Effects of rutin on testicular antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in rats

Abstract

Background: Rutin, a polyphenolic flavonoid, possesses antioxidant and hypoglycemic effects. Objective: The present study was conducted to check the effect of rutin on serum reproductive hormonal level and sperm concentration in male rat. Methods: 30 rats were equally divided into 3 groups (10 rats per group). Group I was control (untreated), group II was given rutin 50 mg/kg bw while group III was given 100 mg/ kg bw intragastric twice a week for four weeks respectively. The effect of rutin on antioxidant enzymes (POD, SOD, GSHpx, GST, GSR), glutathione contents and TBARS contents were checked. Results: The results revealed that rutin caused significant gain in body weight, antioxidant enzymes (POD, SOD, GSHpx, GST, GSR), glutathione contents, with significant (P< 0.01) decrease in thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) concentrations. Conclusion: It may be concluded that rutin may be promising as a natural therapeutic agent in male reproductive dysfunction.