Abstract

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ALLIUM SATIVUM JUICE AND OIL WITH VITAMIN E AGAINST TESTICULAR TOXICITY IN RATS

Shalaby MA* and Hammoda AA

ABSTRACT

The protective effect of Allium sativum juice (ASJ) and oil (ASO) given alone and concomitantly with vitamin E (Vit E) was assessed against sodium valproate (SVP)-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Forty two sexually mature male rats were randomized into 6 groups (n=7). Group 1 was negative control and group 2 (intoxicated control) was orally given SVP during the last week of experiment to induce testicular toxicity. Groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 were orally pretreated with ASJ (400 mg/kg), ASO (40 mg/kg), ASJ with Vit E (100 mg/kg) and ASO with Vit E, respectively, and then intoxicated by SVP. Weights of sexual organs, serum testosterone (T), FSH and LH levels, semen analysis, activity of testicular antioxidant enzymes and histopathology of testes were the parameters used in this study. The results showed that oral administration of ASJ and ASO concurrently with Vit E antagonized the decrease in weights of testes and seminal vesicles, the poor sperm quality and quantity and the decrease in serum T, FSH and LH levels induced by SVP. There were also increases in testicular antioxidant enzymes activity and mitigation of testicular degeneration induced by SVP. In conclusion, oral administration of ASJ and ASO with Vit E produces protective and antioxidant effects in SVP-intoxicated rats. The protective effect could be attributed to the increase in testosterone secretion and enhancement of testicular antioxidant activity. Therefore, intake of Allium sativum in food with vitamin E as a dietary supplement may be beneficial for male patients suffering from low fertility.

Keywords: Allium sativum juice, Allium sativum oil, Vitamin E, Testis, Sperm, Testosterone