Effect of saffron on rat sperm chromatin integrity

ABSTRACT

Currently, relation between reactive oxygen species [ROS] ROS concentration and semen quality was indicated. Saffron has traditionally been not only considered as a food additive but also as a medicinal herb, which has a good antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protection potency of saffron and vitamin E on sperm chromatin integrity. Thirty adult male Wistar rats divided equally into saffron [100 mg/kg], vitamin E [100 mg/kg] and control [0.5cc distilled water /day] groups. After 60 days, cauda epididymis dissected and sperm cells were used for analysis of sperm chromatin packaging by chromomycin A3 [CMA3] staining, and sperm chromatin susceptibility to acid denaturation by acridine orange [AO] staining. The mean percentage of CMA3 positive sperm was significantly decreased in saffron and vitamin E groups relative to control group [p<0.001]. Moreover, the AO staining results showed that the mean percentage of sperm with DNA damage was significantly decreased in saffron and vitamin E groups as compared with control group [p<0.001]. Our results purposed that saffron can protect sperm against DNA damage and chromatin anomalies