Ameliorative effects of morel mushroom (Morchella esculenta) against Cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats

Abstract Cadmium (Cd) is one of the major toxicants, which affects human health through occupational and environmental exposure. In current study, we evaluated protective effects morel mushrooms against Cd-induced reproductive damages in rats. For this purpose, 30 male rats were divided into 6 groups (n=5/group), first group served as control group, second was treated with an intraperitoneal (i.p) injection 1 mg/kg/day Cd. Third fourth co-treated Cd 10 20 mushroom extract (orally) respectively. The final 2 received oral gavage alone. After treatment for 17 days, animals euthanized, testes epididymis dissected out. One testis each animal processed histology, while other used daily sperm production (DSP) comet assay. Our results showed that have no effect on weight, but significantly decreases DSP count heritable DNA reversed co-treatment groups. Similarly, histopathological show damage to these tissues. Whereas alone could enhance testosterone. These conclude not only done by Cd, it also be a protection mechanism damage.