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Corresponding Author

Jalal A. Karim

Document Type

Research Article

Abstract

Background and objectives:The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of fenugreek supplementation against toxic effect of mercuric chloride (HgCl2)on Body weight (B.W), testis and epididymis weight, some sperm parameters, serum testosterone, serum MDA, and testis histology in the rat.Methods: Twenty eight male albino rats weights ranging from 254 to 302 gm and were divided randomly and equally into 4 groups. Group I: control, Group II: Rats received drinking water contained HgCl2 100 mg/L ad libitum, Group III: Rats received drinking water contained HgCl2 100 mg/L ad libitum, and fenugreek (F1) 0.75 mg/kg/day orally by gavage, Group IV: Rats received drinking water contained HgCl2 100 mg/L ad libitumand fenugreek (F2) 1.5 mg/kg/day orally by gavage. The treatments were given for six weeks.Results: Treatment with F1 caused no substantial changes in body weight, absolute weight, andrelative weight of testis and epididymis, sperm count and testosterone. Whereas sperm motility, and normal sperm were increased significantly, and serum MDA was decreased significantly from HgCl2 group. Improvement was observed partially in testis histology. Meanwhile, the protective effect in F2 generally was more than in F1.Conclusions: the present study revealed that the antioxidant activity of fenugreek supplementreduced toxic effect of mercury. In addition, steroids and/or phytoestrogens in fenugreek possibly compensated the reduced testosterone which resulted at least in part in improvement of sperm parameters and testis histology

Keywords

Fenugreek; Mercury; Sperm; Testis; MDA; Testosterone

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Publication Date

9-1-2023

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