Cyperus esculentus L. (tigernut) mitigates high salt diet-associated testicular toxicity in Wistar rats by targeting testicular steroidogenesis,oxidative stress and inflammation

High salt diet (HSD) impairs testicular function via oxidative stress. Cyperus esculentus contains antioxidants and improves testicular function. We investigated the protective effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of Cyperus esculentus on testicular function in HSD-fed Wistar rats. Twenty-five male Wistar rats (125–135 g) 8–9 weeks old were divided into five groups (n = 5): control, HSD-fed (8 % NaCl in feed), extract-treated (500 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹), HSD-fed +500 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ of extract and HSD-fed +1,000 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ of extract groups. Treatment lasted for 6 weeks. HSD decreased (p < .05) sperm parameters and serum reproductive hormones levels, while Cyperus esculentus extract improved (p < .05) sperm parameters, and serum testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in HSD-fed rats. The extract upregulated intra-testicular testosterone level and activities of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and 17β-HSD, downregulated malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, and exhibited a dose-dependent decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines, upregulation of activities of enzymatic antioxidants and increase in total antioxidant capacity in testes of HSD-fed rats. The extract at both doses improved Johnsen's score, Leydig and Sertoli cell counts and seminiferous tubular diameter in HSD-fed rats. Cyperus esculentus exhibited a dose-dependent mitigation of HSD-associated testicular dysfunction by targeting testicular steroidogenesis, oxidative stress and inflammation.