Star anise extracts modulation of reproductive parameters, fertility potential and DNA fragmentation induced by growth promoter Equigan in rat testes

ABSTRACT Equigan is an anabolic steroid that has been developed for veterinary use and derived from endogenous sex hormone testosterone that plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissue as well as in puberty and spermatogenesis. The current study is aimed to investigate the possible prophylactic effect of star anise extracts (SAE) on the toxicity of rat testes, sexual hormones alternations, sperm count, sperm abnormalities and testicular DNA damage by Equigan. Forty adult male rats were equally divided into four groups (1st Control group, 2nd SAE group, 3rd Equigan and 4th Equigan+SAE group). Food and fluid intakes, relative body weight, potassium, chloride, phosphorous, non-progressive and immotile sperms were significantly increased in Equigan group as compared to control group. In contrast; relative testes weight, sodium, magnesium, total calcium, testosterone, FSH, LH, PRL, sperm count, progressive motility, and viability showed a significant decrease in Equigan group as compared to control groups. The relative weight of epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostates and serum calcium ions didn’t change significantly in different studied groups. Co-administration of SAE with Equigan improved the sexual toxicity, electrolyte alternations, sperm count, abnormalities and DNA damage induced by Equigan.