Ellagic acid modulates sodium valproate induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats

This study evaluated the protective effect of ellagic acid on sodium valproate-induced sperm abnormalities in male Wistar rats. A total of 30 rats were grouped into five groups, each having 6 animals. Vehicle, sodium valproate (400 mg/kg) and ellagic acid (10, 25, 50 mg/kg) were given orally from day 1 to day 7, and ellagic acid was continued for 3 more days. On day fourteen, animals were sacrificed and the different parameters were recorded. There was a significant decrease in the sperm count and sperm motility after the exposure to sodium valproate. The percentage of abnormal sperms increased in a dose-dependent manner. The histopathological examination revealed that sodium valproate had caused degeneration and desquamation of germinal cells in the epithelium and also showed a decrease in the Johnsen's scoring. Ellagic acid provided partial protection at the doses of 10 and 25 mg/kg and complete protection at 50 mg/kg, against sodium valproate induced testicular and spermatozoal damage.