Ferulago angulata extract ameliorates epididymal sperm toxicity in mice induced by lead and diazinon
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Updated: Jan 3, 2026
Handling and Treatment of Male European Eels Anguilla anguilla for Hormonal Maturation and Sperm Cryopreservation
Published on: January 28, 2018
Nushin Naderi1,2, Manouchehr Souri1, Mohammad Hossein Nasr Esfahani2
1Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.
Background:
The potential toxicity that results from environmental xenobiotics is not completely known. Increasing levels of heavy metals and the use of organophosphate pesticides (OPs) and their co-existence in the environment could be associated with an increasing incidence of male reproductive system disorders in humans and animals. Ferulago angulata is a dietary source of phenolic compounds with reported health benefits.
Objective:
This study was conducted to investigate whether an extract of Ferulago angulata could protect adult male NMRI mice against reproductive toxicity induced by lead acetate (PbAc), diazinon (DZN), or PbAc + DZN.
Materials And Methods:
Adult male NMRI mice were exposed to either 0.5% PbAc in drinking water, DZN (3 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal [i.p.] injection), or PbAc + DZN in the presence or absence of 400 mg/kg/day Ferulago angulata hydroalcoholic extract (FAE) that was administered via gavage for 6 weeks.
Results:
Chronic exposure to PbAc, DZN, and PbAc + DZN decreased sperm quality, sperm chromatin maturity and integrity, increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, and could reduce male fertility indices. Co-administration of FAE could reduce these negative effects.
Conclusion:
The Ferulago angulata extract should be considered as a useful natural extract for the treatment of male infertility, especially in males exposed to conditions which induce reproductive toxicity.
