Pumpkin seed ethanolic extract protects against escitalopram-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice

Objective: To investigate the protective role of pumpkin seed ethanolic extract against escitalopram-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice. Methods: Swiss albino male mice were randomly divided into five groups with six mice in each group. Group I received normal water orally, Group II, III, IV and V received escitalopram oxalate (10 mg/kg), pumpkin seed extract (300 mg/kg) plus escitalopram oxalate (10 mg/kg), escitalopram oxalate (20 mg/kg), and pumpkin seed extract (300 mg/kg) plus escitalopram oxalate (20 mg/kg), respectively. All test doses were continuously administered orally once daily per animal body weight for 30 days and 60 days. Body weight and sexual organ weight were evaluated on day 31 and 61. Effects of pumpkin seed extract on sperm parameters, biochemical parameters and histology of testis were also investigated. Results: Escitalopram 10 or 20 mg/kg caused reproductive toxicity in male mice after 30 and 60 days of treatment. However, simultaneous administration of escitalopram oxalate (10 or 20 mg/kg) with pumpkin seed extract (300 mg/kg) attenuated escitalopram-induced testicular toxicity. Significant increase in the body weight and relative organ weight was observed. Sperm count, sperm motility and viability significantly increased (P<0.05). The histopathological alterations caused by escitalopram was also ameliorated. Conclusions: Ethanolic extract of pumpkin seeds (300 mg/kg body weight) protects again reproductive toxicity induced by escitalopram. Therefore, dietary intake of pumpkin seed extract might be useful for male patients who expose to antidepressant drug due to depression.