The effects of an Aloe-based polyherbal formulation on fertility parameters in male rats

Objective: Aloe dry juice as a purgative agent is widely used in phytotherapy. In Iranian traditional medicine to decrease Aloe side effects, some plants are added, and this polyherbal formulation is named "Ayarij-e-Faiqra" (AF). Based on the anti-fertility properties of Aloe, this study investigates the anti-fertility effects of Aloe-based polyherbal formulation to find the impact of accompanying plants on the anti-fertility effects of Aloe.Materials and Methods: In this study, forty male rats were classified into the following groups: the control group, the sham group receiving only busulfan carrier solution (DMSO ۵۰%) on days ۱ and ۲۱ via intraperitoneal injection, the busulfan group received intraperitoneally ۱۰ mg/kg of busulfan on days ۱ and ۲۱, the Aloe group received ۲۵ mg/kg of Aloe-dry juice, and the AF group was administered with ۷۱ mg/kg (containing ۲۵ mg/kg of Aloe dry juice). Treatment was performed by gavage for ۵۶ days. Testis weight and histological alterations, sexual hormone levels (testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone), and classical and functional sperm parameters were examined. Results: Our findings showed that AF negatively affects testicular tissue architecture and sperm quality such as count, motility, morphology, and viability which were accompanied by an imbalance of testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone hormones. In addition, reaction oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis increased in the sperm cells of the AF group while decreasing their mitochondrial membrane potential.Conclusion: The plants presented in the formulation of AF cannot cover the anti-fertility side effects of Aloe.

کلیدواژه ها:

Aloe ، "Ayarij-e-Faiqra" ، male fertility ، Busulfan ، Iranian Traditional Medicine