Effect of Syzygium aromaticum on Male Reproductive Hormones and Spermatogenesis in Aluminium and Benzo[a]pyrene-Exposed Rats

Environmental pollutants such as aluminium (Al) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) are recognized reproductive toxicants capable of inducing oxidative stress, endocrine dysfunction, and impaired spermatogenesis, thereby contributing to male infertility. Although Syzygium aromaticum (clove) possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, its protective efficacy against combined Al and BaP-induced reproductive toxicity remains insufficiently investigated. This study evaluated the protective effects of Syzygium aromaticum extract on reproductive hormone profiles and spermatogenesis in male Wistar rats exposed to combined aluminium and benzo[a]pyrene toxicity. Fifty-four adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into nine experimental groups (n = 6): normal control, aluminium-treated, benzo[a]pyrene-treated, aluminium plus benzo[a]pyrene-treated, aluminium plus benzo[a]pyrene co-administered with S. aromaticum extract (1000, 1500, and 2000 mg/kg body weight), S. aromaticum extract alone, and aluminium plus benzo[a]pyrene co-administered with ascorbic acid. At the end of the treatment period, serum concentrations of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were determined using standard immunoassay techniques. Epididymal sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology were evaluated using established laboratory procedures, while testicular tissues were processed for histopathological examination. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of variance followed by an appropriate post hoc test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Combined exposure to aluminium and benzo[a]pyrene significantly disrupted reproductive endocrine function, as evidenced by reduced serum testosterone, LH, and FSH concentrations compared with the normal control group (p < 0.05). Significant deterioration in sperm count, motility, viability, and normal morphology was also observed, accompanied by marked histopathological alterations in the testes, including degeneration of seminiferous tubules and impaired spermatogenesis. Treatment with S. aromaticum extract produced dose-dependent improvements in reproductive hormone levels and sperm quality while preserving normal testicular architecture. The highest dose demonstrated the greatest protective effect, with responses comparable to those observed in the ascorbic acid-treated group. Syzygium aromaticum effectively ameliorated aluminium and benzo[a]pyrene-induced reproductive dysfunction by restoring hormonal balance, improving sperm characteristics, and preserving testicular histoarchitecture. These findings suggest that S. aromaticum possesses considerable therapeutic potential as a natural antioxidant for mitigating environmentally induced male reproductive toxicity.