Abstract

Background:
Optimal testicular function and spermatogenesis occur within a temperature range below the normal body temperature. Increase in the testicular temperature above this range will adversely affect testicular function and spermatogenesis and ultimately male fertility.

Aim:
The aim of the study is to examine the ameliorative effects of a poly-herbal formulation (PHF) on heat-stress-induced testicular damage in albino rats.

Methods:
The PHF contains equal parts of Epimedium gratiflorum leaves, Lepidium meyenii (maca) roots, curcuma longa rhizomes, Zingiber officinale roots, Aframomum melegueta seeds, Hunteria umbellate seeds, Withania somnifera roots, Buchholzia coriacea seeds and Ginko biloba extract. Effects of PHF (7.0 mg/kg, 3.5 mg/kg, 1.75 mg/kg) were evaluated on heat-stress-induced testicular damage in albino rats. The effects of this formulation were also investigated in normal rats at the dose of 3.5 mg/kg. The effects of PHF on testicular and epididymal sperm reserves, relative testicular weight, libido scores, serum testosterone level, serum lipid profile, serum oxidative stress markers, hematology and testicular histopathology of rats were also examined.

Results:
The PHF caused a dose-dependent increase in testicular and epididymal sperm reserves of the rats exposed to mild testicular heat stress compared to negative control. It also increased the relative testicular weight of the treated rat. The normal rats treated with PHF at the dose 3.5 mg/kg had a significantly higher epididymal sperm reserve than other groups. The PHF at the dose of 7.0 mg/kg restored testicular tissue integrity to normal. No variations were found in the serum testosterone levels, libido scores, serum lipid profile, serum oxidative stress markers and hematology of the albino rats.

Conclusion:
The PHF ameliorated heat-stress-induced testicular damage in albino rats and improved spermatogenesis in normal rats. These findings suggest that the PHF may be useful in the treatment of male infertility due to abnormal testicular temperature.

Key words: Heat stress; Male fertility; Poly-herbal formulation; Reproduction; Testicular damage.