Allium cameleon extract protects against Aluminum chloride‐induced reproductive toxicity in male rat (Rattus norvegicus) probably by attenuating oxidative damages, inflammatory effect and increasing sexual hormone

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate effects of Allium cameleon Cronquist (1981) (Liliaceae) a bulb belonging to the garlic family, on reproductive toxicity induced by aluminum chloride, known as a medicinal plant used for its aphrodisiac activities in Cameroonian folk medicine. The current investigation was carried out to evaluate the protective potentials of Allium cameleon extracts and study its possible mechanisms by which this could be accomplished Methods: The behavioral and biochemical tests were used to detect the protective properties. The conceivable mechanisms of action of the extracts were investigated through determination of sexual hormones, nitric oxide, cGMP, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in male rats treated with aluminum chloride and plant extract. Results: Aluminum chloride caused reproductive toxicity by decreasing sexual excitement, semen quality, and the concentrations of testosterone, FSH and LH. Levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, and GSH) were worsened. Inflammatory parameters were improved. Allium cameleon thwarted all these parameters. Penile nitric oxide and cGMP levels were boosted. Significant stimulation in sexual behavior, elevated spermatic production, raised of viability, morphology, count and sperm mobility were also observed. Treated animals exhibited elevated levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and inflammatory cytokines were decreased. Conclusion: These discoveries suggest that Allium cameleon protects animals against reproductive toxicity that might be involve in the attenuation of oxidative and inflammatory damage, but also in the increase of sexual hormones production and NO/cGMP cascade.