Protective Effects of Daucus carota and Piper nigrum Extracts against Methotrexate-Induced Testicular Damage in Rats

Abstract

Objective: This research aimed to investigate the effects of alcoholic extracts from Daucus carota and Piper nigrum on testicular damage induced by methotrexate (MTX) in rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, a total of 49 rats were randomly divided into seven groups, receiving MTX (20 mg/kg) alone and in conjunction with different doses of Daucus carota extract (200 and 400 mg/kg), Piper nigrum extract (15 and 7.5 mg/kg), a combination of Piper nigrum at 7.5 mg/kg, and Daucus carota at 200 mg/kg, and a control group. The extracts were given orally through gavage starting one day before MTX treatment and continuing for two weeks. The study measured blood testosterone levels, Johnson's index, and seminiferous tubule diameter from tissue sections. It also assessed markers of oxidative stress reactive oxygen species (ROS), Nitrite, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and the consistency of testicular tissue. Results: The MTX-exposed group exhibited remarkable testicular tissue damage, as indicated by increased ROS, MDA, and Nitrite levels compared to the control group. Moreover, there were notable reductions in CAT, GSH, SOD, testosterone levels, Johnson index, and seminiferous tubule diameter in the MTX-treated rats. However, treatment with Piper nigrum and the combination of Piper nigrum with Daucus carota extracts significantly reduced testicular damage and reduced oxidative stress markers compared to the MTX group. Conclusion: The study suggests that alcoholic extracts of Daucus carota and Pipernigrum may help alleviate the harmful effects of MTX on testicular tissue, potentially offering a therapeutic option for male infertility due to chemotherapy-related testicular damage.