Synergic Effects of Rosemary Extract and Aerobic Exercise on Sperm Parameters and Testicular Tissue in an Aged Rat Model

Abstract

Background: Aging, which has globally increased, reduces male fertility and damages the testes. The effect of aerobic exercises and the use of medicinal plants like rosemary on fertility remains controversial. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of rosemary extract and exercise on testicular tissue. Methods: In this study, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: (1) Control group (without treatment); (2) Gavage group [received the solvent of rosemary extract (distilled water) and put on a turned-off treadmill for 10 minutes daily]; (3) Exercise group (put on a turned-on treadmill based on an exercise protocol for 12 weeks); (4) Extract group (received 100 mg/kg of rosemary extract for 12 weeks); (5) Exercise and extract group (received 100 mg/kg of rosemary extract and concurrently put on a turned-on treadmill for 12 weeks). After the treatment, the testis tissue of rats was collected, and the seminiferous tubular diameter, luminal diameter, and epithelial height were analyzed. Also, spermatogenic lineage was counted in different groups. Results: The tubal diameter and epithelial height significantly increased following the consumption of rosemary extract and exercise training compared with the control group (P < 0.01). Also, a significant increase was observed in the luminal diameter in the exercise group compared to the control group (P < 0.01). The rosemary extract and exercise training significantly increased the number of spermatogonia cells (P < 0.01). However, there were no significant differences in the number of primary spermatocyte and spermatozoa cells among the different groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Generally, low-intensity aerobic exercise improved testicular histomorphology parameters. However, rosemary extract had no positive effects as an aerobic exercise on male fertility during aging.