The protective effect of alcoholic extract of Allium cepa seeds on the histopathological changes of epididymis in streptozotocine-induced diabetic rats

Aims: Diabetes has adverse effect on male reproductive system. The onion ( Allium cepa ) seed is a rich natural source of antioxidant which can improve the damaging effects caused by diabetes on different tissues. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of alcoholic extract of onion seeds on the histopathological changes of epididymis in streptozotocine-induced diabetic rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 50 adult male Wistar rats were allocated into 5 groups (n=10). Groups 1 and 2 received 0.1 CC ethanol extract of onion seed in dosages of 200 and 400 mg/ kg body weight (B.W.) by stomach gavage daily. Group 3 (as control group) included healthy rats that received normal water and food for 4 weeks. Group 4 included untreated diabetic rats that received an intraperitoneal injection of STZ 60 mg/kg B.W. and with FBS>250 mg/ dose 3U/100 g B.W. by subcutaneous injection. Histological and morphological structures of the epididymis was evaluated in different groups. Findings: Our data showed that the histology parameters in diabetic rats receiving the extract was improved significantly. Administration of both doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg B.W. onion seed extract could increase epithelium height and decrease fibromuscular thickness significantly. Also, data demonstrated that tubule and lumen diameter did not change significantly in onion extract-treated groups. Conclusion: Our finding indicated that onion seed extract may be useful as a supplementary protective agent against adverse effects of diabetes on reproductive system in diabetic men.