Cell and Tissue Journal

Abstract Aim: This study was aimed to examine the effects of Stachys lavandulifolia extract (SL) on ethanol-induced testicular damages.
Material and methods: In the current study, 24 male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: control, ethanol (5 g kg -10) and ethanol (5 g kg -1) + SL (500 mg kg-1) group and SL (500 mg kg-1). After the treatment for 4 weeks, mean seminiferous tubule diameter (MSTD) and Johnsen’s mean testicular biopsy score (MTBS) criteria were used for histological evaluation. In addition, sperm parameters including sperm count and motility were analyzed.
Results: Our data indicate that ethanol administration caused a significant decrease in the sperm count and motility in the ethanol group but SL ameliorated this reduction in SL + ethanol group. Moreover, both MSTD and MTBS values were decreased in the ethanol-treated rats. However, administration of ethanol together with SL resulted in significant improvements in both of these values.
Conclusion: In conclusion, our study revealed that the reproductive toxicity was caused by ethanol may be prevented by SL treatment
 

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the protective effect of Meristotropis xanthioides extract on ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity.
Material and methods: The total phenol and flavonoid contents of the species were measured by Folin Ciocalteu and AlCl₃, respectively. Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: group 1 (control), group 2: received 1ml 50 % ethanol, group 3 : received 1ml ethanol (50 %) plus the extract (500 mg/kg), each group consisted of six rats. All treatments were performed by intragastric administration. Silymarin was used as positive control. Biochemical, histological and morphological analyses were used for evaluation of hepatotoxicity.
Results: The extract had high total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Alcohol consumption significantly increased liver/body weight ratio, amounts of tissue’s malondialdehyde (MDA), H₂O₂ and also liver enzymes in blood in comparison to other groups. Histological examination showed that alcohol consumption injures liver tissue intensely. All these alcohol-induced changes were effectively inhibited by treatment with the extract.
Conclusion: This research confirmed that the species can represent the protective role on ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity and suggested its capacity to apply as a new healthcare food and drug supplement.