S Ali Hasan - Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq
A. A Al-Rikaby - Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq

Rosemary Leaves (Rosmarinus officinalis) gained importance as natural antioxidants which strengthen the endogenous antioxidant defenses through die. The present experience was designed to assess the protective effect of ethanolic extract of rosemary leaves on the adrenal gland and testicular toxicity in male rabbits exposed to Cypermethrin. Forty healthy male rabbits were distributed into four groups of ۱۰ animals each; the animals were administered cypermethrin ۶۶.۵ mg/kg alone or concurrent with Rosemary extract in both dosages (۱۰۰ and ۲۰۰ mg/kg) for ۴۵ days, and the blood samples were taken from all animals for estimation hormones indices, the Anaesthetized animals were euthanized and adrenal gland and testes were separated for histopathological analysis. Results revealed that the exposure to Cypermethrin induced stress and infertility as evidenced by elevation in the level of cortisol concurrently with a lowering in ACTH level. Also, recording elevation in FSH and LH levels and a significant decline in estradiol level related to a reduction in testosterone levels observed noticeable compared to healthy control. While Concurrent exposure to Cypermethrin and Rosemary extract significantly improved hormone criteria compared to rabbits exposed to Cypermethrin alone. Histological lesions in this study include: the adrenal gland appeared thick fibrous capsule surrounding the adrenal tissue, destruction of adrenal cortex and vacuolation of three layers of the cortex, while in testes marked inhibition of spermatogenesis and degeneration of Sertoli cells with few numbers of Leydig cells were shown. These alterations were brought about by cypermethrin toxicity, while the treatment of Rosemary leaves extract with Cypermethrin alleviated the deleterious effect of Cypermethrin on the adrenal gland and testes and also restored spermatogenesis. The results showed that the extract of rosemary leaves possesses anti-infertility and strong antioxidant activities and can be used as a fertility-increasing drug to control sexual hormones also spermatogenesis, preventing toxicity and its pathophysiological consequences.

Rosemary leaves, ACTH, Cortisol, testosterone, E۲, Adrenal gland