Possible protective effect of camellia sinensis [green tea] against acrylamide induced testicular damage in albino rats

ABSTRACT

Acrylamide is a proved toxin for testicular function, found in food when heated for long period of time. Green tea [Camellia sinensis] is a potent antioxidant; the aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of green tea extract against the toxic effects of acrylamide in rat testes. acrylamide was administered orally by gastric gavage to rats in different doses and also the extract of green tea was administered orally to different groups of animals in combination with the acrylamide. The weight of animals, testosterone hormone level and histopathological effects upon testicles were evaluated. Testosterone hormone level in serum was significantly decreased in those with acrylamide toxicity either in low or high dose. The histopatological findings were in the form of thickening of the tubuler epithelium and degenerations of germ cells. All findings significantly improved with the co administration of green tea extract with the acrylamide. Green tea extract reversed all the toxic effects of acrylamide even in high dose for long period [90 days]. green tea extract is a potent antioxidant antidote for the acrylamide toxic effects upon testicular function