Potential Effects of Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium grandiflorum) on The Level of Fertility in Male Rats Infected with Cadmium Chloride: Biochemical and Histopathological Study

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of horny goat weed on the level of fertility in male rats infected with cadmium chloride. The rats were divided into two groups, the first group: Group 1 (6 rats) fed on a basal diet as a negative control group (-ve) and the other main groups (30 rats) were injected with two doses of cadmium chloride (CdCl 2 , 0.1%) administered intraperitoneally at 0.1 ml per 100g body weight to cause sterility and classified into five subgroups. Subgroup 1(n:6): fed on the basal diet as a positive control group (+ve). Subgroup 2 feds on basal diet and given standard drug (Sildenafil Citrate) (SC) (5 mg/kg b w) via a stomach tube daily for 28 days. Subgroup 3,4 and 5 fed on the Horny Goat Weed (HGW) by 10, 15and 20 % (w/w) of the basal diet weight, respectively. Blood samples were taken after the experiment to assess lipid profiles, liver functions, kidney functions, and serum levels of testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The testicles were removed for histopathological examination, measuring the testicular tissue hormones and antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and malondialdehyde. Results indicated that the HGW treatments improved liver, renal function, lipid profiles, antioxidant enzyme activity and sex hormone levels in both serum and testicular tissue. In conclusion; The moderate use of horny goat weed may be beneficial for improving male sexual performance and is considered as one of the natural sexual stimulants.