Effects of Aqueous Extract of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.) on Sperm and Testis in Rat-administered Nicotine

The generation of free radicals from nicotine is associated with reproductive damage especially on sperms and testis. The usage of treatment based on herbs such as Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. (HSE) is gradually increased due to the high content of natural antioxidant. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the effects of extract aqueus HSE on sperms and testis in rat-administered nicotine. A total of 21 male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups which were the control, nicotine and nicotine + HSE group. The nicotine was injected via intraperitoneum at the dose of 0.6 mg/kg body weight, while the HSE was given at the dose of 100 mg/kg body weight, orally before the nicotine administration for 21 censequtive days. The findings showed significantly (p<0.05) increased of sperm count, motility and viability while significantly (p<0.05) decreased of percentage of abnormal sperm morphology in the nicotine + HSE group compared with the nicotine group. Furthermore, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) reduced significantly (p<0.05) and the level of glutathione (GSH) increased significantly (p<0.05) in the nicotine + HSE group compared with the nicotine group. Histology study showed the potential of HSE in protecting the testis morphological alteration induced by nicotine. In conclusion, supplementation of HSE has the potential to prevent sperm and testis damage induced by nicotine.