Study of the influence of certain medicinal plant extracts on male fertility in rats .

Abstract

Male infertility is one of the major reproductive health problems worldwide and may result from oxidative stress, inflammation, or hormonal imbalance. Medicinal plants rich in bioactive compounds have attracted increasing attention because of their protective and therapeutic potential. Among these plants, male date palm pollen (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is traditionally recognized for its fertility-enhancing properties. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of a hydro-ethanolic extract of male date palm pollen against physiological and biochemical disturbances induced by Cetrotide in male rats. The extract was prepared using 80% ethanol, with an extraction yield of 7.64%. The experiment was conducted on four groups of male rats over 42 days. Treated groups received the extract orally at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg. Body weight, clinical signs, biochemical parameters, and histopathological changes were evaluated. The results showed that the Cetrotide-treated group exhibited body weight instability, lethargy, reduced activity, nasal bleeding, and elevated levels of TRIG, CRP, TGO, TGP, urea, and creatinine, indicating metabolic, inflammatory, hepatic, and renal disturbances. In contrast, treated groups, especially at 400 mg/kg, showed partial improvement in several parameters and fewer clinical abnormalities. Histopathological observations supported these findings. The beneficial effects may be related to the antioxidant and bioactive compounds present in date palm pollen. In conclusion, the hydro-ethanolic extract of Date Palm Pollen demonstrated promising protective effects against Cetrotide-induced disturbances in male rats and may represent a potential natural source for supporting male reproductive and metabolic health.