Achillea millefolium inflorescence aqueous extract ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity in rat testis: stereological evidences

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is extensively used for the treatment of various cancers, as well as an immunosuppressive agent. However, CP is known to cause several adverse effects including reproductive toxicity. Achillea millefolium, a widely distributed medicinal plant, is highly regarded for its medicinal activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study was conducted to assess whether Achillea millefolium inflorescences aqueous extract with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities could serve as a protective agent against reproductive toxicity during CP treatment. Male Wistar rats were categorized into four groups. Two groups of rats were administered CP at a dose of 5 mgkg-1d-1 for 28 d by oral gavages. One of these groups received Achillea aqueous extract at a dose of 1.2 gkg-1d-1 orally 4 h after cyclophosphamide administration. A vehicle treated control group and an Achillea control group were also included. The CP-treated group showed significant decreases in the body, testes and epididymides weights as well as many histological alterations. Stereological parameters, spermatogenic activities and testicular antioxidant capacity along with epididymal sperm count and serum testosterone concentration were also significantly decreased by CP treatment. Notably, Achillea co-administration caused a partial recovery in above-mentioned parameters. These findings indicate that Achillea millefolium inflorescence aqueous extract may be partially protective against CP-induced testicular toxicity.