This study evaluated the protective effect of
ellagic acid on
sodium valproate-induced
sperm abnormalities in
male Wistar rats. A total of 30
rats were grouped into five groups, each having 6
animals. Vehicle,
sodium valproate (400 mg/kg) and
ellagic acid (10, 25, 50 mg/kg) were given orally from day 1 to day 7, and
ellagic acid was continued for 3 more days. On day fourteen,
animals were sacrificed and the different
parameters were recorded. There was a significant decrease in the
sperm count and
sperm motility after the exposure to
sodium valproate. The percentage of abnormal sperms increased in a
dose-dependent manner. The histopathological examination revealed that
sodium valproate had caused degeneration and desquamation of germinal
cells in the
epithelium and also showed a decrease in the Johnsen’s scoring.
Ellagic acid provided partial
protection at the doses of 10 and 25 mg/kg and complete
protection at 50 mg/kg, against
sodium valproate induced testicular and spermatozoal damage.