Effects of curcumin on sperm parameters abnormalities induced by morphine in rat

Abstract

Opioids are the most potent and effective analgesics available and have become accepted as appropriate treatment for acute, cancer and non-cancer. Morphine, which is commonly used for the treatment of severe pain, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. Curcumin petals consist of, glycosides, flavonoids, and anthocyanin. The study aims at evaluating curcumin effect and morphine on sperm parameters, testis tissue and serum testosterone level in rat. In this experimental study, 48 male rats with 28 weeks of age and limited weight of 270 to 300g were selected. They were divided into eight groups of 6, untreated control group; morphine – treated group (20 mg/kg/day); curcumin -treated groups (10, 30, 60 mg/kg/day); and morphine and curcumin treated group intraperitoneal administration for successive 28 days. After 24hours animals were killed. Sperm motility was measured using WHO protocols. The sperm parameter such as motility, sperm count, morphology, seminiferous tubules diameter, weight testis, and serum testosterone level were analyzed (oneway ANOVA). Curcumin (10, 30 and 60 mg/kg) significantly increased mean percentage of sperm motility, count, testis weight, and serum testosterone level compared to control group (p<0.05). Testosterone level decreased significantly in rats treated with morphine. Co-administration of curcumin to morphine-treated rats improved the histopathological alterations induced by morphine in testis and increased the sperm count. Curcumin has a very strong antioxidant effects at applied doses and it can probably be used as an antioxidant and food supplement in reproductive disorders.

Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (2017) 6(2), 1-10