Protective effects of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm)‎ on sperm parameters and spermatogenesis quality in rats exposed to lead

Abstract EN

Background: Some medicinal plants with their antioxidant properties have protective effects on sperm parameters and neutralize the harmful effects of lead exposure.

Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the effects of Melissa on sperm parameters and spermatogenesis quality in adult rats exposed to lead.

Methods: This animal experimental study was conducted on 45 male Wistar rats weighing 180 20 g, which were allocated randomly into five groups (n=9): distilled water gavages (control) (0.5 ml); intraperitoneal distilled water (i.p.

control) (0.5 ml); Melissa (100 mg/kg/bw); lead acetate (10 mg/kg/bw); and lead acetate (10 mg/kg/bw) plus Melissa (100 mg/kg/bw).

After a 30-day treatment, the animals were sacrificed.

Spermparameters (count, motility, morphology, andchromatins assay)andweighing of the epididymis and testis were performed.

Results: The results showed that in the lead acetate plus Melissa group, epididymis weight (0.37gr vs.

0.32gr), testis weight (1.40 vs.

1.28g ), sperm motility (4.44% vs.

33.2 %(, and viable sperm (90 vs.

50) were higher than the lead group.

However, testicular weight, normal morphology, and DNA percentage showed insignificant differences among the study groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate the protective effects of Melissa officinalis on some sperm parameters and spermatogenesis quality in rats exposed to lead