Melatonin and Allium Sativum (Garlic) Protect Dibutyl Phthalate Influence on Spermiogram of Rabbit Bucks

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of melatonin and Allium sativum (garlic) on  dibutyl phthalate (DBP) influence on  spermiogram of rabbit bucks. Forty two (42) rabbit bucks were used for this study, bucks were randomly divided into 7 groups of 6 bucks each. Group A was administered olive oil for 16 weeks, group B (olive oil + DBP for 16 weeks), group C (melatonin for 8 weeks, then olive oil + DBP for another 8 weeks), group D (garlic for 8 weeks, then olive oil + DBP for another 8 weeks), group E (olive oil + DBP for 8 weeks, then melatonin for another 8 week), group F (olive oil + DBP for 8 weeks, then garlic for another 8 weeks) and group G (olive oil + DBP for 8 weeks, then melatonin and garlic for another 8 weeks). The observation period lasted for 120 days, during which semen samples were collected weekly between the hours of 8.00 am to 10.00 am using artificial vagina (AV).There were significant differences (P<0.05) in mean reaction time, semen volume, sperm motility, sperm concentration, percentage live spermatozoa and percentage abnormal morphology between DBP exposed groups and treatment groups. Conclusion, DBP has adverse effects on spermiogram but administration of melatonin and garlic has promising protective effects than therapeutic effect on rabbit bucks.

Key words: Melatonin; Allium sativum; Dibutyl phthalate; Spermiogram; Rabbit Bucks