suppressed reproduction in male rats.     

Protective effects of Artocarpus altilis (Moraceae) on cadmium‐induced changes in sperm characteristics and testicular oxidative damage in rats

Cadmium (Cd) is a major environmental toxicant and an endocrine disruptor. We investigated the protective effects of methanol extract of Artocarpus altilis (AA) against Cd‐induced testicular damage in rats while quercetin (Que) served as standard. The total flavonoids and phenolic contents (TFC and TPC), 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl (OH) radicals scavenging activities of AA were determined. In vivo, thirty male Wistar rats were assigned to six groups and orally treated with corn oil (control), Cd alone, Cd+Que, Cd+AA, Que and AA alone. Que and AA were given at doses of 25 and 200 mg kg^?1, respectively, for 3 weeks and challenged with two doses of Cd (1.5 mg kg^?1). Results showed that TFC and TPC of AA increased with increase in concentration. AA scavenged DPPH and OH radicals in a dose‐dependent manner. Administration of Cd significantly increased the relative weight of testis of rats. Lipid peroxidation was significantly increased while antioxidant parameters decreased in testis of Cd‐treated rats. Also, Cd‐treated rats had significantly reduced sperm count, motility, sialic acid, luteinising hormone and testosterone relative to controls. Pre‐treatment with AA or Que significantly attenuated the biochemical alterations observed in Cd‐treated rats. Overall, AA protects against Cd‐induced testicular damage via antioxidative mechanism.     

Effect of Kaempferia parviflora on sexual performance in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic male rats

Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex.Baker or Krachidum (KP) has been used locally in medicine and food. It has been claimed that KP has aphrodisia properties; however, no scientific data in support of this function in diabetic model have been reported. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of KP on sexual behaviour and sperm parameter in streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic male rats. Diabetes was induced in twenty male rats by STZ and divided into four groups: diabetic control group, and 3 treatment groups where KP was dose at 140, 280 and 420 mg/kg orally once a day for 6 weeks. Five normal control rats were treated with vehicle. The body weight, blood glucose, food intake, epididymal sperm parameter, sexual behaviour and serum testosterone level were evaluated. The results showed that KP treatment has no effect on the body weight, blood glucose and food intake in diabetic rats. A significant increase in sperm density in diabetic rats was observed (p < .05) at highest dose of KP. Furthermore, KP treatment demonstrated a significant recovery of sexual behaviour and serum testosterone levels in diabetic rats. These results confirm that KP exhibits aphrodisiac properties that improve the sperm density, testosterone level and sexual performance of STZ‐induced diabetic rats.     

Tropaeolum tuberosum (Mashua) reduces testicular function: effect of different treatment times

Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruiz & Pavon, along with other several species, is an edible-tuber crop that grows in the Andean region. Folk medicine describes the use of mashua to reduce reproductive function in men. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of mashua (1 g kg⁻¹) on sperm production in rats during 7, 12, 21 and 42 days of treatment. The following parameters were assessed: reproductive organ weights, spermatid count and daily sperm production (DSP), sperm count in epididymis and sperm transit and serum testosterone levels. Freeze-dried extract of mashua had 3.7 g 100 g⁻¹ of benzyl glucosinolate. Mashua-treated rats showed a reduction in testicular spermatid number and DSP from day 12 to day 42; meanwhile, the effect of mashua was noted in epididymal sperm count after 12 and 42 days of treatment. In addition, epididymal sperm transit time was delayed at day 7 and it was accelerated on days 12 and 21 of treatment. No differences in serum testosterone levels were found between rats treated with vehicle and mashua after 42 days of treatment. Finally, mashua reduces testicular function after one spermatogenic cycle by reducing spermatid and sperm number, DSP and epididymal sperm transit time.     

Protective efficiency of Ashrasi date palm hydroalcoholic extract against diabetes‐induced testicular toxicity: A biochemical and stereological study

The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Ashrasi date palm (ADP) on diabetes‐induced testicular injuries. Adult male rats were randomly allocated into five groups (n = 8 in each group): 1: control; 2: diabetic; 3: diabetic + 30 mg/kg of ADP extract; 4: diabetic + 90 mg/kg of ADP extract; and 5: diabetic + 270 mg/kg of ADP extract. Diabetes was induced by a single dose of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Testicular changes were assessed quantitatively using stereological method followed by measuring antioxidant enzymes including catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and serum testosterone level. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Bcl‐2 expression were also evaluated in tissue samples. Diabetes resulted in significant deleterious alterations in the architecture of testicular tissue, suppressed antioxidant enzymes and testosterone levels and increased lipid peroxidation. The expression of Bcl‐2 was downregulated in diabetic testis and resulted in enhanced apoptosis. Eight weeks of ADP extract treatment especially at higher doses could markedly improve structural changes of testis and restore the antioxidant defence and testosterone levels in testicular tissue. In conclusion, this findings showed that ADP extract can play as a potent antioxidant and can attenuate the adverse effects of diabetes on male reproduction.     

In vivo effects of Rauvolfia vomitoria (Apocynaceae) ethanolic extract on sexual performance and reproductive activity in male rats

Plants and plant-derived products have a long history in the treatment of sexual disorders. Rauvolfia vomitoria is one of such plant used traditionally for the enhancement of male sexual and reproductive activity. This study was carried out to elucidate the potential activity of R. vomitoria ethanolic extract on sexual behaviour and male reproductive function. Twenty-five male rats were assigned to five groups and orally treated with distilled water (control), sildenafil citrate (standard) and R. vomitoria ethanolic extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg BW) for 22 days. Sexual behaviour parameters such as mount latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), ejaculation latency (EL), mount frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), ejaculation frequency (IF) and post-ejaculatory interval (PEI) were recorded at day 0, 1, 8, 15 and 22. The reproductive function including reproductive organ weights, testicular histology and sperm parameters was also assessed. Results showed enhancement in sexual behaviour through significant reduction (p < .01) in ML, IL and PEI and significant increase (p < .01) in EL, MF IF and EF. The extract also caused an increase in sperm count, motility and transit. Present findings demonstrate the ability of R. vomitoria ethanolic extract to improve male sexual behaviour and reproductive activity in rats.     

Isoflavones and their effects on the onset of puberty in male Wistar rats

This study was performed to determine how two of the most important isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, affect the gonadal axis in male prepuberal rats. One hundred and seventy‐five prepuberal male Wistar rats were allocated into seven groups: one control group and six experimental groups that were orally administered a high or low dose of genistein, daidzein or a mixture of both. Testosterone determination was assayed by EIA. The testes and body weights were measured, and the histology of the epididymis with the sperm content and epididymal sperm count were evaluated. In the control group, we observed an increase in the serum testosterone levels (>2.5 ng ml^?1) at the third week (52 days), which corresponded to the onset of puberty in these rats. The same increase in serum testosterone levels was observed at the fourth week in rats that received low doses of isoflavones; therefore, we concluded that the onset of puberty was delayed. At high doses, there was no significant increase in testosterone levels, which could be related to the fact that these male rats did not reach puberty. These findings were supported by the results obtained from the analysis of the epididymal content as well as the testes/body weight ratio.     

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.