The Effects of Hydro-alcoholic Extracts of Allium sativum L. and Orchismaculata L. on Spermatogenesis Index and Testosterone Level in Cyclophosphamide-treated Rats

Abstract

Background:One of the most common side effects of cyclophosphamide (CP) is oligo-spermatozoa, azoospermia and elimination of spermatogenic cycles. This study was done to find the efficacy of simultaneous consumption of garlic (Allium sativum L.) and orchid (Orchismaculata L.) hydroalcoholic extracts on spermatogenesis and sex hormones in rats treated with CP. Methods:Forty-two male rats were divided into the six groups: control, sham, CP (5 mg/kg), garlic (10 mg/kg) + CP, orchid (40 mg/kg) + CP, garlic+ orchid + CP. All of the agents were administered through oral gavage for 28 days. Results: The number of sperms increased in garlic+ CP and orchid+ CP groups. The percentage of sperm forward motility increased in groups receiving garlic, orchid, and garlic +orchid compared with the group that received only CP. Antioxidant total capacity and testosterone level showed significant increases in garlic+ orchid, garlic and orchid groups respectively compared with the group that received only CP (p <0.05). Also, the tissue and serum malondialdehyde levels reduced in the group received garlic +orchid compared with the group that received only CP. Conclusion:Garlic and orchid could increase the number and the motility of sperms, index of sertoli cell, antioxidant capacity and serum testosterone level.