Protective Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Melissa Officinalis L. on Ethanol-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Melissa officinalis (MO) is a medicinal plant and is a rich source of antioxidant and phenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of Melissa officinalis against ethanol induced sub-chronic testicular toxicity in male Wistar rats.

Ethanol extract of MO was prepared and total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined. The Animals were divided into seven groups: control (treated with normal saline), ethanol (10 mg/kg,ip), ethanol and MO extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg), MO extract alone (400 mg/kg), and ethanol+ Vit C (positive control). After 56 days, the rats were sacrificed and testis and epididymis were harvested. Oxidative stress markers including: level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), and glutathione (GSH), and also nitric oxide (NO) as an inflammatory factor were assayed in testis tissue. Moreover, sperm parameters analysis and histopathological evaluation of testis tissue were performed.

Ethanol increased reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, carbonyl protein, and nitric oxide and decreased glutathione in testicular tissue. Pathological lesions, decrease in motility, count and normal morphology of sperm were also observed in ethanol-treated groups. Melissa officinalis inhibited ethanol-induced oxidative stress in testicular tissue and improved sperm abnormalities and pathological lesions.

Melissa officinalis showed protective effect against ethanol-induced testicular toxicity which may be attributed to its antioxidant activity. So, it can be considered as an effective supplement against oxidative stress induced by chronic ethanol exposure in testis tissue.