Olive leaves extract improved sperm quality and antioxidant status in the testis of rat exposed to rotenone

Abstract

Background: Olive (Olea europaea), from the Oleaseae family, is a very popular plant for its biological and pharmacological characteristics. Olive tree derivatives possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, and cardioprotective effects. Objectives: The current study aimed at evaluating the effect of olive leaves extract (OLE) on sperm quality and antioxidant capacity in testis of rats exposed to rotenone (ROT). Methods: In the current experimental study, 36 male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (n = 6). Control, Sham, ROT, and 3 ROTs treated with OLE (75, 150, and 300 mg/kg/day). ROT 3 mg/kg/48 hours was injected subcutaneously (s.c), and vehicle or OLE was administrated by oral gavage for 30 days. At the end of the study, animals were scarified and their testis tissue and epididymis samples were removed and their sperm parameters (viability, motility, and sperm count), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were measured. Results: The results showed a significant decrease in sperm parameters and TAC in the ROT group. MDAlevel increased in ROT group compared to that of the control group. The 30 day administration of OLE significantly improved the sperm qualitative parameters and TAC, and decreased the elevation of MDA in the treated groups (P value < 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, the antioxidant effects of OLE significantly increased sperm quality and TAC, and decreased MDA level in the testis of rats exposed to ROT. These results revealed that OLE improved the sperm quality and suggested that OLE may treat infertility.