Curative effect of aqueous extract of Cyperus esculentus on flutamide-induced testicular dysfunction in male Wistar rats

BACKGROUND: The health of the testis is important for a man's sexual functioning and fertility. This study investigated the effect of aqueous extract of Cyperus esculentus on flutamide-induced testicular dysfunction in male Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the following four groups: A–D (n = 4). Group A was given distilled water, and Group B was given 5 mg/kg body weight of flutamide daily for the period of the experiment. Group C was given 5 mg/kg body weight of flutamide 1 h before treatment with 150 mg/kg body weight of an extract of C. esculentus, and Group D was given 5 mg/kg body weight of flutamide 1 h before treatment with 300 mg/kg body weight of an extract of C. esculentus for 21 days. RESULTS: The hormonal assay showed that the extract produced a significant increase in serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone compared to the controls. The light microscopic study revealed degenerative changes in the germinal epithelium and interstitial tissue of the rats treated with flutamide, whereas the extract produced a marked increase in the number and volume of cells in the germinal epithelium compared to the positive control. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that C. esculentus could enhance testicular activity and ameliorate the adverse effect of flutamide on the testis.