The effects of essential oil of Lavandula angustifolia on sperm parameters quality and reproductive hormones in rats exposed to cadmium

Abstract

Male infertility evaluation is important to recognize an origin and provide treatment if the etiology is correctable. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective role of Lavandula angustifolia in impaired spermatogenesis caused by cadmium chloride in male rats. 36 male Wistar rats were allocated in 6 groups. Cadmium chloride was injected for 3 consecutive days (0.5 mg/kg) in CdCl2treated groups. Before CdCl2administration, pre-treatment with L. angustifolia was conducted for 14 consecutive days. Sex hormones level, malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant concentration as well as sperm parameters were investigated. Increase in the concentration of MDA and decrease in total antioxidant level were observed following CdCl2administration. Accordingly, the sperm viability as well as other sperm characteristics was decreased. In the case of sex hormones, the testosterone and LH levels were decreased and the concentration of FSH was increased (P<0.001). Pre-treatment with L. angustifolia significantly decreased the MDA level and increased total antioxidant, LH and testosterone levels. Pre-treatment with L. angustifolia also improved semen parameters which were impaired by CdCl2administration. Together, these results confirm that L. angustifolia pretreatment could protect spermatogenesis in male rats with CdCl2administration. © 2015 by Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences.