Evaluation of protective effects of Bacopa monnieri in Doxorubicin induced Testicular toxicity in rats

Background Doxorubicin is widely used as chemotherapeutic agent in many cancers along with other anticancer drugs. However, its use is hampered by its adverse effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Bacopa monnieri in ameliorating Doxorubicin(Dox) induced testicular toxicity. Materials and Methods: Male rats (n=36) were distributed into 6 groups as normal control, Doxorubicin, Bacopa, and three test groups B75,B150 and B250. Normal control group received distilled water, Dox group was administered Doxorubicin at 5mg/kg on days 7, 14 and 21 and distilled water on all the days. Bacopa group was administered ethanolic extract of bacopa at 250mg/kg and test groups received bacopa extract at 75mg/kg,150 mg/kg and 250mg/kg daily along with Doxorubicin 5mg/kg on days 7,14 and 21. The duration of treatment was 21 days. Animals were sacrificed on day 22 and testis was dissected and collected for bio chemical and histological analysis. Results: The treatment groups (Bacopa, B75, B150, B250 mg/kg) have shown a significant increase in testicular weight as compared to the Dox group. There was increase in testicular index (TI) in bacopa compared to Dox group. The sperm count and motility was decreased in Dox group compared to control and bacopa group. Compared to Dox group, bacopa treated groups have shown significant increase in the sperm count and sperm motility. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels significantly increased and antioxidants GSH and SOD levels decreased in Dox group, whereas MDA levels decreased and antioxidant levels increased in B75, B150, B250 groups compared to DOX group. However, the levels of antioxidants werelesser when compared to control and bacopa only group in B75, B150 and B250 groups. Histopathology of testis in bacopa treated groups demonstrated partial restoration of testis from Dox induced toxic effects. Conclusion: The study demonstrated the ability of Bacopa monnieriin ameliorating Doxorubicin induced testicular toxicity. Bacopa monnieri extract was able to partiallyrestore the testicular structure and function by its antioxidant activity when used concommitantly with Doxorubicin.