The Ameliorative Anti-Diabetic Effect of Berberin on Testis Histology of Male Albino Rat Rattus norvigicus

Abstract Background: Berberine is a supplement of an active compound that has been documented as a plant source with anti-diabetic activity, and its properties are related to its antioxidant activity. Objective: To evaluate the ameliorative and recovering effects of berberine against the reproductive diabetic complications. Materials and Methods: Thirty male rats were used in current study, divided randomly into five groups: first group rats were administered normal saline, second group were injected with streptozotocin 55 mg/kg of body weight, third group received 200 mg/kg berberine, and fourth and fifth groups were represented diabetic rats and given 200 mg/kg body weight of berberine for 45 and 90 days, respectively. Blood was withdrawn and organs were excluded after the sacrificing of animals. Results: Results explained a significant decrease ( P < 0.05) in body weights of all treated groups compared to control. A significant increase in fasting blood glucose of diabetic animals compared with berberine and control groups, and a non-significant differences between the two diabetic groups treated with berberine compared with controls in fasting glucose and insulin levels were noted. Histopathology exhibited degeneration and necrosis in the germinal epithelium of the seminiferous tubules with congested blood vessels and hemorrhage in the interstitial tissue. Treatment with berberine was reduced the necrotic effects of diabetes and restored the cellular architecture of testis tissue according to the duration of administration. Conclusion: Berberine has an ameliorative effects on biochemical and histological parameters in diabetic animals.