Protective effect of lemongrass (cymbopogon citratus)‎ and vitamin e on sodium valproate induced testicular toxicity in rats

Abstract EN

The present study was carried to investigate the effect of extract and powder of Cymbopogon citrates and vitamin E on the sexual hormonal profiles against testicular toxicity of sodium valproate of normal male rats.

The forty two mature male albino rats were divided into seven groups every group of 6 rats.

The group control received fed on basal diet, whereas the other five groups received sodium valproate (positive group) the other four groups received Vit.

E orally at a dose of (200 mg/kg b.

wt.

/day), Lemongrass powder (100 mg/kg/diet/day), Lemongrass extract (10 ml/kg/b.

wt/rat/day), vitamin E with lemongrass powder and vitamin E with lemongrass extract, for a period of 6 weeks, caused a significant increase in serum HDL-c, testosterone, serum follicle stimulating hormone level (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), total antioxidants, superoxide dismutase and glutathion levels compared to positive control group.

Effect on in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, sexual organs weight (testis, prostate, and seminal vesicles), malondialdehyde were also determined, and was found to be significantly lower in all the administered groups when compared with sodium valproate group.

Findings in this study showed that lemongrass powder and extract combination with vitamin E has a potent protective effect against sodium valproate-induced testicular injury in rats.

It also did not exert oxidative damage to the sexual organs and the various hormonal profiles as well as its relative safety and possible use to protect from sodium valproate side effects.

Keywords: Cymbopogon citrates - Sodium valproate - Phenolic compounds - Seminal vesicles - Testicular toxicity.