Effect of Thymus vulgaris leaf extract on cadmium-induced testicular toxicity in rats

Abstract

Abstract Background Cadmium (Cd) is a known metallohormone which mimics the action of steroid hormones with adverse effect on testicular function. It is highly toxic and a prevalent environmental contaminant with no conventional antidote. This study investigates the possible ameliorative effects of Thymus vulgaris extract on testicular toxicity induced by Cd in male rats. Results The testicular and epididymal weights, serum concentration of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower in the cadmium-treated group compared to the control. Necrosis of germ cells of the seminiferous tubules was observed in the testicular tissues of the cadmium-treated group. Administration of extract showed mild but non-significant (p ≥ 0.05) protective effect on the cadmium-induced decrease in sex hormones and sperm count as well as oxidative stress and histological changes. Conclusion Thymus vulgaris leaf extract had weak ameliorative effect on cadmium-induced testicular injury in rats but with promising antioxidant activity.

Keywords

• Cadmium
• Rat
• Testis
• Thymus vulgaris
• Toxicity