Abstract :
Male infertility is a major health trouble that spread seriously. It can be due to a variety of factors as nutritional imbalances and exposure to chemicals. Calcium Carbide (CaC2) is a chemical compound used as artificial fruits ripening agent. Consumption of carbide-ripened fruits is extremely hazardous for health because it contains traces of toxic metals as arsenic that increases the levels of oxidative stress. There are many sources rich in phytochemicals with strong antioxidant properties including Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea L.) and Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.). Hence, the intent of the study was to estimate the active components of Echinacea and Chamomile extracts and investigate the ameliorating effects of these extracts on infertility and oxidative state induced in male rats. Fifty male adult rats weighing (160 ± 20 g) were divided to; two groups served as control groups and other three groups consumed CaC2 containing diet (25 g kg-1) plus one of the tested extracts or mix of both orally (at a dose of 200 mg kg-1 b. wt.) for 6 weeks. Serum and testes were evaluated for oxidative stress, inflammation, hormonal disturbances, sperm and testes anomalies and immune system response. Results suggest that Echinacea and Chamomile extracts alone or in combination compete with male infertility and its associated disturbances through their active constituents. Synergistic effects of both extracts were considered.
