Influence of Punica granatum peel on sperm parameters of domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in zinc chloride -induced toxicity

Abstract

Zinc is an essential component of biological function, play a significant role in male reproductive functioning and deficiency of this trace metal has negative impact on spermatogenesis and semen quality. The purpose of the present study was to find out if high concentrations of zinc lead to the opposite and evaluate the protective effect of natural products such as the ethanolic extract of P. granatum peel against the toxicity and oxidative stress induced by zinc chloride in male rabbitsTwenty adult rabbits were divided into equally four groups; the control, the ZnCl2 (5 mg/kg bw), the P.granatum peel(4 mg/kg bw) and the combined group (ZnCl2- PGP). The ZnCl2 and the PGP were administrated daily by gavage for a period of 6 weeks, and then the reproductive organs’ weight, the plasma testosterone, and the biology of sperms were evaluated.The results showed that the number of sperms in the epididymis and the concentration of testosterone in serum were decreased with an increased dose of ZnCl2 .Testicular and epididymis histopathological lesions like detachment, atrophy and vacuolization of germ, Leydig and epithelial cells were observed. On the other hand, the study shows improvement in all parameters when treated with P. granatum peel extract. In conclusion, High concentrations of zinc chloride may lead to sterility, which can be treated with natural product such as P. granatum peel.