Evaluation of the protective effects of Stachys lavandulifoliaVahl. on ethanol induced testicular damages in Wistarrats

This study was aimed to examine the effects of Stachys lavandulifolia extract (SL) on ethanol-induced testicular damages. In the current study, 24 male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: control, ethanol (5 g kg -10) and ethanol (5 g kg -1) + SL (500 mg kg-1) group and SL (500 mg kg-1). After the treatment for 4 weeks, mean seminiferous tubule diameter (MSTD) and Johnsen’s mean testicular biopsy score (MTBS) criteria were used for histological evaluation. In addition, sperm parameters including sperm count and motility were analyzed. Our data indicate that ethanol administration caused a significant decrease in the sperm count and motility in the ethanol group but SL ameliorated this reduction in SL + ethanol group. Moreover, both MSTD and MTBS values were decreased in the ethanol-treated rats. However, administration of ethanol together with SL resulted in significant improvements in both of these values. In conclusion, our study revealed that the reproductive toxicity was caused by ethanol may be prevented by SL treatment