Therapeutic effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of water spinach leaf against toxicity following Busulfan administration on fertility parameters in male rats; A randomized controlled clinical trial study

Abstract

Introduction: Busulfan drug for cancer treatment, due to the oxidation properties and free radicals production, causes disturbance on male fertility parameters, and leaves water spinach plant have antioxidant features. The current study was aimed to evaluate the effect of water spinach leaf on recovery of male genital injuries caused by Busulfan. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on 48 male rats of Wistar race in 2019. The specimens were divided into 8 groups including; normal saline, Busulfan, water spinach leaf extract with doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg, extract + Busulfan. Daily treatment for 2 months was administered intraperitoneally. Sperm parameters by colorimetric techniques and light microscopy, level of testis malondialdehyde by spectrophotometry, total antioxidant capacity and testosterone by ELISA method, and height of germinal layer through optical microscopy and Motic software were evaluated. Data analysis was applied by SPSS software (version 20) and Tukey post-hoc test. P 0.05). Conclusion: Leaf extract of water spinach plant increases the sperm quality and improves the Busulfan-induced adverse effects on male reproductive parameters.

Keywords

• water spinach
• fertility
• busulfan
• clinical trial