The protective effect of portulaca oleracea on toxic damages induced by busulfan in reproductive system in a male rat model

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and protective effects of portulaca oleracea extract on toxic damage induced by busulfan administration on some spermatic parameters in the male rat reproductive system. 40 adult male Wistar rats weighing 250-280 g were randomly divided into 4 groups of 10 as following the groups receiving busulfan, busulfan + 5% portulaca oleracea extract, busulfan + 10% portulaca oleracea and control.Mean sperm parameters such as percentage of live, motile and progressive sperm in each group were compared.The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase enzymes, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and total protein levels and histology in the rat testes were evaluated and compared. The mean of all three sperm parameters decreased significantly in the busulfan group compared to all groups (P<0.05). The highest levels of MDA and the lowest activity of SOD belonged to busulfan group followed by both concentrations and control groups (P<0.05). The activity of catalase enzyme in Busulfan groups and both concentrations of portulaca oleracea did not differ significantly (P>0.05), and the control group showed the highest activity of catalase in comparison with other groups (P<0.05). The results of histopathology also showed higher scores in both treatment groups than the busulfan group and its lower than the control group (P<0.05). The results showed that portulaca oleracea regardless to concentration could reduce the toxic effects of busulfan in a reproductive system and spermatogenesis by reducing the oxidation of membrane fatty acids and increasing the activity of SOD enzyme.