The protective effect of Withania somnifera against oxidative damage caused by ethanol in the testes of adult male rats

Abstract

Background: To investigate the effect of Withania somnifera (WS) in preventing the damage caused by alcohol on testis. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups. Group A-control, Group B-WS 200 mg orally, Group C-alcohol 4 g/kg orally, and Group D-WS + alcohol. The sperm parameters were examined. Testicular tissues were examined for biochemical (glutathione [GSH] peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde [MDA]) analysis, and histopathological changes. Results: Biochemical parameters revealed tissue oxidative stress in alcohol group which was evidenced as increase in MDA level and reduction in CAT and GSH activities in testes which was reduced in co-treatment group. WS significantly reduced alcohol-induced sperm shape abnormality and sperm count. The alcohol-induced changes in histopathologic findings were partially reversed by treatment with WS. Conclusion: These observations suggest that the antioxidant property of WS might have contributed for its ability to ameliorate the testicular toxicity caused by alcohol.

Effect of Rourea coccinea on ethanol‐induced male infertility in Wistar albino rats

“…On the other hand, on the reproductive organs, the treatment extract restored ethanol‐induced atrophy on the testicles, epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate. Similar observations reported in literature (Akomolafe et al., 2015, 2017; Bhargavan et al., 2015; Jang et al., 2011). This loss of sex organ weight observed in the rats ethanol group may be due to reduced bioavailability of sex hormones such as testosterone, luteinising hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone and inhibin B, whose levels in the blood indicate the male's reproductive endocrine status (Schrader & Marlow, 2014).…”

“…This study aimed the evaluation of the effect of the hydro‐ethanolic extract of Rourea coccinea leaves on the toxic effects induced by ethanol on the parameters of testicular activity of Wistar rats. The results obtained established compared to some data in the literature that treatment ethanol of Wistar rats induced toxic effects on reproductive organs, sperm profile and testosteronemia (Adaramoye & Arisekola, 2013; Akomolafe, Akindahunsi, & Afolayan, 2017; Asuquo, Edagha, Ekaundem, & Peter., 2020; Bhargavan et al., 2015; Biney et al., 2020; Jang et al., 2011; Oremosu & Akang, 2014). On these parameters, the hydro‐ethanolic extract of the leaves of Rourea coccinea tested restored these different alterations of testicular activity.…”

Effects ofWithania somniferaon Reproductive System: A Systematic Review of the Available Evidence

“…Based on the present study, it was shown that extracts of WS fruits, leaves, stems, and especially roots enhance sperm quality indices such as motility and count in men [ 12 , 20 , 24 , 25 ] and also decrease the effects of chemical toxins on gonads in both men and women [ 13 , 15 , 29 , 33 – 38 , 41 , 44 , 45 , 59 ]. WS can increase gonadal weight in both sexes, enhance folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis, and improve LH, FSH, and testosterone balances [ 15 , 27 , 31 , 35 , 36 , 38 , 42 , 44 , 45 ].…”

“…In animal studies, WS is known to have gonadotropic function which increases gonadal weight by growthing follicles size in female and also increasing seminiferous tubular cell layers in male animals [ 27 , 28 , 31 , 33 , 35 , 37 , 41 , 57 – 59 ]. WS is found to improve spermatogenic activity which is proposed to be due to supporting hypothalamic-hypophysial-gonadal hormonal axis and testosterone balance in testes [ 15 , 31 , 42 ].…”

Testicular Dysfunction Ameliorative Effect of the Methanolic Roots Extracts of Maytenus procumbens and Ozoroa paniculosa

“…In this study, effect of the methanolic roots extracts of M. procumbens and O. paniculosa in butanol-induced testicular dysfunction in male rats is reported. Alcohol intoxication is linked to decreased serum levels of testosterone, loss of spermatogenic activity, and testicular atrophy [ 20 , 21 ]. Testosterone synthesis is key to the development of male secondary sexual characteristics and enhancement of sexual desire and also in sperms production [ 22 ].…”