Black Mulberry (Morus Nigra L.) juice has positive effects on spermatological parameters in male New Zealand White rabbits

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the possible effects of black mulberry juice (BMJ) consumption on spermatologic parameters, oxidant/antioxidant activity, and seminal plasma testosterone concentrations of male rabbits. Twenty-four healthy adult New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 6). By oral gavage, 3.0 mL of distilled water, 0.75 mL BMJ + 2.25 distilled water, 1.50 mL BMJ + 1.5 mL distilled water, and 3 mL BMJ per 1 kg body weight were given daily for 9 weeks to rabbits in the C, LD, MD, and HD groups, respectively. Ejaculates were taken at the beginning and end of the experiments. Progressive motility, sperm concentration, and intact sperm rates were significantly increased especially in MD and HD groups. A significant decrease in malondialdehyde concentrations was apparent due to BMJ consumption. Moreover, there was a marked increase in catalase and glutathione peroxidase levels in the seminal plasma of the MD and HD groups. The current results indicated that, although seminal plasma protein levels and seminal plasma glutathione levels were not altered, overall oral BMJ treatments were able to improve sperm quality and antioxidant states of the male rabbits.