Premium
Antagonistic effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on the impaired reproductive system of male rats induced by local subchronic exposure to 60 Co‐γ irradiation
Author(s) -
Luo Qiong,
Cui Xiaoyan,
Yan Jun,
Yang Mingliang,
Liu Jun,
Jiang Yuanhai,
Li Jingjing,
Zhou Yinzhu
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
phytotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.019
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1573
pISSN - 0951-418X
DOI - 10.1002/ptr.3314
Subject(s) - lycium , malondialdehyde , superoxide dismutase , sperm , motility , testosterone (patch) , antioxidant , polysaccharide , dna damage , semen , andrology , oxidative stress , sperm motility , endocrinology , medicine , pharmacology , traditional medicine , biology , biochemistry , pathology , dna , alternative medicine , genetics
Lycium barbarum , a famous Chinese medicinal herb, has a long history of use in traditional medicine as an antioxidant and to promote sexual fertility. Polysaccharides are the most important functional constituents in L. barbarum fruits. In this study, male rats were exposed to subchronic 60 Co‐γ irradiation to investigate the effects of LBP on sperm quantity and motility, sexual ability, serum hormone levels, oxidative status and testicular tissue DNA damage on days 1, 7 and 14 of treatment. It was found that LBP significantly increased the sperm quantity and motility, shortened the erection, capture and ejaculation latencies, increased the number of captures and ejaculations, and improved the sexual ability of male rats. LBP also played a significant role in the recovery of serum testosterone levels, increased superoxide dismutase activity, decreased malondialdehyde levels, promoted oxidative balance and rescued testicular DNA damage. In conclusion, LBP has significant protective effects against damage induced by local subchronic exposure to 60 Co‐γ irradiation, allowing rats to achieve near‐complete recovery with LBP treatment. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.