Effect of combined Kaempferia parviflora extract and fenitrothion treatment on male reproductive parameters in a murine model

Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant activity of Kaempferia (K.) parviflora rhizome extract and study its protective effect against male reproductive impairment induced by fenitrothion. Methods: The phytochemicals and antioxidant properties of K. parviflora ethanolic extract were assessed. Twenty-four male mice aged 4-weeks-old were assigned into four groups. Groups 1 to 4 respectively received extra virgin olive oil (served as the vehicle control), 20 mg/kg body weight (bw) of fenitrothion, 50 mg/kg bw of K. parviflora ethanolic extract, and 50 mg/kg bw of K. parviflora ethanolic extract plus 20 mg/kg bw of fenitrothion. Upon completion of 28 days of continuous feeding treatment, the mice were subjected to mating evaluation and the assessment of epididymal sperm quality, lipid peroxidation, testosterone level and histological evaluation. Results: Eight phytochemical compounds were detected in the ethanolic extract of K. parviflora via GC-MS. The extract exhibited a DPPH radical scavenging activity with an EC50 value of (0.870±0.007) mg/mL. Mice fed with fenitrothion in group 2 displayed an increase in relative testis weight, lipid peroxidation levels and a significant reduction in all sperm parameters (sperm concentration, progressive motility, and viability), as well as serum testosterone levels compared to the control mice in group 1 (P<0.05). On the other hand, mice fed with K. parviflora ethanolic extract in group 3 showed a significant increase in serum testosterone levels compared to group 1. Mice co-administered with K. parviflora ethanolic extract and fenitrothion in group 4 exhibited a significant improvement in testosterone levels, sperm concentration, motility, and viability compared to the mice administered only with fenitrothion in group 2 (P<0.05). Histological analysis of testicular tissue from group 4 further revealed improved testicular morphology in comparison to fenitrothion-treated mice. Conclusions: Eight bioactive compounds were identified in K. parviflora ethanolic extract and the extract exhibited antioxidative properties. Fenitrothion administration impairs testicular function, reducing sperm parameters and testosterone while increasing lipid peroxidation. However, K. parviflora ethanolic extract coadministration alleviates oxidative stress, improves sperm parameters and testosterone levels, and enhances testicular morphology. These findings suggest that K. parviflora ethanolic extract has the therapeutic potential in mitigating male reproductive adverse effects induced by fenitrothion.