Effect of Ocimum basilicum on apoptosis in testis of rats after exposure to electromagnetic field

Abstract

Medicinal use of basil, Ocimum basilicum, dates to ancient times in Iran, China and India. This herb has been used since ancient times as a medicine and food and it is known that the antioxidant effect of O. basilicum is beneficial to spermatogenesis, so it was hypothesized that this herb might also provide protection to sperm parameters. Male Wistar rats (n = 40) were allocated to four groups, a control group (n = 10) and three treatment groups (n = 30). The first treatment group received O. basilicum extract (1.5 g/kg body weight), the second extract group received O. basilicum extract (1.5 g/kg body weight) and electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure at 50 Hz for 40 consecutive days, whilst the third group received only EMF exposure for 40 consecutive days. Animals were maintained under standard conditions. At the conclusion of the test period, rat testes tissues were removed from all group members. Tissue preparation was performed and analyzed for apoptosis by TUNEL method. There was a significant increase in apoptosis in EMF group when compared with other groups (P<0.05). EMF has negative effect on testis histology in rats. However, these side effects are less seen in the EMF group that received O. basilicum extract. Therefore, it is recommended that the usage of O. basilicum extract in modern country has reducing side effects on industrial induced infertility.