The Administration of Cordyceps Militaris Inhibited the Decrease of Leydig Cell Number and Testosterone Level in Male Wistar Rats (Rattus Norvegicus) Exposed with Cigarette Smoke

Large amounts of free radicals generate oxidative stress resulting in cell damage. Cigarettes are a source of exogenous free radicals containing various toxic substances. Cigarettes exposure decreased Leydig cells and testosterone. Cordyceps militaris has strong antioxidant effect that can counteract the effects of free radicals. This research was aimed to evaluate the administration of Cordyceps militaris in inhibiting the decrease in Leydig cell count and testosterone levels in male wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to cigarette smoke. This study was a true experimental study with a post-test only control group design, using 30 male wistar rats which were randomly divided into three groups: control (P0) given aquadest, treated with Cordyceps militaris extract 50 mg/kgBW rats (P1), and 200 mg/kgBW rats (P2). All groups were exposed to cigarette smoke for 30 days. Examination of testosterone and the amount of testicular Leydig cells were examined on the 31st day. The results showed that the mean amount of Leydig cells at P0 was 16.10±3.14/HPF, P1 was 18.87±1.76/HPF, and P2 was 30.34±0.72/HPF (p<0.001). The mean values of P0 testosterone were 4.02±0.11 nmol/ml, P1 was 4.31±0.11 nmol/ml, and P2 was 9.43±0.17 nmol/ml (p<0.001). In conclusion, administration of Cordyceps militaris inhibited the decrease in Leydig cell count and testosterone levels in male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to cigarette smoke.