Protective Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Galega officinalis and Cornus mas on Spermatogenesis and Oxidative Stress Associated With Diabetes in the Testes of Adult Rats: An Experimental Study

In this research, we evaluated the protective effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of Galega officinalis and Cornus mas on spermatogenesis and oxidative stress associated with diabetes in the testes of adult rats.

In this experimental study, a total of 64 adult male Wistar rats were divided into eight equal groups (n=8 in each) as follows: (1) control group, (2) diabetic control group, (3) diabetic group receiving Galega extract daily at a dose of 50 mg/kg, (4) healthy group receiving Galega extract daily at a dose of 50 mg/kg for 14 days, (5) diabetic group receiving Cornus mas extract daily at a dose of 100 mg/kg, (6) healthy group receiving Cornus mas extract daily, (7) diabetic group receiving Cornus mas and Galega daily, and (8) healthy group receiving Galega and Cornus mas extract daily. Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). At the end of treatment period, all animals were anesthetized and blood samples were taken to measure the serum levels of insulin, glucose, and oxidative stress markers. Finally, the testicles and epididymis were removed and sperm parameters were assessed.

Galega and Cornus mas extract significantly reduced the oxidative stress, sperm parameters, glucose, and insulin plasma levels (P=0.001). Furthermore, the malondialdehyde (MDA) level was increased in diabetic rats. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes decreased in testicular tissue (P=0.001). Administering Galega and Cornus mas extract significantly improved these parameters (P<0.05).

Our results confirmed the antioxidant effect of administering Galega extract and Cornus mas extract on improving the sperm parameters and testicular oxidative damage caused by diabetes.