The effect of hydroethanolic extract of Matricaria chamomilla on the reproductive system of male rats exposed to formaldehyde

Abstract

Formaldehyde is a common agent in our surrounding environment and can adversely affect the male reproductive system. In this study, the effectiveness of Matricaria chamomilla (MC) extract as an antioxidant was investigated in rats treated with formaldehyde. Thirty‐two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: F (10 mg/kg formaldehyde), M200 (200 mg/kg MC extract), M500 (500 mg/kg MC extract), FM200 (10 mg/kg formaldehyde and 200 mg/kg MC extract), FM500 (10 mg/kg formaldehyde and 500 mg/kg MC extract) and control group (0.9% normal saline). Formaldehyde and MC extract were administered daily for 30 consecutive days via intraperitoneal injection. Hormonal status, sperm parameters, testis tissue histology, germinal cells apoptosis and stereological analyses of testis tissue were investigated. Testosterone and LH levels were significantly increased in FM200, FM500, F200 and F500 groups compared to F group (p ≤ 0.05). Sperm count, motility and viability were significantly enhanced in FM200, FM500, F200 and F500 groups compared to F group (p ≤ 0.05). A decrease in the number of apoptotic germ cells in FM200, FM500, M200 and M500 groups (p ≤ 0.05) was evident. In particular, the MC extract in dose 500 mg/kg is seen to reduce the adverse effects of formaldehyde on the reproductive system of male rats.

Role of Antioxidant Natural Products in Management of Infertility: A Review of Their Medicinal Potential

“…Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are well-known factors that stimulate oxidative stress and disrupt hormonal balance, thereby inhibiting normal growth of germ cells [ 134 ]. Bisphenol A, formaldehyde, and lead were typically agents that were used to induce reproductive toxicity in models of infertility research [ 14 , 25 , 50 ]. Especially, bisphenol A is reported to mimic the effects of estrogen in ovarian cells and inducing prostate cancer through cellular proliferation [ 50 , 135 ].…”

“…Furthermore, cytotoxic cancer therapies such as cyclophosphamide have detrimental effects upon spermatogenesis [ 136 ]. Several natural products in this review were demonstrated as applicable reproductive agents, reducing the notorious effects of EDCs as well as chemotherapy such as mitomycin C, cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, and adriamycin [ 9 , 10 , 14 , 25 , 43 , 46 , 50 , 90 ]. Accordingly, the use of natural materials will be an effective alternative to prevent and treat infertility caused by oxidative stress due to increased exposure to chemicals.…”

“…Two of three studies that reported the efficacy of Moringa oleifera used more than 100 mg/kg [ 66 , 67 ]. Additionally, Nigella sativa seed powder was treated using 300 mg/kg [ 69 ], while Diallyl sulfide and Matricaria chamomilla hydroethanolic extract were treated using over 200 mg/kg [ 25 ]. High concentrations have the risk of inducing toxicity or causing adverse effects.…”

“…In addition, precursor of E2 and P4, pregnelone sulfate also increases prolactin production in the rat pituitary. On the other hand, compounds derived from natural food and herbal medicine showing promising antioxidant and antiapoptotic potentials have been considered an alternative therapy for disease [ 25 ].…”

“…DNA fragmentation decreased in the physically subfertile group, yet the differences were not significant. Afrigan et al reported that Matricaria chamomilla hydroethanolic extract had a protective effect on adverse effects of formaldehyde on the male reproductive system [ 25 ]. Wistar rats were injected with 10 mg/kg of formaldehyde and 200, 500 mg/kg of extract intraperitoneally and daily for 30 days.…”