Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is one of the most invasive chemotherapeutic agents, which used commonly despite of its wide spectrum toxicity. Clinical evidence showed toxic side effects of CP in multiple organ systems. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of American ginseng on CP-induced testicular toxicity in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats (220+/-30 gr) were randomly divided into four groups (n=7 in each). Group 1 as control received normal saline by gavage, group 2 received CP (6.1 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for a period of 50 days. Group 3 received American ginseng (500 mg/kg/day) by gavage. Group 4 received American ginseng (500 mg/kg/day) 1h prior to the administration of CP in the equal dose of group 2. The animals scarified one day after the last treatment and the effects of American ginseng on the sperm vital parameters, testicular functions, biochemical factors, and structural malformations evaluated. RESULTS: Serum testosterone concentration was significantly decreased whereas the level of malondialdehyde and DNA damage were significantly increased in animals of CP group (p<0.01). Co-administration of American ginseng reversed these parameters and improved recovery in CP+ginseng group. In addition, seminiferous tubules of testis severely damaged in the CP group but ginseng improved histologic changes in CP+ginseng group. CONCLUSION: The findings confirmed the protective effects of American ginseng on toxicity induced by CP in the reproductive system of male rats.