DefinePK

Abstract

Background and Objective Propolis, a natural product derived from plant resins collected by honeybees has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine all over the world. The composition of the propolis depends upon the vegetation of the area from where it was collected and on the bee species. This study aimed to assess the preventive effects of Algerian propolis against reproductive toxicity of Cadmium Sulfate CdSO4 in male rats. Materials and Methods Animals were divided into four groups group 1 was a control, group 2 received 15 mg CdSO4 kg1501 b.wt., for consecutive 35 days, Group 3 exposed to CdSO4 then treated with 200 mg propolis kg1501, Group 4 treated with propolis then was administered CdSO4 in the same conditions. Results The results showed that CdSO4 caused a decrease in body weight gain, testes weight and testosterone level. In the CdSO4-treated group, histopathologic examinations revealed apparent alterations in the testes, where it induced marked lesions in seminiferous tubules. Group 4, treated with propolis showed an increased plasma testosterone. Conclusion Through these findings, propolis antagonized the harmful effects of CdSO4. This was proved histopathologically by the great improvement in testes. Propolis could be effective in the prevention against the reproductive toxicity of CdSO4.