A Study on the Effect of Samoa Extract (Cleome droserifolia) on Sperm Quality in Male Albino Rats Exposed to Pyrethroid
Pyrethroid cyhalothrin (PC) is an insecticide that is used worldwide for pest control in agriculture and household use. Samoa extract (SE) is a potent antioxidant protecting cells from oxidative stress. The present study investigates the protective and therapeutic effect of SE on PC-induced changes in sperm quality in male rats. Fifty adult male albino rats were divided into five groups: group I: served as control; group II: received PC i.p. only (6.2 mg/kg b.wt.); group III: received SE only (100 mg/kg b.wt., p.o.) for eight weeks; group IV: received SE as a protective agent daily for eight weeks, then followed by the administration of PC (i.p.) three times a week for two weeks; group V: exposed to PC (i.p.) three times a week for two weeks, then treated with the SE daily for 8 weeks. Results showed that PC caused markedly impaired sperm quality (a count, viability, motility, and abnormality). Compared to PC-treated animals, SE in the protective group markedly restored the alteration of sperm indices. However, SE in the curative group was found to be less effective in restoring PC-induced alterations. In conclusion, the data of this study revealed that the SE as a protective agent is more effective than as a therapeutic agent. Keywords: Samoa; Pyrethroid; Sperm quality; Rat