RESUMO
Loboob as a traditional drug in Iranis known for its beneficial effects on busulfan-induced oligospermia. In this experimental study, protective effects of loboob (a Persian traditional remedy) on sexual hormones, antioxidant levels and stereological changes of testis tissue were evaluated in an oligospermia rat model induced by busulfan. Fifty male rats were randomly divided into five different groups: control, received no treatments; and the other groups administrated with a single dose of busulfan (10 mg/kg body weight). After 30 days, these groups were treated with 0, 35, 70 or 140 mg/kg/day of loboob for 60 days. Blood samples were collected for hormone and antioxidant enzyme assays. Unbiased stereology was performed on testis tissues to evaluate the volume of different parts of the testis and the number of various testis cells. Data indicated that FSH, LH and MDA were increased, and testosterone, catalase, SOD were decreased in the busulfan group, while treatment with loboob at 70 and 140 mg/kg significantly improved these parameters (P <0.05). Treatment with 70 and 140 mg/kg of loboob ameliorated the germinal epithelium volume, types A and B spermatogonia, spermatocytes, elongated and round spermatids, and Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules (P <0.05). High concentration of loboob also improved testis weight and volume, and leydig cell number (P <0.05). Thus, loboob is more effective for the recovery of seminiferous tubules and their cells than for the interstitial tissue. Loboob with various antioxidants, minerals and vitamins could overcome the side effects of busulfan.