Effects of cell phone radiation on testosterone levels and testicular changes in rats treated with garlic (Allium sativum L.) hydroalcoholic extract

Abstract

Electromagnetic waves can damage sex organs and cause hormonal disorders, and garlic isknown to reduce risk factors for various diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate theprobable effects of mobile phone radiation and the consumption of garlic on testosterone levelsand testicular changes. Five groups of rats were used: control, sham (exposed to 900 MHzwavelength), experimental group 1 (receiving garlic extract), and experimental groups 2 and 3(receiving both extract and microwaves). After a month, the rats were weighed and their serumtestosterone levels were measured. The testes were also removed, weighed, and theirprobable histological changes were studied.The mean body weight in the sham groupshowed a significant decrease, whereas an increase was seen in experimental group 3 comparedwith the sham (P<0.05). Mean plasma testosterone levels in experimental groups 2 and 3 weredecreased. Similarly, a decrease was seen in the number of Leydig cells in the testes ofexperimental groups. Although microwaves can cause weight loss, the presence of allicinand vitamins A and B in garlic can compensate for some of this weight loss. Microwaves andgarlic extract are reflected both in the number of Leydig cells and in serum testosteroneconcentration. These changes might be attributed to the induction of heat, non-specificstresses, and apoptosis. However, some of these overlapping effects are synergistic and othersare antagonistic; thus, garlic consumption is not always beneficial in reducing the deleteriouseffects of cell phones.