Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Apium graveolens on Semen Quality and Spermatogenesis in Subchronic Toxicity by Diazinon in Rats

Infertility is one of the most important health problems in developing countries. Long-term exposure to organophosphate insecticides can affect semen quality. This study aimed to investigate the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Apium graveolens on semen quality and spermatogenesis in subchronic exposure to diazinon in rats.

This study was conducted on 30 male Wistar rats. The rats were divided into five groups. The rats in group1 (control) did not receive any treatment, those group 2 (sham) were given corn oil and saline (500 µL). Group 3 consisted of rats received diazinon (16 mg/kg body weight). Rats in group 4 and 5 were treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extract of Apium graveolens and Diazinon, respectively. The number, motility, and viability of sperms were determined after two months, and tissue sections were stained by hematoxylin-eosin after the fixation of testis. The findings of this study showed that the number and motility of sperms significantly decreased in diazinon group, compared to sham group (P<0.001). The number of sperm remarkably increased in the group that received diazinon and high dose of Apium graveolens extract in comparison with diazinon group (P<0.001). The number of primary spermatocytes and spermatids increased in dose of 200 mg/kg of Apium graveolens extract (P<0.05). In addition, low-dose Apium graveolens extract (100 mg/kg) could significantly increase the sperms motility, compared to diazinon group (P<0.001).

Discussion & It seems Apium graveolens extract can improve sperm quality, as well as spermatogenesis against diazinon toxicity.