Dehydrozingerone ameliorates arsenic-induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats

Arsenic (As³⁺), a significant environmental pollutant that has garnered global attention, is widely recognized for its adverse effects on reproductive health. This study assesses the aphrodisiac activity of Dehydrozingerone (DHZ) against As³⁺ induced sexual dysfunction in male Wistar rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into control, As³⁺, and As³⁺+DHZ groups. The As³⁺ group received 5 mg/kg sodium arsenite (NaAsO₂) orally while As³⁺+DHZ group received 50 mg/kg synthesized DHZ along with As³⁺ for 42 days. Following administration, mount and intromission latency, frequency, and average time were measured to assess aphrodisiac and reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats which had 1:1 coitus with female rats. On days 14th, 28th, and 42nd, sexual behaviour was measured. Further on 43rd day, animals were sacrificed, blood was collected to measure oxidative parameters and LH hormone, and then testes were collected to profile reproductive damage. As³⁺ treated rats had lower sperm counts, motility, and abnormalities. These alterations reduced sexual hormones. In addition, As³⁺ toxicity depleted antioxidant indicators including SOD, GSH and elevated ROS. Compared to the As³⁺ group, As³⁺+DHZ showed a substantial (p < 0.05) increase in sperm count, motility, and reduced abnormalities. DHZ also reversed the rise in luteinizing hormone caused by As³⁺ therapy, restored oxidative indicators, and improved seminiferous tubule structural damage. 42 days As³⁺ exposure slightly increased rats' sexual desire but not sperm quality. However, As³⁺+DHZ lower libido and sperm quality. Thus, DHZ therapy enhanced rat sexual desire and sperm quality compared to As³⁺.