Antidiabetic and Protective Effects of Ferula assa-foetida L. oleo Gum Resin Ethanolic Extract on the Testis of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats: A Histopathological Study

Abstract

Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases worldwide which affects all organs, including the reproductive system. Today, many researchers use medicinal plants instead of chemical agents to achieve fewer side effects. Ferula assa-foetida L. is one of the medicinal plants used to treat many diseases traditionally for years. The present study evaluated the antidiabetic and protective effects of Ferula assa-foetida L. on the testis of streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats. The histomorphologic study of diabetic rats treated with Ferula assa-foetida L. extract showed a significant improvement in testes. Histological studies revealed that treatment with the Ferula assa-foetida L. extract significantly increased sperm count in the seminiferous tubules and reduced fibrosis. Our study confirmed the improving effects of Ferula assa-foetida L. on histomorphometric and biochemical parameters in diabetes and related testicular damage, which are partially attributed to the bioactive compounds and antioxidants in Ferula assa-foetida L.

Keywords

• ferula assa-foetida
• rat
• diabetes
• reproductive system
• spermatogenesis, medicinal plant