Effect of hesperidin in the prevention of aluminum chloride-induced testicular dysfunction in rats

Hesperidin is a citrus bioflavonoid and has numerous pharmacological actions. Hesperidin's effect on testicular dysfunction has not been well researched. Hence, the present study is aims to investigate the effect of hesperidin on aluminium chloride (AlCl₃)-induced testicular dysfunction in rats. Both vitamin C (200 mg/kg) and hesperidin (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were administered orally for 21 days. At the end of the study, the blood samples were obtained from all animals for investigation of biochemical and hematological parameters. Then, bilateral orchiectomy was carried out to remove testicles from the animals, and sperm was collected and examined under a microscope. Finally, organs such as the liver, kidney, and testicles were also collected and utilized for histopathological analysis. Part of the liver sample was used for determination of antioxidant enzymes such as reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) levels. The rats administered with AlCl₃ showed elevated levels of biochemical and hematological parameters and a reduction in levels of sperm count, sperm motility, and oxidative stress parameters, whereas the rats administered with vitamin C/hesperidin (200 and 400 mg/kg) were able to ameliorate AlCl₃-induced testicular dysfunction by attenuating AlCl₃-induced changes in biochemical and hematological parameters, sperm motility, sperm count, and oxidative stress. Both vitamin C and hesperidin had significant ameliorative effects against AlCl₃-induced testicular dysfunction.