Effect of Curcuma longa Aqueous Extract on Male Fertility in Aluminum Exposed Wistar Rats

Abstract

To assess the effects of Curcuma longa aqueous extract (CE) on fertility in male rats exposed to Aluminum chloride (AlCl3), Twenty four male rats, 3 months old, divided into 4 groups (n=6) were used. Animal from the first group received, by the oral route, water-containing AlCl3 at the dose of 34 mg/kg body weight (BW). Rats from the second group received both AlCl3 at the same dose in combination with oral treatment of CE at a dose of 200 mg/kg BW. The third group received only an oral administration of CE with the same dose. Rats from the fourth group, without any treatment, served as control. After 4 weeks of experimentation, AlCl3 exposure showed a significant decrease in sperm concentration (4.58±0.65 × 106 cells /ml), and percentage of viability (61.53±23.63 %), and an increase of morphological abnormalities (26.11±17.84 %). A significant decreased in serum testosterone levels (0.31±0.26 ng/ml) and an increase of testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) level (0.16±0.015 μM/g) were also observed. Histological examination of the testes showed degeneration of the seminiferous tubules, germ line cells, and interstitial cells. However, CE treatment concomitant to AlCl3 showed that the rate of morphological abnormalities (19±2.65 %) is significantly decreased compared to AlCl3 group, with a significant increase in serum testosterone (1.17±0.24 ng/ml) and a significant decrease in MDA (0.11±0.003μM/g) level. Microscopic examination revealed a significant regeneration of seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells. This study demonstrated an ameliorative effect of Curcuma longa aqueous extract in testicular tissue and sperm quality. Keywords: Curcuma longa, Aluminum, fertility, testosterone, malondialdehyde (MDA), sperm.