Ferulago angulata extract ameliorates epididymal sperm toxicity in mice induced by lead and diazinon

Abstract

Background:The potential toxicity that results from environmental xenobiotics is not completely known. Increasing levels of heavy metals and the use of organophosphate pesticides (OPs) and their co-existence in the environment could be associated with an increasing incidence of male reproductive system disorders in humans and animals. Ferulago angulata is a dietary source of phenolic compounds with reported health benefits.Objective: This study was conducted to investigate whether an extract of Ferulago angulata could protect adult male NMRI mice against reproductive toxicity induced by lead acetate (PbAc), diazinon (DZN), or PbAc + DZN. Materials and methods:Adult male NMRI mice were exposed to either 0.5% PbAc in drinking water, DZN (3 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal [i.p.] injection), or PbAc + DZN in the presence or absence of 400 mg/kg/day Ferulago angulata hydroalcoholic extract (FAE) that was administered via gavage for 6 weeks.Results: Chronic exposure to PbAc, DZN, and PbAc + DZN decreased sperm quality, sperm chromatin maturity and integrity, increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, and could reduce male fertility indices. Co-administration of FAE could reduce these negative effects. Conclusion:The Ferulago angulata extract should be considered as a useful natural extract for the treatment of male infertility, especially in males exposed to conditions which induce reproductive toxicity. K E Y W O R D Sxenobiotics, Ferulago angulata, spermatozoa, antioxidants, oxidative stress | 707 NADERI Et Al.

Anti-inflammatory and -apoptotic effects of a long-term herbal extract treatment on DSS-induced colitis in mice fed with high AGEs-fat diet

“…Spectrum of the unknown component was compared with spectrum of the known components stored in the NIST library. The name, molecular formula, nature of some components of HE and their biological activity were defined [ 29 ].…”