Ameliorating Effect of Ziziphora Tenuior Hydro-Alcoholic Extract against Reprotoxic Effects of Formaldehyde in Male Mice

摘要

Background: Ziziphora tenuior extract has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumorigenic properties. In the present study the protective effect of Ziziphora tenuior extract (ZTE) against formaldehyde (FA) sperm toxicity was evaluated. Methods: Thirty male mice (6-8 weeks old) were allotted to five random groups (n=6) including vehicle (distilled water) and control which received intraperitoneal (IP) injection of FA (10 mg/kg). The other experimental groups were received IP injection of FA plus 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg of ZTE, respectively. This trial was continued for 35 days. Then sperm evaluation parameters (count, viability and motility), leydig cell number and serum testosterone level were assessed. The statistical analyses were done using SPSS, version 17, and the data are presnted as means ± SEMs. Statistical difference was evaluated using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the post hoc LSD test. Results: ZTE with dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg increased leydig cell number and testosterone level in comparison with control group which had received FA (P0.001). Also, sperm count, motility, viability and histological structure were improved. Conclusion: ZTE may provide protective effects against detrimental effects of FA in male mice.