Abstract

Background:
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread endocrine-disrupting chemical known to impair male reproductive health through oxidative stress, hormonal imbalance, and testicular damage. Myristica fragrans (MF), rich in bioactive monoterpenes and phenylpropanoids, has demonstrated antioxidant and hormone-modulating properties, suggesting potential for reproductive protection.

Aim:
To evaluate the protective and restorative effects of Myristica fragrans essential oil against BPA-induced reproductive and endocrine toxicity in male rats, and to correlate these effects with the oil's chemical composition as identified by GC-MS analysis.

Methods:
Forty adult male rats were divided into four groups (n = 10): Control (distilled water), MF-only (200 mg/kg/day), BPA-only (50 mg/kg/day), and BPA+MF (co-treatment). All substances were administered orally for 60 consecutive days. Assessments included sperm motility, viability, morphology, and concentration; chromatin and DNA integrity (via Toluidine Blue, Aniline Blue, and Acridine Orange stains); serum testosterone and LH levels; testis weight; and oxidative stress biomarkers (TAC and MDA). Essential oil composition was analyzed via GC-MS.

Results:
BPA exposure significantly impaired sperm quality, disrupted chromatin condensation and DNA integrity, altered hormone levels (↓testosterone, ↑LH), reduced testicular weight, and elevated oxidative stress markers (↑MDA, ↓TAC) (p 

Key words: Bisphenol A, Myristica fragrans, sperm quality, oxidative stress, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, DNA fragmentation, chromatin integrity, endocrine disruption, antioxidant phytotherapy.