Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Citrus aurantium extract on sperm characteristics, spermatogenic cell density, antioxidant activity and testosterone level of male mice. Twenty-eight adult male Balb/C mice were divided into four groups; each having seven mice. Two milliliter distilled water, C. aurantium extract with low concentration (0.01 mg/kg), medium concentration (0.02 mg/kg) and high concentration (0.04 mg/kg)  was given daily for seven weeks by gavage to mice in the experimental groups, respectively. Body and reproductive organ weights, spermatogenic cell density, levels of antioxidants, testosterone and lipid peroxidation antioxidant enzyme activities were investigated. All analyses were done only once at the end of a seven-week study period. Data were compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the degree of significance was set at P < 0.05. A significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) level and significant increases in glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) activities were observed in mice treated with C. aurantium. C. aurantium extract provided an increase in sperm concentration, spermatogenic cell density when compared to the control group. Compared to the control group, significant decrease in sperm motility and testosterone level were also observed in experimental groups.

Key words: Citrus aurantium, spermatogenic cell, testosterone, antioxidant activity, mice.