The Ameliorative Effects of Achillea millefolium InflorescenceHydro Alcoholic Extract on Sperm Parameters in MaleRats Exposed to Diethyl-Hexyl–Phthalate

Esters of phthalates, particularly di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) generally utilized in plastic industry are environmental hazardous pollutants, has toxic effects on body systems, including reproductive system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Achillea millefolium on rats’ sperm exposed to DEHP.

In this study, 45 male rats were randomly divided into 9 groups. 1- Control, 2- sham, received corn oil, 3- received 75mg/kg/day hydro alcoholic extract of Achillea millefolium inflorescence, 4- Low-dose diethyl-hexyl–phthalate (DEHP1), 5- Low-dose diethyl-hexyl–phthalate+Achillea millefolium, (DEHP1+A) 6- Medium-dose diethyl-hexyl–phthalate (DEHP2), 7- Medium-dose diethyl-hexyl–phthalate + Achillea millefolium, (DEHP2+A) 8- High-dose diethyl-hexyl–phthalate (DEHP3), 9- High-dose diethyl-hexyl–phthalate + Achillea millefolium (DEHP3+A). All of groups except the control group were treated by gavage for 40 days. After euthanized, the epididymal sperms are collected to investigate the sperm parameters. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests.

di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate significantly (P<0.05) decreased the sperm parameters including, count, viability, motility and maturation of the nucleus and significantly increased the breakage of sperm nuclear DNA in comparison to control group. Achillea millefolium inflorescence hydro alcoholic extract had a positive effect on these parameters.

More likely Achillea millefolium inflorescence hydro alcoholic extract has antioxidant effects thus reduces the injurious effects of di-ethylhexyl phthalate on sperm parameters.