The Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza on Hormonal and Cellular Parameters of Spermatogenesis in Male Rats After the Consumption of Ibuprofen

Abstract

Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM), a medicinal herb known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has been traditionally used to treat various physiological disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the potential protective effects of SM extract on spermatogenesis in male Wistar rats following ibuprofen administration. A total of 42 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: control group; SM group (200 mg/kg); ibuprofen-treated groups at doses of 15 mg/kg (IbL) and 30 mg/kg (IbH); and two co-treatment groups receiving SM (200 mg/kg) along with either 15 mg/kg or 30 mg/kg of ibuprofen. Serum levels of testosterone, FSH, and LH were measured using ELISA assay kits. Oxidative stress markers including TAC, MDA, GPx, and CAT were also assessed using specific commercial diagnostic kits according to the manufacturer's instructions. Histopathological evaluation of testicular tissue was performed using the Johnsen scoring system, and sperm parameters were analyzed from the epididymal tail. Significant histopathological changes were observed only in the IbH group (30 mg/kg), showing a decrease in seminiferous tubule thickness and count compared to control (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in Johnsen scores or necrosis grades among groups. Serum testosterone levels significantly increased in the SM-treated group (p < 0.05), while FSH and LH levels remained unchanged. The highest CAT activity was observed in the SM group, whereas the lowest was in the IbH and IbL groups (p < 0.05). The highest MDA level was detected in the IbL group, and the highest GPx level was seen in the SM + IbH group. Sperm parameters improved significantly in the SM-treated groups but were adversely affected by high-dose ibuprofen (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that ibuprofen, especially at a high dose, may impair spermatogenesis and sperm quality, potentially through induction of oxidative stress. In contrast, SM demonstrated protective effects by improving testosterone levels, enhancing antioxidant defense (TAC), and partially restoring sperm parameters. These results suggest that SM could serve as a potential natural supplement to mitigate the adverse effects of ibuprofen on male reproductive health.