Oral supplementation of standardized extract of Withania somnifera protects against diabetes-induced testicular oxidative impairments in prepubertal rats.

Male reproductive dysfunctions and infertility are
the common consequences of overt diabetes. Available evidence
support oxidative stress to be the underlying mechanism
for the manifestation of testicular complications during
diabetes. In the present study, we assessed the attenuating
effects of Withania somnifera root extract (WS) on diabetesinduced
testicular oxidative disturbances in prepubertal rats.
Four-week-old prepubertal rats were assigned into nondiabetic
control, streptozotocin (STZ)-treated and STZ+WS supplemented
(500 mg/kg b.w./d, oral, 15 days) groups.
Experimental diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal
injection of STZ (90 mg/kg b.w). Terminally, all animals were
killed, and markers of oxidative stress were determined in the
testis cytosol and mitochondrial fraction. Severe hyperglycemia
and regression in testis size were apparent in diabetic rats.
A decline in antioxidant defenses with subsequent elevation in
the generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation
was discernible in testis cytosol and mitochondria of
diabetic prepubertal rats, which was significantly reversed
by WS. However, there was partial restoration of glucose-6-
phosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, and 3-beta
hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities in testis of diabetic
prepubertal rats administered with WS. Taken together, data
accrued suggest the potential of WS to improve diabetesinduced
testicular dysfunctions in prepubertal rats.